British Wool

Cotswold Sheep

(I walked amongst the sheep on a Cotswold foot path!)

It's an American knitters dream "come true"
to spend any time in Great Britain. 

I was fortunate to spend 10 days last month travelling through England and Edinburgh, Scotland.  Besides having tea nearly everyday (my other passion) I also filled my time with British wool and shopping. 

Many have asked about my trip. I will certainly be writing about my travels and sharing my shopping secrets with you through out the year.

For now, here are a few of my favorite photos...

I call British Wool.

Little Man

Adorable little man in his "little wool suit" spotted at Portobello Road antiques market in London. 

Why, oh why, didn't I bring him home? 

Wool

Adorable yarn shop Wool in Bath, England. 

The gracious owner Laura even told me where to get my hands on
the Premier Issue of Mollie Makes .
 Thank you, Laura!

Classic British Wool

Never tire of the British classics....

cardigans and cables were everywhere!

Shetland Wool

Shetland Wool spotted at the hip yarn shop K1 Yarns 

in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Loved this shop and will write about it soon.

Fabulous Fair Isle!

There's nothing better than shopping for fabulous Fair Isle

on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.  Yes, I brought home a few scarves!

Yorkshire Wool

Since I have Pontefract, Yorkshire roots,

this local Yorkshire yarn came home with me.

Purchased at Ramshambles "in the Shambles", York, England. 

It was so fun to "talk shop" with Katey, the owner.  She had recently been to a trade show in Warwick and was seated next to Debbie Bliss at dinner!  Talk about true-bliss!

Lambs-Wool

And lastly, there were even adorable lamb mugs spotted at the

Emma Bridgewater factory in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

I had the most delightful day at the Emma Bridgewater factory.  I even met Matthew Rice (owner, designer, author, artist and husband of Emma Bridgewater).

Matthew was so kind to take time to chat with me.  I seized the opportunity and told Matthew to please put in a word with Emma about "knitting theme" mugs.  I know there is a Campaign for British Wool and I think it would be fabulous to see some Emma Bridgewater mug designs promoting British Wool and knitting. 

And here's the best part....I asked Matthew if Emma knits.  Matthew told me that Emma was in the knitting industry years ago and worked for the company that did Lady Diana Spencer's famous jumper (sweater) during her engagement to Prince Charles.  Oh my gosh...love this story!

So, maybe there's a chance that Emma will design a mug for us knitters someday!