Changing times for indie yarn shops

Craftopia in Ingleton, Yorkshire, has reopened under new ownership, and the new owners admit it was something of an impulse purchase. Alison Priestley and Les Boughton had been working internationally – latterly in São Paulo, Brazil – but jumped at the opportunity to try a different challenge, running a craft shop in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Alison – a crocheter for many years – could not believe her luck when Craftopia came on the market. She says: “It seemed like the universe was saying it was time for a new challenge and tossed me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

Craftopia will continue to provide beautiful supplies for all things knitted, crocheted, embroidered, felted and generally handcrafted, and Alison and Les have been delighted by the warm welcome from Ingleton crafters.

“Craftopia really is the most delightful shop, bursting with colour and textures,” says Alison. “Think of your fantasy yarn and fabric shop and this is it.

“We intend to build on the sound foundations, while also introducing some new, exciting lines to reflect the surge in popularity of crafting during lockdown,” says Alison. “The shop will, of course, be the tactile heart of our business but we’ll be increasing our online presence soon, and we have an exciting programme of workshops planned.”

Meanwhile, down in Hadleigh, Suffolk, popular online craft store Yarn Worx has opened up a new bricks and mortar shop. The exclusive UK stockist of Emma’s Yarn, the new shop also sells hand-dyed yarns, knitting and crochet supplies, books, project bags and yarn bowls. Yarn Worx also runs a popular yarn subscription club and the shop will create a crafting community through crochet and knitting classes, knit nights and a sit and knit area.

Craftopia, 6 Main Street, Ingleton, Carnforth, LA6 3EB; Yarn Worx, 17 Byford Court, Crockatt Road, Hadleigh, IP7 6RD. www.yarnworx.com