Serendipity?

Gosh, what a month at Kraft Work Yarns HQ!

Put the kettle on and sit down with a brew, this blog is a long one.

Sometimes, things just fall together at the right time and in the right place. Every step we’ve taken on our journey has felt the right thing to do at the right time. We closed the shop for the Easter weekend to give everyone some much needed rest and family time, and we hope that you’ve all had a lovely Easter break, too. During the break, we realised that we want to focus on our own original designs, workshops and kits and so Clare is working closely with me to make that happen.

Joining the Designers

Shortly before Christmas I was bitten by the designing bug. I’ll be totally honest with you, it was not on my bucket list. We have a number of patterns in the shop by Indie Designers, including Saffron de Menezes: Saffron-De-Menezes Ravelry, Linsdey Allen Artisan Crochet Designs and our very own Clare Hockley of CrochetClareyHockers designs.

Some of the designs available by local designers

‍I have always respected designers’ ability to create new patterns and hope our customers find the variety of choice tempting enough to purchase.

With a gentle nudge from Clare and some big girls pants on, I dipped a toe into the creative sea of designing. Out came the squared paper and trusty pencil (and rubber), and I practised with various designs until we felt they would work. Concentration levels on maximum and I disappeared into my notebook. As with all things new, it was very much trial and error, but that’s how creativity is encouraged to flow. Keeping to the stitch count was challenging and some of my favourite ideas didn’t make the cut.

Clare introduced me to a computer program called ‘Stitch Fiddle’ which makes proper charts of our hand drawn designs, and that now holds my ever growing library of patterns which can be printed, making everything much more professional. Kits are now available to purchase in the shop. Choose from two cowl designs and a variety of wrist warmers.

The first test run of the workshop was focussed on wrist warmers, was run by Clare and I. It was a resounding success. We both learned so much from our fantastic participants and from each other. This will most definitely be repeated along with the recently requested cowl workshop.

Gabby, Julie and Catherine are all deep in concentration!

Catherine, Debbie M and Claire’s hands, being supervised by Lovie the Axolotol.

Clare discussing techniques with Julie and Catherine.

One of Clare’s designs for the wrist warmers was a beautiful pink and grey fade. The next logical step was to design a cowl to match, and before too much longer, the Fade to Grey cowl was born. The sample cowl is on display in the shop and attracting plenty of attention. as requested, there will be a workshop for this cowl. Details to follow.

Fade to Grey Cowl. Pattern by Clare and Debbie for Kraft Work Yarns.

Creativity and Mental Health

I can’t begin to explain how much this is helping me feel like I’m contributing something positive to the shop at last, and the pride I feel when I see a pattern come to life, hold the printed copy in my hand… it’s such a mood booster. (Those who know me are aware of my absence in the shop for the last couple of years due to a long term illness).

Creatively speaking, there are lots more ideas in the pipeline, and we’re currently playing with hats. Again, as requested, there will be a workshop on the hats later in the year. Plans are also afoot to offer the kits for purchase here on the website, but there’s still a bit of work to do before they go live. You can be sure we will let everyone know when it’s up and running.

I must mention Ian (hubby) as well. He is currently chief wool winder, patiently producing 50g balls of Opal 4ply solids. Sock pattern ideas are currently on the drawing board.

In other news…

Karen seems to have found a new favourite thing – crochet baby clothes. They are so popular! One item didn’t even make it onto the display rail, it was tagged and sold within minutes. At this rate, we’re going to need an extension to showcase them all. And still she finds time to welcome our knit and natterers (and the favoured few K&N 4-legged friends). 🧶🐕‍🦺

One of Karen’s beautiful baby garments; a short sleeved matinee coat.

Linda, as business manager, is currently juggling her time between normal shop responsibilities (of which there are many) and the year end accounts. Add in the change to ‘make tax digital’ and she’s got her hands full. 🤯

Sandra’s prowess as knitting/crochet teacher of beginners is still attracting plenty of new recruits. She continues to inspire them to create, and progress their learning. The beginner sessions are very well attended and our customer base is growing well. Win/win. 😁If you’d like to know more about the beginner sessions, do pop in to the shop and have a chat with Sandra, or give the shop a call and we’ll talk you through it.

In her spare time, Clare has taken a break from sock knitting and has turned her hand to amigurumi again. She’s been working her way through the Springtime Ricorumi CAL (Crochet A-Long) Birthday Party.

The patterns are all available on the Ricorumi website for a limited time only. The full range of Ricorumi DK yarn is available in the shop.

The patterns will be available until 30th June 2026, so we’d definitely recommend downloading then now if you’re planning to make them.

Lovie the Axolotol

Lion, Lovie the Axolotol, Bertie the Birthday Duckling, and Penny the Unicorn Cupcake Girl.

Lion is available as part of the book “The Wonderful World of Ricorumi - Puppies” and is available in the shop. The others are available on the Ricorumi website.

Myself and my wonderful team at Kraft Work Yarns would like to thank you all for your support once again. Without valued customers, we simply couldn’t function as a business.

Again, we absolutely love to see all of your makes, so do share what you make with us. Feel free to use the hashtag #kraftworkyarns on social media, or tag us in your posts.

Much love,
Deb and the KWY family. x