Marching on into Spring
Colourwork
I’ve had a few goes at colourwork in the past, made hats for my immediate family a couple of years ago unicorns for one granddaughter, dinosaurs for the other (and those who know my granddaughters will know which one was which). Lately, however, it has taken over my whole life. Let me explain.
One evening towards the end of last year I received a message from Clare, a handwritten, hand drawn pattern. Obviously, I was the chosen one to try out a new pattern that had sprung forth from her brain. Wrist warmers. I could do that. Chose a couple of balls from my stash and set to.
Well, from that moment I was hooked. To make things even worse, my brain joined the party and started thinking about other patterns that might work. That in turn led to ‘The Doodle Knit Directory’ which I already had tucked in my library. Add to that a couple more books which I didn’t have at the time but do now on Fair Isle patterns, and I was off and running. Little did I know how all-consuming, frustrating, and ultimately satisfying, the whole process of bringing a pattern to fruition would be.
The result of this collaboration between my brain and Clare’s is a range of patterns that will shortly be available to purchase, along with kits (we know our customers love a kit), in your favourite Yarn Shop. These will include wrist warmers, hats and cowls, and I’m pretty sure that won’t be the last of our ideas to become patterns.
Wrist warmers and hat made by Debbie in Scheepjes Merino Soft
Meanwhile in other news, Linda and Karen have been rearranging the shop to make it more customer friendly. They have done a brilliant job, especially around the front door area. So much more welcoming.
Come and browse our patterns in their new home. Plenty of space to mooch.
Some of the new spring yarns are beginning to arrive, including some new colours in the ever-popular Stylecraft Special Dk. In addition, two new ranges have been introduced by Stylecraft , Serene and Cotton Twist. From James C Brett you will find Undertones, Aurora Chunky and Big’un. And boy is Big’un big! King Cole’s Firefly, which sold out almost immediately, has been re-stocked and moving briskly again. They have also introduced a baby version of Fjord. From Scheepjes we have their new Stonewashed Flow and Flow XL. These are gradient yarns, designed using existing stonewashed colours. In addition to the Malabrigo Rios we introduced late last year, we now have Malabrigo sock which is just as delicious as the Rios. Finally, the latest designs from Opal in their 4ply sock range have arrived. Linda and Karen are currently the Kraft Work Yarn Tetris stars, making space for all that lot, and still finding time to produce garment samples for the shop.
Child’s poncho - Stylecraft Serene. Crocheted by Karen.
By utilising Malcolm’s fabulous artwork (as seen on this Website), we have been able to create our own line of useful bags. They come in 4 sizes, from a zipped pouch to a small project bag, large project bag, and finally a tote. We are extremely proud of them and excited to see them being used by our wonderful community. In purchasing one of these custom bags, you are showing the wider audience your support for our shop. It’s a win win situation.
Our wonderful new project bags - this is the small drawstring bag, perfect for a couple of balls and essential bits.
Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and happy March to everyone. Here’s hoping the weather is kinder and our yarn sales keep blossoming.
Deb x
Staple, Seasonal, or Special?
With spring on its way (I hope), my thoughts have turned to the spring/summer ranges of yarn. Every year, our suppliers produce new ranges, new shades for existing ranges, and there’s usually a temptation or two in the mix as well. Our job is to decide which yarns will sell in the shop and which ones won’t. With that in mind, we may be asking for feedback from you... just so that we can stay relevant and keep catering to everyone’s yarny needs.
We are very proud of the range that we stock at Kraft Work Yarns, and our regular orders tend to cover three broad categories:
Staple
Seasonal
Special
Old Faithfuls. Our staple yarns are our most popular, tried and tested yarns that are well known and well loved by our customers. Baby yarn. Stylecraft Special. Ricorumi. DMC embroidery threads. Scheepjes Catona. West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply sock yarn. I could go on but I’m sure you get the picture.
DMC Embroidery Threads, Stylecraft Special DK, Scheepjes Catona
Seasonal. New ranges, new colours. The bright fresh colours of spring, the lightweight summer yarns, the cosy warm autumnal tones, and that sparkly Christmas sock yarn. This is where it gets tricky, and why we’re asking for feedback. Without a crystal ball you just have to take the plunge, go with what feels right. Sometimes it works and our customers can’t get enough of it, and sometimes it doesn’t sell so well. Take chenille for example. I was convinced it was a fad and would soon fade away. Linda, on the other hand, was sure it would sell. And it has. You only need to look at how many shelves of chenille we have in the shop. It’s one of those yarns that has squished itself from temporary to permanent.
