This weekend is the annual Yarndale festival in Skipton and once again I was fortunate to visit yesterday (the first day).  This is all thanks to the hard work of my friend and fellow yarn addict Jenny who organised a coach trip again!  Travelling by coach is the best way to visit, the coaches park close to the venue which is very convenient and of course there is plenty of time to discuss plans and share ideas on which stalls to visit with fellow travellers.   Normally the view from the coach is great but this year we travelled there and back through some very heavy rain; I was so thankful I wasn’t driving.   However, whilst we were at Yarndale the rain stayed away, so when we went into Skipton for lunch we stayed nice and dry.

Yarndale never fails to disappoint, there are so many different yarn artisans selling their wares and not all of them yarn related.  There are lots of displays of beautifully made items and so much inspiration that the possibilities are mindblowing.  I always come home with inspiration overload!

The 2019 community project was displayed in the Yarndale Hub, this year it was bears for Mercy Ships – so many bears!

The bunting from the first Yarndale was beautifully displayed as well as some of the previous community projects.  Yes, I managed to find one of my butterflies from last year:

There were several pens of the animals which provide our yarn and they all seemed  remarkably well natured and happy, despite the crowds.   There was a lovely smiling alpaca near the Lairage – look closely and you will see some mandalas behind him!

Of course there was an abundance of beautiful yarn

Those yarn experts amongst you will notice the photos above are of Triskelion Yarn, one of my favourites.  This year Triskelion Yarn has started producing beautiful soap as well, shhhhh………don’t tell too many people as I want to ensure I have a regular supply!

And here is the obligatory photo of my shopping:

My stash management programme ensured I did not overstock on yarn, and I’m quite proud that I managed to keep this yarn haul low.  I did buy some tools, patterns and other notions. As well as the beautiful Triskelion soap, I found 2 other new products that I will return to.

The first is Irish Artisan Yarn; Tara produces the most beautiful subtle colours of yarn inspired by Irish Landscapes.  I was so taken with the colours that it was hard to choose, but a set of mini skeins in my favourite blue was the most tempting.   Tara also does an Advent Collection of 25 x 20g mini skeins, which is extremely tempting and has inspired me to think differently about my annual blanket CAL.

The second is Lyn Roberts Design; Lyn produces yarn tools and notions in sterling silver. For a lover of sparkly jewellery, the thought of yarn notions in sterling silver was far too tempting so the black box above holds a precious crochet hook.   I tried one on the stand and the weight and balance was perfect for me.  Only the best yarns will be hooked by this one!

So for me it was a great show.  The only problem is…..it’s a year to the next Yarndale!

Happy crocheting xx