Opening soon on the Strand Quay next to the Heritage Centre, is Woollen Unwind, a wool shop with a difference. Not only will it be selling wool but it will be a place where people can drop in, have a coffee and sit and knit or crochet in the comfy leather sofa or high backed chairs. With large windows on two sides, it is light and airy, furnished with a vintage haberdashery cabinet and wooden shelves along one wall.
Founder, Lee Hesketh, is keen to make it a cosy and inclusive space. “I want this to be a welcoming, safe space for everyone—knitters, crocheters, coffee lovers, and the curious alike. It will be a community space where people come and strike up a connection, share in their interest and pass on knowledge. Everyone is welcome, all ages. All you have to do is buy a drink or make a purchase and sit, knit and chat. There will also be workshops available in time for those who would like to pick up a new skill or learn new techniques.”
The shop will stock wools to suit a broad range of budgets from acrylic to merino and alpaca, including Romney Marsh Wools, John Arbon yarns and Cottonsoft amongst others. There will be knitting patterns, books from Laine, and knitting needles including some funky ones decorated with shells and beads, along with seaside themed kits to make animals – seagulls with chips in their beaks, crabs, or lobsters.
Lee is keen to use local suppliers: the coffee is being supplied by Rye Bay Coffee and along with Romney Marsh wool, she will be selling their lanolin toiletries.
She is excited about the opening and has had interest from passers-by of all ages, she said. “I came by and there was a young couple standing looking in who were very excited at the idea of this place. The young woman was keen to have somewhere to go to knit with people but didn’t want to go to the pub to do it!”
Keep an eye on @woollenunwind on Instagram for news of the grand opening and opening times.
Image Credits: Lee Hesketh .