Jenny Wren’s Yarns of Ipswich nominated in the British Knitting Awards
Lois Mickleburgh owner of Jenny Wren's Yarns, which has been short-listed for the British Knitting Awards - Credit: Archant
There are lots of crafty people out there and, in these days of mass production, many are also discovering and taking up traditional crafts for making their own clothers and other items – ancient crafts like knitting and crochet.
Lois Mickleburgh launched Jenny Wren’s Yarns in St Peter’s Street, Ipswich, three years ago and it has gone from strength to strength.
“We have just celebrated our third birthday, it is going very well,” she said. “We have lots of lovely regular customers coming in and new people are finding us all the time.
“We have knitting groups and crochet is really taking off. It is becoming very popular.”
Lois is very pleased to have Jenny Wren’s Yarns nominated, and now short-listed, for an award in the British Knitting Awards 2016.
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The shop has been listed for the Best Local Indepenendent Yar Store for the South East of England.
Other finalists are from Cambridge, Faversham, Braintree and Islington.
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“It is lovely to be nominated by our customers,” she added.
Voting is now open, on the awards website, with the winners to be revealed in September.
At Jenny Wren’s Yarns Lois sells wool, yarn and other materials, patterns and knitting needles for crafters.
There are knitting groups and crochet classes, even a workshop where you can learn to make your own socks.
Lois organises special sock-making knitting classes, and makes funky socks for her own children, for Christmas.
“If you are making Christmas presents you have to plan ahead,” she laughed.
“Handmade socks are very comfortable and fit just right. You can make a pair of socks in a couple of weeks, if you are quick.”
This is not an exclusively female pastime, she added. “We have a few male customers. In days gone by it would have been a male thing, especially sailors on board ship.
“In Scandinavia it is still a big male pastime, as it used to be here. Perhaps it will be again?”
“Knitting is good therapy and very helpful for people wanting to give up smoking, or dieting, to keep their hands busy.
“It can really make you feel better about yourself.”
To vote, go to: www.letsknit.co.uk/britishknittingawards