Another yarn we’ve recently introduced is Opal sock wool, both in 4ply and 8ply/DK. Clare is a big fan of this wool and we can see why... It’s lovely!
Opal Sock Wool in 4ply and DK, James C Brett Undertones Chunky and Aurora Chunky.
Special. These are the luxury yarns, the considered purchases, maybe even the ones you’ve had your eye on for a while. Although we don’t expect them to sell out immediately or even in great numbers, when they do, we do a little happy dance as they boost the day’s takings. Scheepjes Whirls, Malabrigo Rios, some of the sock yarns and of course the hand dyed yarns... I admit they are not the least expensive yarns we stock, rather the opposite, but maybe the sort of thing you might treat yourself to for something special or point a loved one in their direction for a birthday gift. And when you do use them, you realise the difference. Once you have tried them you just know you are going to want to keep on using them. That’s why we stock them.
Scheepjes Whirls
Malabrigo Rios - One of Deb’s new favourites!
Something for everyone. Come on in and find your new favourite.
In other news…
I want to support more indie creators. Small businesses trying to make their way in the yarny market. To this end, look out for more crochet kits which I’m currently in discussion with their maker to stock. And I still haven’t given up on my hope to introduce hand dyed wool to a larger market through the shop. Plans are afoot to have a rolling programme of guest dyers to tempt you. Honestly, some of the new base yarns they are now using are beyond gorgeous. You won’t regret giving them a try.
Currently on my needles…
A colourwork hat using Merino Soft. It’s a test knit. More to follow in a future blog.
Let’s hope the sun soon remembers it is supposed to be shining. And don’t forget to call into the shop where the KWY gang are waiting to welcome you to our yarny family.
Happy creating.
Deb x
2025 at Kraft Work Yarns
January began with a steady return to work after the Christmas break.
First job was to get the shop warm again, and of course, January wouldn’t be January without a sale!
The sale was very well received with plenty of bargains to be had.
Working away in the background, Deb produced a hat and cowl with James C. Brett Shhhh yarn, all pretty hearts for our Valentine's window display.
In February, Karen and Deb visited Hartlepool hospital to hand over all the baby hats our charitable makers had produced.
Karen and Debbie with staff from Hartlepool Hospital
March came along and we had a bit of a shuffle around in the shop. We got some more shelving units and needed to make the most of the space available, so the shop experienced a moving of fixtures again. We do like to keep everyone on their toes when looking for their usual yarn. Who knows, you might just spot something you haven’t tried before.
April came and went without any significant changes and was uneventful…. apart from birthday celebrations for a certain Boss Lady!
In May, Ian was supposed to take lessons on how to work the till. Still pending. Although he’s often seen in the shop, it’s usually a flying visit.
Also in May was our AGM. This year involved bacon sandwiches and pastries and was very successful. It was an open and honest review of the last year; we talked about what went well, where we could see improvements and our plans for the future of Kraft Work Yarns.
In June, Linda began to de-stash some of our stock on eBay with great success. This tends to happen to make space for new yarns coming in, or when a yarn is discontinued. Our eBay shop is a bit of a treasure trove and is definitely worth a look. Clare has since been found having a good rummage through the eBay boxes in search of buried treasure!
July strolled in and Deb started making pumpkins! See, she can plan ahead!
Towards the end of July, we had our initial meeting with Clare. Complete with tea and Rington’s biscuits. Clare had been a customer of ours for quite some time but was keen to learn more about us and our lovely yarn shop.
August – Summer holidays and sunshine… well, almost! Deb’s de-stash provided the shop with a variety of yarns and lightened the load at home considerably. More pumpkins were made and even Deb’s Bestie came for coffee and subsequently found herself stuffing said pumpkins!
More discussions with Clare which resulted in her making the decision to jump on board with us.
Debbie’s lovely pumpkins
September wandered in and Deb, Linda and Karen explored the Harrogate trade show. It was a great opportunity to get a sneak peek at lots of lovely new yarns and accessories. Much drooling and squishing.
On the 9th Sep Clare took the plunge and worked her first shift as a member of the team. She brought some ideas and IT skills to the table and soon began working with Deb and Linda on designing the website.
Christmas making began and Ian started bulk buying Chocolate Oranges! New designs for covers were dreamed up. These included Snowmen, Christmas Puddings, Sprouts and Santas.
