Welcome back to another Unravelling a Yarn Brand, the series where we take you through some of our favourite brands we’re stocking for you craft lovers!
This month is a fan favourite, with their all natural fibre ranges, beautifully put together patterns and stylish and well thought out colours, West Yorkshire Spinners.
West Yorkshire Spinners was founded in 1997 in the original home of the British worsted spinning industry. The brand was established during a turbulent time that saw many spinning mills close due to the increase in yarns being imported from overseas. Because of the region’s rich history of textile manufacturing, it was the wish of their company’s founders to make sure the knowledge and passion were not lost forever. Research also showed that natural fibres were now in decline, giving way to synthetic, man-made fibres, and they saw a gap in the market for more sustainable products.
Setting up a spinning mill from the ground up was daunting, but with hard work and a determination to succeed, West Yorkshire Spinners built a strong reputation for high-quality natural-fibre yarns. By 2012, they launched their own yarn, Fleece 100% Bluefaced Leicester – to help champion British wool and its fascinating heritage. Using all their knowledge and working closely with farmers and wool merchants, they started to build a range of unique and innovative products that showcased what could be achieved by blending British wool and manufacturing ingenuity.
We stock so many ranges in the West Yorkshire Spinners brand, and there are some fabulous new additions joining us this year. Lets start with a classic, the Signature 4 ply. This range is a favourite amongst knitters in the warehouse, and is often part of our sock-along on social media (RIP). Each year, WYS bring out a new colour to coincide with Christmas, as well as a knit and crochet sock pattern that is free to download. The range comes in some beautiful solid shades, which contrast nicely with the ever so popular variegated ones. They’ve also collaborated with designers like Zandra Rhodes to release limited edition colourways that match the style of this fabulous designer.
The Retreat ranges are hugely popular with our customers. This luxurious yarn has all the great natural qualities of roving with a delicate twist and gentle halo ideal for creating beautiful knitting and crochet. Made with 100% British Bluefaced Kerry Hill fleece (a crossbreed of Bluefaced Leicester), Retreat was developed with wellbeing in mind, and has been spun with skill and care to offer a wool that is soft, silky and a treat to wear. Use it to create luxury sweaters, cardigans, hats and scarves, or make beautiful blankets, throws and cushion covers for your home. A real pleasure to work with, this yarn is available in gloriously uplifting, gentle and harmonious shades. For every ball of Retreat Chunky Roving sold, West Yorkshire Spinners donates to the mental-health charity Mind.
They’ve also collaborated with designers such as Debbie Bliss and Chloe Elizabeth Birch on pattern books like Folklore. A book filled with inspiring patterns for the modern crafter, with 11 patterns featuring colourwork, cables and textural stitches in jumpers, cardigans and a tank top, this beautiful book is spiral bound for ease of use and includes clear photos and large charts.
We have some new upcoming launches happening from WYS over the next few months, so make sure you are signed up to our newsletter (here) to be first in line to shop their newest ranges!