Hi. I’m Lauren, and welcome to Petrichor!
In 2017, 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 was no denying that I missed the local yarn shop and fibre community I left behind…so I decided to create one.
I hope to see you soon!
9 North Bondgate
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 offers 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 gives me space to work on a range of my own woolly projects.
Why does Petrichor stock 100% British wool yarn?
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, bouncy or brittle, 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.
Location & Opening Hours
Friday & Saturday 11am - 4pm
Wool Concierge
9b North Bondgate
Bishop Auckland DL14 7PG
