WEST YORKSHIRE SPINNERS

The story behind the yarns used in our shawls.

Combining generations of expertise with the latest technology, West Yorkshire Spinners create their beautiful yarns in the original home of the British worsted spinning industry. At the heart of everything they do is their passion for British wool and manufacturing – as they say, their yarn is “reared, sheared and spun in Britain”.

This family-run business, led by Managing Director Peter Longbottom, sources their own raw material, which is then processed into yarn in their Keighley factory. Sales and Marketing Director Richard, Peter’s son, explains: “It’s a huge process, getting from a combed and washed top to a ball of yarn; we put a great deal of time and effort into research and development to ensure the finished product is up to our exacting standards.” Unusually, they also have their own dyehouse, where they produce the glorious colours that make the yarns irresistible.

The shawls in this booklet are all crocheted with WYS yarns. One of their most popular yarns, Signature 4ply, comes in a huge 51 shades (so far!) including solid shades and the self-striping Country Birds, Cocktail, Spice Rack, Sweet Shop and The Florist Collection ranges. This yarn is soft and springy – great for shawls, and socks, too!

Exquisite is a luxurious laceweight yarn spun from 20% mulberry silk and 80% Falkland Island wool, which comes in 10 sophisticated shades. Falkland Island wool is also used in their soft Bo Peep baby yarn, and in Illustrious, a DK weight yarn that also contains 30% British alpaca, for a gorgeous feel.

Lovers of British single-breed fibres will enjoy The Croft, a machine washable aran-weight tweed yarn produced from 100% Shetland Island wool, and the Bluefaced Leicester DK and aran yarns are made from 100% Bluefaced Leicester. The company also produces the lustrous Wensleydale Gems Collection, with 20 stunning jewel-like shades made using 100% Wensleydale fleece.

West Yorkshire Spinners try to keep their yarns affordable, passing on to their customers the savings they make from keeping their yarn local. They want to appeal to crocheters of all ages, saying: “People crochet for fun and fashion and we want this to be reflected in our products. We love to see the amazing garments and accessories people are creating.” Our ve shawls use WYS Signature 4ply, Exquisite and Bluefaced Leicester DK. Go to www.wyspinners.com to nd out more.