Visit to Stylecraft Mill

While down in Yorkshire I made a trip to the small town of Slaithwaite near Huddersfield. I'd been invited by Stylecraft Yarns to meet up with a number of blog writers and yarn enthusiasts for the first, of hopefully many, Blogstar Meet Up's.

We were made very welcome by Annabelle, Juliet and Sophie. First and most important on the agenda was tea and biscuits with a helping of yarn to admire.

 

Then came an "ice breaking" session where we had the opportunity to meet the other bloggers. I had been following a number of people's blogs for sometime but never met any of them in person. It was so good to meet such an enthusiastic and talented group of yarn loving people.

They were:

Heather Leal  - The Patchwork Heart

Sandra Paul  - Cherry Heart 

Kathryn Senior - Crafternoon Treats

Helen Kurtz - Josie Kitten

Sarah Shripton - Anna Boos House

Sue Pinner -  Shropshire Scrapper Suz

Phil Saul - The Twisted Yarn

Lucy - Attic 24

After meeting everyone, Annabelle and Juliet gave a presentation introducing the Stylecraft Autumn Winter 2016 collection, along with insights about how the yarns and patterns had been inspired and developed.

Even though it was the beginning of July, plans had already been made for Christmas jumpers!

I was surprised to see this furry fellow modelling the Christmas Jumpers. My first thought was, it's "Bertie" from the Highlands of Scotland. Bertie having already been a star in the Visit Scotland Ambassordog Competition perhaps had moved on to a successful modelling career for Stylecraft.

Bertie has previously been seen showing off his Fair Isle jumper, knitted by his owner/my lovely neighbour Gail, made with yarn from my Shetland sheep.

Bertie

However, it was not Bertie modelling the Christmas jumpers, but a look alike, apparently the photographer's dog had been the star in the jumpers on this occasion.

Moving on, after the presentation there was a chance to look at the latest yarns and new colour additions to the ranges...

The morning flew by looking at all the yarn, then we were treated to a delicious lunch and the opportunity to chat some more. Lucy from Attic 24 gave some interesting insights about Yarndale and how this year's event organisation is progressing.

There was a chance to take the obligatory group photo...back row Sandra, me, Helen, Sarah, front row, Kathryn, Heather, Phil, Lucy, Sue.

Image courtesy of Sophie at Stylecraft

I returned home with some yarn samples and other knitting and crochet goodies.

All the 16 colours of Batik DK were in a sample pack. Haven't yet decided what I'm going to make with these, but quite tempted to try a crochet project. Sue Pinner has been designing crochet projects to make with this yarn. Head over to Sue's blog if you would like a peek at some of the new designs.

Best of all, I left Slaithwaite inspired by the lovely people I'd met and their enthusiasm for their work and yarn.

Thank you Annabelle, Juliet and Sophie for such a well organised day.