THIS year, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the popular Yarndale festival is going digital and will be held online. Normally held at Skipton Auction Mart and attracting over 7,500 visitors over two days, this year’s Yarndale has been renamed Yarndale@Home and will take place via their website on the weekend of September 26 and 27 (10am-4.30pm).

Over 125 exhibitors will be taking part in the show over the weekend, with unique video content, demonstrations and tutorials as well as live, interactive sessions.

Feedback from the exhibitors and the Yarndale community has been extremely positive with everyone embracing the new concept and looking forward to sharing and celebrating the Yarndale creative spirit and experience virtually after a challenging few months.

As part of the schedule and following last year’s success, Scheepjes will again present a series of live talks online, hosted by Matt (A Boy with Bunting) featuring contributors from the UK, Sweden, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Western Australia.

Kate Beard from the Yarndale team said: “We are delighted to extend our reach this year to welcome people from all over the world and we know that crafting friends from as far afield as New Zealand, Australia and the USA will be joining us from the comfort of their own homes. Holding the show online removes any geographical or accessibility restrictions and we’re pleased that we can continue to support and promote our exhibitors, local businesses and Skipton in these challenging times, as well as spreading a little happiness and joy to our crafting community.”

It’s been a busy year for the Yarndale team.

As well as planning Yarndale@Home, they have recently collaborated with local manufacturer, West Yorkshire Spinners, in producing a sock yarn for the Yarndale community with an exclusive colourway.

The yarn incorporates the vibrant hues of its 2020 mascot, Hope the sheep, and is called Yarndale Hope Sock Yarn.

For more information about Yarndale@Home, visit their website at: www.yarndale.co.uk.