Yarndale is a festival of yarn and yarny things: knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting…  This year was the first but there is no doubt that there will be more.  Yesterday, apparently, there were queues to get onto the roundabout outside Skipton and queues to get into the venue (Skipton Auction Mart).  Police had to direct people to alternative car parks even though the Auction Mart has parking for more than 1,000 cars. The auction mart pens contained stalls selling yarn, tools, craftwork and accessories:  a feast of colour and texture.  Much of the yarn was natural and hand-dyed creating shades  with depth and subtlety. The small sale ring became a ‘Knit and Natter’ lounge (coordinated by Lucy of Attic 24).  There was some livestock: alpacas and angora bunnies.  The Settle and Giggleswick Brass Band reminded people that this is Yorkshire event with “Barnard Castle”, “Light as Air” and the “Floral Dance”.  Between the railway station and Yarndale,  the path through the park was alive with yarniness including crochet ducks by the canal. Sunshine on the trees, just turning for autumn, and views of the dales created a walk of delight.

Yarndale was organised by a volunteer group but with great professionalism.  It was a triumph! The organisers deserve several rounds of applause.  Here’s to next year!