CALLING ALL YARN RETAILERS! Founded in 1940, UK Hand Knitting is stronger than ever. Here we explore just what the organisation has to offer... UK Hand Knitting is the not-for-profit organisation that supports bricks and mortar yarn shops of all shapes and sizes and promotes knitting and crochet to crafters across the country. Member companies include James C Brett, Cygnet Yarns, Groves, King Cole, Peter Gregory, Rico Design, Stylecraft and West Yorkshire Spinners. One of the ways it has funded its activities historically is through the sale of UK Hand Knitting patterns, which can be ordered by shops through any of the organisation’s members. In recent years the organisation has undergone a significant change, focussing on how it can help shops develop their businesses in increasingly challenging times. This involved a significant investment of thousands of pounds with a revamp of the website, a resource centre for shops with lots of helpful articles, two nationwide events and support from all the major craft titles. Shops can unlock these benefits by paying for a premium listing for just £55 + VAT per month. Yarn shops have so much to offer. Being able to make your yarn selection in a friendly atmosphere, where you actually get to feel the yarn, with helpful advice on patterns, yarns and techniques on hand makes a huge difference. They’re quite simply indispensable to knitters and crocheters, so UK Hand Knitting are determined to highlight their benefits to consumers. GREAT BRITISH YARN CRAWL UK Hand Knitting launched the first Great British Yarn Crawl which took place during April, May and June this year and was designed to encourage consumers to visit at least two shops to get a card stamped, with lots of prizes to win. Over 370 shops took part and Yarn Crawl cards were inserted into issues of Simply Knitting, Simply Crochet, Knit Now and Crochet Now, putting over 90,000 cards in the hands of crafters nationwide. In Northern Ireland, one shop organised a bus to take crafters around the other shops in the area to help them take part. One lady travelled as far afield as Devon, Scotland, Norfolk and Hitchin, getting her card stamped along the way. Social media was buzzing with images of shops and their visitors. THE KNIT SHOW On September 10th and 11th UK Hand Knitting is hosting The Knit Show, at the Pavilions in Harrogate. As well as all member companies, carefully curated suppliers including Emma Ball, Viridian, CRS Fur Fabrics, SC & PS Saunders Ltd, Artyarn, Littondale Craft Fabrics and Shepley Yarns will be exhibiting. Premium listed shops will also be able to unlock 10 per cent discount only from UK Hand Knitting members on orders placed at the show. YARNSTRAVAGANZA From September 30th to 7th October UK Hand Knitting is holding the second Yarnstravaganza – a celebration of yarn shops around the UK. Last year more than 240 shops took part with in-store events, goodie bags, limited edition merchandise and workshops. UK Hand Knitting members also provide 140 goody kits, so shops have lots to giveaway. Yarn shops who stock products from one of UK Hand Knitting’s members can sign up to become a premium listed shop by following this link. https://tinyurl.com/bdxfbvt9 69 HAND KNITTING
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