In other news, Kraft Work Yarns appeared in issue 268 of Simply Knitting!
October - Socktober initiated.
Clare’s passion for sock knitting spilled out onto the table in the form of Sock Circle; a weekly knit and natter session on a Tuesday with a focus on all things sock.
Deb and Karen went on a magical mystery tour to the Great North Air Ambulance Centre, in Urlay Nook… via Thirsk! Yes, they missed their turning off the A19 and pootled on into North Yorkshire! Once they finally arrived, they introduced Karen’s 2025 blanket which was to be raffled to raise money for GNAA.
November rumbled into view. Clare is a lover of hand dyed yarn and can often be spotted at yarn shows. She volunteered to be my ‘pusher’ enabling me to attend my first Yarn show (Yorkshire Yarn Fest) in 2 years. Loved every minute. Met lots of potential contacts for the shop. In other news, we appeared in Simply Crochet magazine.
December arrived all too quickly and the festive window was unveiled. Almost on a par with Fenwick’s thanks to Karen’s creative flair.
New heaters were procured for the shop. Yes, you guessed it, 3 years and still no functioning heating. Apparently, the toilet is currently colder than the North Pole! (EDIT: I can confirm this to be true. – Clare)
14th December saw our ‘Brew with the Crew’ where we had cake and a cuppa with some of the fantastic team from Great North Air Ambulance. We drew the raffle for Karen’s blanket and congratulations go to the following:
1. Blanket – Liz Ryan and Phoenix
2. Christmas Cushion – Kathleen (Elizabeth Halls)
3. Chunky Cushion – Maxine Craig
Phoenix and his new blanket
The money raised has been sent off to GNAA to be counted and we will update you again once we know the total amount raised. Karen has already chosen the design for the 2026 blanket, go Karen, go!
And that concludes our look back over 2025 at Kraft Work Yarns. We’ve had a fantastic year and the team and I would like to thank you all for your custom, your support, and most importantly, being part of the Kraft Work Yarns community. Without you, we couldn’t do what we do.
From our family to yours, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
With our love and thanks,
Debbie, Ian, Linda, Karen, Sandra and Clare.
Christmas is coming… almost!
New Opal Sock Wool - 4ply and DK/8ply, Malabrigo, Ricorumi and Deb’s Puddings and Sprouts
Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Peace and goodwill to all. And time for me to dig out my BAH HUMBUG jumper. I do like Christmas, honest, it’s just when you see decorations in shops before the summer holidays are over it spoils some of the magic. Anyway, enough of this nonsense, let’s talk gifts.
Malabrigo Yarn
We have just received our first delivery of Malabrigo wool. It is gorgeous. Made in Uruguay and Peru, the brand has long been associated with luxury at affordable prices. It’s definitely one of our top end brands, perfect for gifting to a knitter or crocheter. We stuck with just one of their most popular ranges – Rios. This is a ‘worsted’ weight yarn, which means it’s slightly heavier than DK, but not as heavy as Aran.
Malabrigo patterns are available on Ravelry, and there are hundreds to choose from. If you don’t have access to Ravelry or want to print a copy, we can do both for you. So far, I have tried out a knitted hat pattern in colour ‘Vaa’, and a simple ear warmer in ‘Anniversario’ which turns out to be their best-selling colour. Lovely to work with, so easy on the needle, and the colours are so rich. Needless to say, I have my fingers firmly crossed that our discerning customers will love it as much as we do.
There are loads more new ranges on the shelves right now, too many to mention here. We are planning to add a ‘What’s New’ page to the website where we will be able to show off seasonal additions and other new bits and pieces that appear around the shop.
Continuing with gift ideas, Emma Ball accessories are always a winner. From tiny tins to heavy duty tote bags, her designs are guaranteed to raise a smile, and we have plenty to choose from. Clare’s favourite is the Woolly Puffins range.
If we’re talking tools; how about our Tulip crochet hooks. The red ones are always popular, and the recently introduced purple are gaining interest (ok, yes, I’m a Tulip hoarder and have added some purple hooks to my stash. There’s no such thing as too many hooks 😉).
