Unravelling Norwich's Yarn Delights: A yarn crawl
Elm Hill, one of Norwich’s most historic streets (featured in many movies, including Stardust!)
As I expand and document the yarn stores I have been lucky to visit around the world, this latest blog post talks about two from the city I grew up in -Norwich. The two stores are:
Norfolk Yarn
The Yarn and Craft Store
Some of you may not know, but although I currently live in Canada, I am from the UK. Specifically, the county of Norfolk. It’s an area of England that isn’t often on people’s visit lists, but it should be. There are gorgeous coastlines in North Norfolk and quaint towns and villages.
Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, is the historic city of Norwich. It’s the city I grew up in, and it’s changed quite a lot since then! Over the last decade or so, it has become a thriving arts and crafts scene, full of independent stores lining the historic, cobbled streets. While I was visiting over Christmas, I had the pleasure of exploring two of the handful of yarn stores that are available to us fibre lovers: Norfolk Yarn and The Yarn and Craft Store.
Images from the Norfolk Yarn store. I loved the Christmas tree!
Norfolk Yarn
My first stop was Norfolk Yarn, a gem nestled in the very popular ‘Lanes’ area of the city centre. The warm and inviting atmosphere of the store immediately captivates visitors. The shelves are adorned with an extensive selection of natural yarns, both locally dyed and commercial, in various textures and hues, catering to knitters and crocheters of all skill levels. The knowledgeable staff at Norfolk Yarn were eager to assist, helping me find exactly what I needed.
Images from The Yarn and Craft Store, found inside Norwich’s historic market (pictured on the left)
The Yarn and Craft Store
Venturing into Norwich's outdoor market (active for over 900 years!), I stopped by The Yarn and Craft Store, a bustling hub of creativity. There was yarn here to suit all budgets and again, friendly staff on hand to advise you on the best yarn for your projects.
In conclusion, Norwich's yarn stores are not just retail spaces; but vibrant communities where creativity flourishes. Norfolk Yarn and The Yarn and Craft Store foster a rich and diverse crafting culture, making them a must-visit destination for yarn enthusiasts near and far.
I have since discovered East Anglian Yarn Crawl, which lists yarn stores across the region, which I would love to try and participate in across my visits home.
Let me know in the comments if you’re from Norfolk; which yarn store is your favourite?
If you want to read more about the yarn stores I visited in 2023, you can find more blogs here.
Make sure to follow me on social media to see video footage of the yarn stores described above.