Tag Archives: kent

LYS – Local Yarn Shop

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Today, I went here (pic above)  Pins ‘N’ Needles, my knitting group are doing a list of Local Yarn Shops, so this is a good one. Plus it’s good to support local yarn shops, more than the larger companies.

Avicraft Ltd Wool Shop is on 15 Chatterton Rd, Bromley, Kent BR2 9QW & is run buy the lovely Manager: Sharon Newman, assisted by Kirsten/Kirsty (I’m so sorry if I forgot ur name, babe, so i’ll call u K from this point on) & Sharon’s cute daughter, Caitlin Rose, who is EXACTLY 4 & 3/4 years old!  Caitlin is the resident  in-store meeter/greeter, & she knits too! Mom, Sharon says that Caitlin has been in situ since she was 3 weeks old!

I had no set budget in mind, but as I was listening to a podcast about craft & craft budgets, so I thought £30 would suffice.  I spent about £27, then went to Waitrose to do some food shopping, AND paid my council tax!

NOTE: I can’t remember how much I paid for each yarn, as I forgot to ask for a receipt, but fear not, contact Sharon or K on:  020 8460 0818 or http://www.avicraft.co.uk or sharon@avicraftpanic.fsnet.co.uk for more details.

I took the 261 bus to Southlands Rd, & it was a short walk to the shop.  As I walked it, Sharon & K were sitting at a round table knitting.  They both looked up & gave me a lovely hello, with a nice smile!  Caitlin Rose was eating & had a smoothie moustache!  She also siad hello but was also entertaining a customer, who was sitting, looking through the folders of patterns.

Here’s what I bought:

FORTISSIMA COLOR by Schoeller & Stahl: 4 ply, fingering weight.  100g (420m), 75% Virgin wool superwash, 25% Polyamide.  Recommended needle size: 2.5-3mm. Gauge: 10x10cm over 42 rows. The great plus of this yarn, is that it can be machine washed @ 40 degrees AND tumble dried! I was the FIRST to buy this yarn!

HOT SOCKS-CIRCUS by Four Seasons: 100g (420m), 75% Virgin wool superwash, 25% Polyamide. Recommended needle/hook size: 2.5-3mm.  Gauge:  10x10cms over 40 rows.  Can be machine washed @ 40 degrees & tumble dried. The rainbow of colours available is yummy!  I took my time choosing.

SWEET BRIAR CHUNKY by Jarol Ltd: 100g 30% wool, 70% acrylic.      Recommeded needle size: 6mm (4 UK). Gauge: 10x10cm over 18 rows & 14 sts.   Machine wash at 30 degrees, hand wash @ 30 degrees, short spin.  K kindly went to the back to get me the colour I wanted, as she showed me how it was knitted up.  Thanks K.

Not sure what to do with this, but i’m thinking of bed socks, (i’ve STILL no heating)!  If not bed socks, i’ll use it for my pegloom weaving or give it to the SWISH party, coming up soon.

Knit Club:  Wednesdays @ 7pm, also classes plus private lessons @ £10 per hour per tuition time

Evening classes:  After Easter & evening group workshops.

Avicraft also sell beads, buttons, needles, hooks & patterns, for your knitting, crocheting & crafting needs, including 2 boxes of sale yarns from £1.   The Patons Sorbet (above), was from the sale box.

I even saw pom-pom yarn for the first time.  I’d only ever seen it on a shopping channel, plus a nice flat yarn which knits up beautifully into ruffles.   Just imagine those frilly bouses from the 80s!  This yarn is nicer, and would look good to update a tired outfit, or as a trim – remember to up-cycle!

Today was a good yarn shopping day, and thanks to Sharon, K & Caitlin Rose for making it a pleasant one for me.  I’ll be back!

Until the next time,  keep crafting, keep creating.

Peace & Love

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Glammamamma x