If you’re a fan of yarn and all things woolly, you’ve probably heard of the award-winning Yarndale. Held annually in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, it’s a celebration of yarn, wool and creativity that draws people from near and far. This year’s event took place just two weeks ago, over the last weekend of September, and I was thrilled to be a part of it as an exhibitor!
Since my work incorporates locally sourced wool cloth, I felt incredibly lucky to be offered a stand. The event, originally set up to inspire and encourage people to get creative with wool, offers a vibrant space for artists and makers to share their craft. It was my first time showing at Yarndale, and I loved every moment!
A Unique Setting: Trading from a Cattle Market Pen
Yarndale has a distinctive charm – it’s hosted in a cattle market, which admittedly was a bit chilly in the early hours! But once the venue filled up (and it really did fill up!), the atmosphere warmed. We all had our own pen, usually used to house animals during the livestock auctions, as our stall space, encouraging a certain creativity with the space.
As William and Tilda is rooted in WWII-inspired themes, I turned my pen into an air raid shelter for the day. And my top seller of the weekend? The gas mask bags. Although made from an original pattern from 1941, there’s something very contemporary about the design. And you’d never know it was originally designed for carrying a civilian gas mask!
A Podcast Feature at Yarndale
If you’re interested in hearing more about the inspiration behind my work, I had the pleasure of sharing my story on the Making Stitches podcast, recorded live at Yarndale. It was a wonderful chance to talk about how William and Tilda celebrates the resilience and resourcefulness of WWII-era women, and why I feel so passionate about creating handmade pieces that honour this legacy. You can listen to the podcast episode [here].
Why You Should Visit Yarndale
Whether you’re a maker, a yarn enthusiast, or someone looking for a bit of creative inspiration, I can’t recommend Yarndale enough. It’s a fantastic event that celebrates the versatility and artistry of wool in all its forms – and it’s well worth a visit if you get the chance.