You’d think as I own my own yarn shop that the last thing I’d want to do on holiday is go to another wool shop wouldn’t you?

Of course not, rather disappointingly I only managed to visit 3, maybe 4 if you count the market stall too.  If time had allowed there was at least 2 more I could have got to – next time I will.

My first port of call was a lovely little shop called Ramshambles in York.  Located at 46 Shambles, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LX.  The shop reminds me of our old premises in Midleton with it’s ‘Old Curiosity’ windows, whose display of brightly coloured yarn enticed me in.  Katey the owner is lovely and delighted to help, like our shop the place is packed to the ceiling with yarn, patterns, needles and notions.  There were lots of lovely yarns from King Cole, Debbie Bliss, Noro and Highland Textiles.  My naughty purchase was a hank of Ramshambles own hand dyed Blue Faced Leicester Sock Yarn in a riot of pink yummynous called Vaudeville.

There were other lovelies just calling to me from the shelves but I had to be strong and resist because as I’ve other new birthday yarn to use too and I have yet to master knitting in the bath or shower without getting your yarn wet.

The second shop I managed to call to was Babes in the Wool in Hull.  They can be found at 113 Newland Avenue, Hull HU5 2ES and the owner (whose name I’ve forgotten, sorry) is lovely.  The shop is nestled in a busy street and draws you in with it’s large window.  There is a good stock of yarn including ranges from King Cole, Woolcraft, Katia and Debbie Bliss.  I was rather smitten by the Blue Faced Leicester Aran from Debbie Bliss of which I purchased 3 balls (possibly with a future grandchild knit in mind).

My third shop was Knit & Stitch in Doncaster at 26 Market Place, Doncaster DN1 1NE.

I have to confess to having been here before and had to return because it’s just so lovely.  This time the windows were happily full of huge balls of aran and garments in pretty colours.

I was on a mission though to purchase another ball of Jarol Pure British Wool Aran to go with one I’d bought on my previous visit.  As I discovered a this pattern in The Knitter shortly after my last visit and think the yarn will be ideal for it.  However, I’ve just realised I need another ball, usually a perfect excuse to return to the shop but it’s not exactly what you call local is it?  I shall have to persuade my friend (real strong arm tactics needed, not) to pop in for me.

My best friend recently moved back to Doncaster (hence my visit) and she was tempted by a lovely soft angora by Rowan and a 50/50 blend aran by Katia for her mum.  The shop is jam packed with yarns from King Cole, Sirdar, Katia, Debbie Bliss and Noro.  Again there was yarn calling me and if that wasn’t bad enough Knit & Stitch also sell patchwork fabric.  Upstairs there’s the fabric come classroom with a whole wall full of edible ‘sew me’ cottons.  Knit & Stitch have two other shops one in York and one in Maltby and I’d really recommend a visit if you’re ever near one of them.

Lastly, I managed a quick visit to the wool stall on Doncaster Market which sells James C. Brett yarns and lots of buttons.  Some of which I purchased for my daughter Dina’s latest cardigan.

Based on the woolly joy I discovered on my trip I’d definitely say a trip to the area would be worth it if your ever there.

Happy Knitting!