Don’t forget our ever-growing choice of sock wools. Our aim to make the shop the premier destination for ‘all things sock’ is well under way. We have just received another delivery of the ever-popular Opal wools, and there is even some Merino 4ply - one of their rarer releases. My hope is that Clare hasn’t bought them all yet…
New Opal Sock Yarn, James C Brett Undertones and Aurora Chunky Yarns, Christmas Project Books and Emma Ball Baubles
Speaking of Clare, she has put together some super cute mystery gift boxes of notions for both knitter and crocheter. With the surprises inside having a retail value of £11- £13, the gift boxes are a bargain - priced at £7.50! You want to surprise your loved one with something non craft based? Linda has produced a very popular range of earrings which can be found near the till. This little shop of ours has something for everyone, but if you still don’t know what to buy, we also sell gift vouchers.
Looking ahead to next year (😱), there are plenty of plans being worked on. A new colour-work workshop where you can have a go at designing your own pattern, a range of in-house patterns, spring/summer yarns, kits, accessories.
It is my hope to begin tempting customers old and new with hand dyed yarns. There are small businesses out there creating the most amazing exquisite yarns, and these indie dyers need our support. Kraft Work Yarns wants to provide our customers with the opportunity to see just why we love them so much, and lend them our support.
In case you’re interested, my favourite yarn at the moment is a 50/50 blend of merino and silk. I bought mine from Tanya at The Woolly Tangle when I had a day out at Yorkshire Yarn Fest in November. The wool is unbelievably wonderful to work with, has great stitch definition, and a beautiful drape to the fabric.
MINI SKEINS
This is the set of 20g mini skeins that I bought from The Woolly Tangle - Colourway: Seaglass.
Season’s Greetings from all of us to all of you. I hope Santa brings you lots of yummy yarn.
Here’s looking forward to 2026.
Debbie 🎄🧑🏼🎄
You Are Enough
Crafting and Mental Health
Gosh, where has October gone? This past month was World Mental Health Day, and for this WMH day, I wanted to touch on a few points. Firstly, it’s okay not to be okay. For those of you who have been in the shop you may know that I tend to wear dungarees quite a lot and I often have pin badges on those dungarees, saying things like “You are enough” or “It’s okay not to be okay”.
Pin Badge
Secondly, I'd like to explore a little bit about how crafting and in particular knitting and crocheting and yarn crafts have really helped my own mental health. Back in 2022, I had a mental health breakdown. It was probably simmering away under the surface for some time, but a sudden family trauma blew all of my fuses. It took me quite some time to re-wire everything back together. It was so hard. It took me nearly two years to recover from, and even now, I'm still recovering from it.
The yarn community has quite literally saved my soul I don't know how many times. I have made lifelong friends through crochet and knitting retreats, and these people have been there for me to talk yarny stuff, to check in on me, to help me look after myself, and to come alongside me.
I firmly believe that a person’s mental health can be vastly improved by creating something. It could be wool crafts like crochet or knitting, or creating art with paints and canvas, or with cold malleable clay in the hands of a potter. Earlier this month, I actually had the opportunity to spend a little bit of time with a potter, and play with some clay. I had no idea what I wanted the clay to be, but I allowed the clay to be moulded by my hands. In time it became a small pot. During the process, I felt my breathing soften and my heart beat relax. I had a sense of calm. The cold clay from the earth had helped me to be still. It was a lovely experience, and hopefully, something I will do again.
Sock Circle - Casting on a new sock
This week I will be running another sock group and I’m really enjoying watching the progress of my lovely sock knitters. It wasn’t designed as a beginner group - everyone is already comfortable with handling wool and needles; but more of a “I can knit, but I’ve never knit socks” session.
If you are looking for a great beginner group, Sandra runs beginner knitting and crochet sessions throughout the week. These sessions do require booking in advance as they’re usually well attended.
I’ve been working on some samples for the shop, all crochet this time, and mainly from the Ricorumi book “Shrooom” and from my own pattern collection.
Mushrooms for the shop window
The cowl is my crocheted bobble cowl, and is designed to use 100g of DK or 4ply yarn. For this sample, I’ve used Scheepjes Stonewashed Minerals in shade 901 Agate Aria and Scheepjes Stonewashed in shade 813 Amazonite. The pattern is available here https://ravel.me/bobble-cowl-cch and in the shop.
Bobble Cowl CCH by Clare Hockley
Next on my list will be some knitted sock samples in this year’s West Yorkshire Spinners colour “Mulled Wine”. It’s a gorgeous colourway and evokes warm and cosy feelings of evenings by the fire. The yarn is available in the shop along with the pattern for the Nutmeg socks.
West Yorkshire Spinners
Anyway, that’s enough from me for now. Do make use of the cosy evenings and tell us what’s on your needles or hooks. Even better, why not pop in to the shop and show us in person.
