Emily Foulds
Gorgeous artisan yarns fill the shelves of the Lancashire shop run by Laili Cleasby
LAILI CLEASBY is the owner of Emily Foulds, the yarn shop based in The Yarn Loft in Colne, Lancashire, which is beloved by customers for its range of artisan yarns and tools. We chatted to Laili about what life is like as a yarn shop owner.
How did you come to run a yarn store?
“I have always enjoyed knitting; I have my two wonderful grandmothers to thank for teaching me. My life surrounded by beautiful yarns was never planned. Some years ago I started going to yarn shows, and knew that this was the world I belonged in. I started attending yarn shows initially and then launched my website, Emilyfoulds.com. My beautiful shop was only ever meant to be a storage unit, as the business outgrew my house. How lucky that the ‘bricks and mortar’ became successful and a haven for yarn lovers like me from East Lancashire and beyond.”
Are customers able to visit your store?
“We are currently in the third UK lockdown, so although we cannot have customers in the shop, our online store is open. We are also operating an appointment-only system, which has proved really successful. Customers can book 20-minute appointments via the website, which is great for people who would like some help choosing colours for their next project.”
What brands do you stock?
“I am so proud to stock some of the most beautiful yarns produced on the planet. We have yarns from The Fibre Co., Yarntelier, Pascuali, Jamieson & Smith, West Yorkshire Spinners, Malabrigo, Adriafil, Lang, Erika Knight, Walcot Yarns, Einrum, and Isager.”
Which yarns are currently proving the most popular with your customers?
“During the lockdown and over the past couple of months, yarns which are soft and luxurious to the touch have been the most popular. Isager Mohair Lace and Yarntelier Cashmere Lace have been particularly popular recently. Customers have wanted yarns which are comforting.”
What would you say are the highlights and challenges of running a yarn shop?
“I am so lucky that I have had more highlights than challenges in running a yarn shop. Obviously now in a pandemic, there are some unusual challenges that no one could have planned for. I am blessed to have wonderful and caring customers, who make every challenge worthwhile. The main highlight for me as a yarn shop owner is seeing someone develop their own handmade wardrobe.”
What has been the best piece of advice you’ve been given by another member of the knitting community?
“One of my eldest customers is Auntie Florence, who is well into her 80s. She lives in the Lake District and travels nearly two hours to visit my shop. She is a huge fan of The Fibre Co. Road to China Light – I asked her about her love of luxury yarns, and she said that you must always knit with the best quality yarns, as your current project may be your last…”
What has been your proudest achievement?
“My proudest moment was being part of the iKnit7 Extravaganza events in 2020. I was so happy and proud to be part of such an amazing yarn shop collective.
“I’m also pleased with what I have been able to achieve with my new website, even though it is a work in progress still. Keep an eye out for the new Design Library.”
Are you a knitter yourself?
“Yes, and I try to complete at least one project a year in a yarn and in a pattern that I don’t stock in the shop. Right now I am knitting Tin Can Knits’ ‘Love Note’ in some hand-spun merino and hand-dyed mohair I picked up a yarn retreat.”