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 🎄🧑🏼‍🎄