Happy crafting everyone, and stay cosy.
Lots of love, Clare.
Sock-tober Time!
The Sock Circle…
A Cozy Circle for Happy Feet
This year, for the first time, October will be Sock-tober! Well, when you have a sock expert it would be daft not to use her 😁
There are a few parts to our current plan, I’ll try and explain…
Clare will be taking the lead on her two days with us (Tuesday/Wednesday). The rest of the staff are also sock makers, so advice is available even when Clare isn’t.
On a Tuesday, Clare will be working between 1&6pm. From 4-6 she will be hosting the ‘Sock Circle’. This is our new group for all sock knitters, from the absolute beginner to the expert who can turn out socks in their sleep. Our hope is that members will become a collective (think Borg 😉), helping each other, discussing patterns, asking Clare endless questions, and of course enjoying our ever-expanding range of sock yarns. By enjoying I mean treating themselves.
We have prepared kits for beginners which include both circular and double point ended needles, a copy of our favourite go-to basic 4 ply sock pattern and some other bits. The cost will also include your choice of a ball of West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply solid colour sock yarn. Access to Clare also comes with the kit. She will happily set you on your way and be there for moments such as the heel turn and the dreaded Kitchener stitch…
There will also be a ‘Mystery Sock’ bag. This will include a mystery pattern and yarn. Designed for those who have progressed from the beginner's stage. The hope is that this can then become a monthly kit. Our way of introducing you to patterns and yarns you might not have tried before. I have my fingers firmly crossed for this to work. So many patterns, so many yarns, so much sock happiness.
The Mystery Sock bag will also be available to purchase through the website for those interested but unable to make it into the shop in person. All you need to do is drop us an email at kraftworkhartlepool@gmail.com and we will let you know the price plus p&p. You can become a long-distance member of the Sock Circle.
SeersuckerSox - Pattern by Clare Hockley
I hope this has given you a taste of what’s on offer and tempts you into the store to try your hand at sock making. Believe me when I say it’s addictive.
Hand knitted socks. Pattern: Basic 4ply Socks, by Winwick Mum. Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply, Colourway: 864 - Wood Pigeon
What’s currently on my needles? Actually, this month I’m crocheting. There’s a new kit available in the shop from Rico. Two actually. Christmas baubles. I couldn’t resist and using the time honoured ‘I’m making them for display’ excuse (honestly), they are slowly taking shape.
Happy crafting one and all, and don’t forget to drop in and spoil yourself or someone you love with woolly gorgeousness.
Deb x
“Sock knitting brings comfort to the hands, stillness to the mind, and warmth to the feet.”
Spin Me a Yarn
It’s Almost Cosy Season…
Basket of pumpkins - crocheted by Debbie
There’s always something daunting about putting pen to paper (old school), to create the inaugural blog for our shiny new website. No point in re-hashing the origin story, if you’ve made it this far you will already have seen it (and hopefully read it). So, a different subject required, get your little grey cells in gear Deb…
Autumn is undoubtedly my favourite season. The nights are drawing in, fires are being lit, woollies are dug out of their summer hideaway. For me it’s the colours of autumn, that amazing array that nature provides; red, orange, gold, bronze, chestnut, brown.
Let’s talk about autumn knits. How about that classic aran sweater. If it’s made from 100% wool this beauty can last for years and never go out of fashion. A true investment piece. Or how about a scarf, soft as a cloud, to keep that pesky draught from the back of your neck.
Debbie’s current Project - Seersucker Socks in Hand Dyed Yarn
On my needles right now, I have a pair of socks. (Fun fact, I learnt to knit in order to make socks). If you have never tried on a pair of hand made socks trust me when I say you won’t know what you’re missing. At this time of the year, they will keep your feet toasty warm. My current WIP is the ‘Seersucker’ pattern designed by our very own Clare. With this pattern it’s all about the texture. I was drawn to squidge it as soon as she showed me her finished sock. The wool I have chosen to work with is from my stash of hand-dyed yarns (a passion of mine), the label has been lost between skein and ball so I can’t credit the maker. But for me, the colour is perfect for autumn.
Clare’s new cast on - Thick woolly boot socks - Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab Sock DK Pattern is 8ply DK boot socks by Winwick Mum.
Ready to start your own autumn make? Our stock is bulging with warm and chunky yarns for your pleasure. Come on in and choose your favourite or go crazy and try something new (you know you secretly want to 😉).
Happy crafting.
Debbie x