We’re busy behind the scenes crafting a welcoming space for knitters, crocheters, embroiderers and makers of all kinds. Whether you’re a long-time fibre enthusiast or just beginning your journey into the world of wool, Petrichor will be a place to gather, learn, and be inspired.
A new yarn shop is coming soon to Bishop Auckland
Yarn
100% British wool yarns, with an emphasis on small producers who bring out the best in our native breeds
Needles & Notions
Knitting needles, crochet hooks, stitch markers and more - the right tools make any project easier and more enjoyable
Books & Stationary
A curated selection of books, greeting cards, gift tags, project bags and other curios to surprise and delight
Creative Inspiration
An evolving inspiration board for sharing some of our favourite patterns and experimenting with yarn pairings
Yarn Substitution
Tips and tricks for taking the guesswork out of matching British wool yarns to contemporary patterns and projects
Personalised Support
Because sometimes you just need to ask a living, breathing human
Why British Wool?
1.
First and foremost, British wool is an exquisite material to work with. When we knit, crochet, embroider or weave, we invest countless hours working with yarn. Those hours should be pleasurable. The outcome should be spectacular.
2.
Wool has amazing material properties. It is renewable, biodegradable, fully traceable, insulating, durable and naturally fire retardant. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet, which is why it makes fantastic hats and mittens.
3.
Not all wool is the same. Each of the 60 breeds of sheep in the UK grows wool with distinct characteristics: soft or sleek, brittle or bouncy, curly or crimpy, the list goes on. These same characteristics also give us a wide range of yarns to choose from.
Bottom line: Passionate small producers in the UK are making and dyeing British wool yarns that rival the softest imported merino and outperform synthetic fibres derived from petrochemicals. You just need to know where to look. At Petrichor, you will find a curated collection of some of the finest British wool yarns designed by people who know how to bring out the best in native breeds.
Hello. I’m Lauren, and welcome to my wild new adventure!
Nearly 10 years ago, I took a beginner’s knitting class on a whim as a way to meet people after moving to a new town. Little did I know that I was about to tumble head-over-heels down a rabbit hole that would lead to a whole new world of possibilities. Among other surprises, I’ve become absolutely obsessed with wool, the sheep it comes from, and the process of transforming fleece into yarn and eventually into a jumper.
Fast-forward several years, and my husband and I moved again—this time to northeast England. I love living in the countryside and watching sheep ambling across the field behind our house. But there’s no denying that I miss the local yarn shop and fibre community I left behind…so I decided to create one.
This project has evolved significantly since I first bought the vacant, semi-derelict building at 9 North Bondgate. And it will no doubt continue to evolve in the coming years. But for now, a beautiful wool shop downstairs will offer everything you need to make a one-of-a-kind garment or project that you’ll love for years to come (or be proud to gift). While the studio upstairs will give me space to work on a range of woolly projects that I promise to share as soon as I can.
I hope to see you there!
Want to stay in the loop?
9 North Bondgate
Bishop Auckland DL14 7PG