New shop update

Staff wanted!

Our new premises in Berwick Upon Tweed are still a dusty, noisy building site but the decorators are starting tomorrow so it suddenly all feels quite real! There is so much to organise, I have appointments with the local officers from Building Control, the Fire Brigade and Environmental Health, all of whom require written policies and procedures to be in place. I’m also approaching small independent suppliers of all things woolly as well as sourcing beautiful, all natural, dressmaking fabrics.

By far the most important thing I’m doing however, is trying to pull together a little team. I am planning to open the new shop 6 days a week with at least two staff so I’m looking for hard working, crafty minded people who enjoy a really diverse range of activities!

Above is ChatGPT’s mock up of our shop front, it is NOT the colour we are going with, that’s a surprise for another day. It does show our new name though, which I hope represents who we are. Adding the word “Fold” is intended to evoke both the gathering of sheep, wool and a community of artisans, creatives and all those who enjoy life in the slow lane. The wonderful community that has grown with Whistlebare, over the last decade, is the heart of everything we are aspiring to create.

This is wonderful Cranky, knitter of our glorious mohair socks and other accessories. Cranky will be taking up residence in the workshop end of the new shop along with a plethora of other yarn processing and sewing machines. I am looking for team members who either have knitting or sewing skills or are interested in learning them. I would like Whistlebare Fold to become a quirky and eccentric destination where you can enjoy an hour or two choosing your next garment. Either to knit or sew yourself or perhaps purchase a ready made treat knitted on site or by a local artisan.

I know that most of our readers live on the other side of the country, if not the other side of the world, but should you happen to be local and wanting a job in Berwick Upon Tweed please do get in touch! Even if not for yourself please do share this newsletter with anyone you think maybe interested, I would be most grateful.

Finally, in what seems to be becoming a weekly roundup of who is being naughty on the farm, I leave you with a photo of a group of miscreants and our new hay!

Studio at Whistlebare is open on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10.30am until 3pm or any other day/time if I’m about. Drop me a text on 07775 501068 to confirm, you are always welcome and there is no obligation to buy.

Very best wishes,

Alice

The Feeling Farne colourwork yoke sweater pattern is now available as part of a yarn kit, exclusively at Whistlebare. Pay only for the yarn you need for your size - the pattern is included with the bundle at no additional cost!

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