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Knit a pair of fingerless mitts with Anna Feldman from Wild And Woolly in London.
How did you get started?
I began knitting about 35 years ago when my new baby brother was born. And I've been pretty much knitting ever since. It's always been a fairly serious hobby for me, but it was only about 6 months ago that I finally had the courage to give up my web consulting work and open a yarn store in my neighbourhood. I could see new shops thriving in the area, which give local people something different from what they can find online. A place for knitting supplies and support felt like it would be a good fit with those changes.
So I got a backer, found the right premises, filled it with wool, and here I am :)
Where are you located?
I'm on a busy shopping street and arterial route into the London Borough of Hackney in a neighbourhood called Clapton, in east London. The area has a proud history of being home to successive waves of immigrants so there's a rich ethnic mix. It's also become a neighbourhood of choice for a creative community of artists and designer makers.
Which products do you specialise in?
I aim to have a range of yarns which cover all price ranges. I specialise in British breed wools, British Alpaca, locally hand-dyed yarns, natural plant fibre yarns including cottons and linens. I also carry a full range of needles and hooks and related haberdashery.
Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?
Right now I'm very excited by the new Clover pompom makers that have come in for my pompom hat class. They make the most delightful fluffy balls. On the yarn front, I think my current favourite is the EasyKnit Twinkle sock yarn dyed by Jon Ballam Dunn just south of the river in Woolwich (and yes it does twinkle :) )
What's on the stereo?
Taj Mahal, Salif Keita, Nina Simone, Abdullah Ibrahim, Bach, Billy Bragg, Rolling Stones, Gilbeto Gil, Amy Winehouse..
Where else should we visit in your area?
Kate Sheridan (bags and coats designer maker), Pages bookshop, Hackney Drapers, Yardsale pizza, Cafe 119, Clapton Craft, Maeve's Kitchen
Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?
Yes!
Classes include:
Beginner's Knitting (learn to make mitts)
Beginner's Crochet (learn to make granny squares)
Learn to knit socks
Learn to spin
Learn to darn
Learn to knit a hat
Learn to cable
I also do a monthly 'Late Night Knitty Lock-in' on the second Wednesday of the month. From 8pm onwards we have wine, cake, tea and anyone can come and join in with their knitting or crochet.
The shop also hosts occasional special events like designer presentations, trunk shows and musical events with a knitty flavour
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
Do you have a favorite craft, art or supply shop in your town that we should feature? Send us a message!
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