Specialist knitting shop relocates

YarnFest, formerly based at Hilliers Garden Centre, Hermitage, officially opened its new store in the former Hermitage exchange in Long Lane on Saturday, May 24.
Around 150 guests attended the opening and had the chance to learn more about the processes that go into making a skein of wool with spinning demonstrations taking place, including displays of knitted jewellery.
And it proved popular as 112 transactions were carried out on the day, as did the shops cafe.
The shop is run and owned by Christine Prater and her husband Don who set up the business in July 2011.
Commenting on the re-opening Mrs Prater said: “It went absolutely brilliantly. We weren’t sure what would happen with the weather but it went fantastically.
"The space means we can do a lot more in there like more work shops. Previously everyone was on top of each other whereas now it’s easier flowing.”
Mrs Prater said that the move provided the business with more independence.
She said: “We were reliant on Hilliers for opening and closing times but we can now do exactly what we want to do.”
Mrs Prater said that the shop would be holding late night openings on Thursdays and that the popular knit and natter evenings would continue.
She added that the business was going strongly and that more people were visiting the shop at its new location.