My first introduction to yarn festivals was Woolfest, held in Cockermouth, Cumbria. Established in 2005, it was one of the first events of its kind — bringing together the entire fibre process, from fleece fresh off the backs of sheep to finished textiles.
It was a pioneering event, connecting farmers, makers and wool enthusiasts, and it played an important role in supporting the rural economy at a difficult time following the Foot and Mouth crisis.
Woolfest grew steadily over the years, and similar events began to appear across the country. Wool enthusiasts were spoilt for choice. However, the pandemic disrupted the annual show, and the decision was made to bring Woolfest to a close after seventeen years.
When restrictions eased and outdoor events became possible again, I decided to run a yarn festival of my own in 2022. Not at supermarket scale, but something smaller and more considered. Closer to a curated deli than a department store.
The focus was on farmers producing their own yarn, and on businesses working directly with fleece, paying above the market price for it. While I admired larger shows such as Yarndale, I often felt that British wool and farmer-produced yarn were overshadowed by the growing popularity of hand-dyed merino yarn imported from abroad.
We called the event Farmer’s Yarn, and it was rooted in those values.
It meant a great deal that Wool Clip, who founded Woolfest, were part of it and took a stall.
We ran the festival for three years in a field at our local pub, The Farmer’s Arms. It felt like the right setting — with space for gazebos, sheep on site, and shearing demonstrations. But the practical challenges were significant: the weather was unpredictable, the location was difficult to access, and the scale of the work required to bring people there was considerable.
Over time, it became clear that Farmer’s Yarn was not just an event.
The conversations we were having, the fibre itself, and the people working with wool pointed to something more enduring, and with the potential for a wider impact.
The question became: how could this way of working with wool continue beyond a single gathering?