I’ve had a very pleasant afternoon. I pootled into town on my bike after lunch, and popped in to see Katey at Ramshambles – it’s looking better every time I visit, with lovely new things arriving. She’s got KnitPro needles in now, sadly too late for me as I’ve got full sets of wooden and metal ones, but it’s what we’ve been needing in York.
After that I went to visit my friend Fiona, who opened a feltmaking studio and shop in Barleycorn Yard off Walmgate a few weeks ago. She’s only open at weekends at the moment, and I’m not often in town then, but I finally caught up with her today.
The shop next door also sells handcrafted bits and bobs, and there’s a convenient bench opposite, it was all very pleasant in the sunshine.
There’s a small but choice selection of crafty books, and lots of lovely fabric, buttons and ribbons, with the promise of more to come.There’s also handmade cards and felt-making kits.
The fabric is by Amy Butler, and there’s a selection of her patterns as well. I bought a metre of the green spotty one at the very top to make a knee length skirt, that could be tomorrow’s project.
It’s a lovely old building, with beams and a fireplace, and the furnishings are a nice mix of old, new and quirky – the fibre is in an old suitcase.
The studio is downstairs, and Fiona’s going to be running workshops down there – she’s also going to be selling gift vouchers for workshops, which sounds like a great idea.
It’s early days in the shop as yet, and Fiona has loads of ideas for the future, but it’s all looking great so far. I’m really pleased that she’s opened about the same time as Ramshambles, together with our other crafty shops (Duttons for Buttons, Viking Loom and Craft Basics) they’re starting to make York a destination for crafty-minded people, long may it last.
Oh, and there are Facebook page for Ramshambles and Grace and Jacob – do like them to get the latest news!
I can’t believe I moved away from York just as all these fabulous shops were moving in.
Hoping your having a lovely weekend.
Jill