I had a really wonderful evening this week in pretty Cheshire. With family arrangements made, I hot-footed it over to the wonderful Black Sheep Wools in Culcheath. I have no idea why it has taken me so long to discover this wonderful shop, but they have a huge ‘yarn barn’ which reminds me very much of the American model of yarn shops.
Now I didn’t just go to shop, but I to see my gorgeous yarn hero and friend Debbie Bliss and her uber cool daughter, Nell. (We are bezzies now – nothing can separate us). Black Sheep were hosting an evening with Debbie and the Head of Designer yarns, David Watt. I was an incredibly glamourous affair with Bucks Fizz, canapes and nibbles. Now that is yarn shopping in style
The yarn barn was packed to the rafters with the loyal Black Sheep customers. We had great fun listening to Debbie about her work, inspiration and plans. There was also time to hear the incredibly informative David Watt. I found his explanation of yarn spinning fascinating. If you didn’t get a chance to be there – do go onto to the Black Sheep Wools you-tube channel. There is an excellent interview with Debbie by the ever glamourous Sara, who owns the famous yarn barn. You can also find a really good interview with David. What you discover from watching those videos is how nice, funny and self deprecating these lovely people are.
I had lots of fun catching up with my friends and larking about with Nell. She did this wonderful thing of trying on this beautiful Juliette cardigan on lots of different ladies of lots of different sizes – including me. The whole process proved beyond any doubt that Debbie’s style is both timeless and incredibly flattering.
I also got to meet some talented crocheters Sarah, who has a wonderful blog Gingerbread Bunny showed me her lovely shawl. I had been admiring it from at distance. Do visit her blog to hear how she enjoyed the evening.
Worth mentioning is that the yarn barn has lots and lots of great yarn, accessories and patterns. They have just opened a new fabric room…so tempting…be still my beating heart.
There is also a mighty fine cafe….finally I get to drink coffee with my knitting.
I must say that I really did enjoy meeting the folk at Black Sheep Wools, there is such a family atmosphere. I did a bit of mystery shopping, and watched some incredible customer service. I couldn’t have been more welcomed by the great fun Sara and Steve. I also got to listen to the behind the scenes genies, Lesley and Amy.
If you are stuck finding wools and needing a bit of advice why not pop along, or give them a call. Such nice people.
Tomorrow I will do my hot picks from the Spring Summer Debbie Bliss magazine – an absolute corker.