Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Shop

12/05/2026

4 Research based reasons to teach your child to knit:

1. Improved self-control.
A 2023 study asked elementary school children to complete inhibition-control tasks after a short knitting session. Researchers found the knitting group performed better on both emotional and non emotional self regulation tasks compared to the control group.

2.Better attention & focus.
A 2025 study found that participants performed better on attention tests after just 20 minutes of crochet. Researchers also observed changes in brain networks linked to attention.

3.Stronger learning skills.
Knitting combines counting, sequencing, pattern recognition, reading instructions, and problem solving all within one activity, which is why fiber crafts are often discussed in hands on education research.

4.Supports motor coordination.
Knitting requires sustained hand movement, visual tracking, coordination, and concentration at the same time. Developmental research has consistently linked fine motor development with broader cognitive development in children.

Sources:

1. Frontiers in Psychology

2.Scientific Reports / PubMed Sebastiano et al. (2025)

3. Craft Yarn Council - ‘Why Teach Knit & Crochet?’

4.Harvard Center on the Developing Child + Child Mind Institute

05/05/2026

Settle in with a new release on the big screen while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere perfect for knitting, crocheting and stitching alongside fellow enthusiasts. To help you stitch with ease, the cinema lighting will be gently raised. Plus enjoy complimentary tea, filter coffee and biscuits!

Our first special screening is The Devil Wears Prada 2 (12A)
6 May | 11am
Book now: https://ow.ly/Any950YV1uq

28/01/2026

If you’re planing a holiday in the dales or live locally I can highly recommend this - such a fabulous day

Such a brilliant day at Chapel Kitchen with our recent Sourdough Inclusions class!

This session was a follow-up to our sourdough course and focused on how to take your loaves to the next level using inclusions. There was lots of baking, plenty of time spent talking through issues people had been having at home, and loads of new ideas shared (especially for using up that ever-growing sourdough discard!).

Add in a lovely shared lunch, great conversations, and some truly beautiful bread, and it made for a really special day.

If you’ve been thinking about learning how to bake sourdough, please get in touch or take a look at upcoming courses on our website:
www.chapelkitchen.co.uk

27/01/2026

27/11/2025

It started with two brilliant women.

My mum, Liz, and her great friend Betty have spent the last year knitting. Not just one or two bits for the winter. They have created more than 100 hats, scarves and gloves.

Real items. Beautifully handmade. Every purl and knit made with care.

Today, they donated the whole collection to The People’s Kitchen. A brilliant charity that gives warmth, food and support to people facing real hardship.

And Changing Lives, who go out every day of the year day at 6.30am to support those experiencing rough sleeping.

By the time you read this, they will be giving them to people who will be spending this winter on the streets.

Seeing these hats and scarves laid out sparked an idea 💡

Liz and Betty have done the hard work. They've given their time, their energy and their hearts. I started thinking about how others could join in - without the need to take up knitting.

Here it is.

A simple, warm and slightly quirky way to help.

You can buy an Invisible Hat!

You don’t receive a hat.

Nothing arrives in the post.

But by buying an Invisible Hat, you make a donation.

The donation goes to The People’s Kitchen and Changing Lives so they can continue to do their incredible work.

Elizabeth and Betty have created the real hats. Your Invisible Hat is your way of standing beside them.

It feels fun.

It feels light.

It feels right.

And it does something meaningful.

If you would like to take part, you can find out more and buy an invisible hat by visiting the Invisible Hat website.

Link is in the comments but if you go to InvivibleHat and add a .co.uk you'll find it.

They’re a bargain!

Thank you for taking a moment to read this.

Thank you for supporting two generous women in their eighties who have been quietly knitting all year.

And thank you for sending a little extra warmth out into the world.

Be Brilliant!

Michael

12/11/2025

19/10/2025

Our stock clearance sale will end soon in our Online Store, time is limited. All items reduced are summarised in our Clearance category.

We still have Buttertubs across all 3 weights (a glorious shade of yellow).
Aran weight in Marshmallow, Mizzle and Wild Thyme, and Natural Black. 4ply in 50g balls - we have used 2 ends to knit some lovely jumpers (Beryl Jacket, Lynne Waistcoat and Hunton jumpers in particular). Stock is going down all the time so if you want to grab a bargain don't leave it too long - there is no more!

28/09/2025

Well here we are on our very last Wool show day! Come and join us at Yarndale in Skipton. We are on Stand F27-28 until 4:30.

27/09/2025

We are all set for our very last Wool Show here at Yarndale in Skipton. You'll find us on Stand F27-28.

We'll be selling off our samples, garments and other goodies, as well as our wool!

Our online store will be mostly browse only during this weekend, however you can still purchase and download Patterns!


Yarndale

06/09/2025

So true - we’ve suspended shipping to the US - such a shame 🥲

Tariffs are destroying a hobby enjoyed by millions—stitch by stitch. https://slate.trib.al/LRA1Dhw