Old Friends, New Stitches

There is truly nothing like old friends. The ones you can depend on. The ones you grow to admire more and more with each passing year. We’re lucky to have made so many friends at Loop, and this week we’re celebrating two who have been with us right from the start. A new collection by Julie Arkell and two upcoming classes with Hikaru Noguchi are bringing our dear ones close!

When Loop first opened in 2005, knits by Hikaru Noguchi were one of the first handmade collections we stocked. Over the years we’ve welcomed Hikaru and her work into the shop over and over again, in so many different guises: her incredible darning tools, her books, her workshops.

This summer we’re thrilled to welcome her back once again to lead two Darning Workshops and a Darning Brooch Workshop. As one of our queens of darning, it’s really special to have the opportunity to learn this craft from Hikaru. The Darning Workshops will take place on Sunday the 21st of June, with one morning session and one afternoon session. It is suitable for anyone interested in darning, whether you’re a total beginner or you’re looking to perfect your skill with the help of a pro. It’ll start with the basics — how to use darning tools, how to choose the right yarn — and by the end you’ll be applying what you’ve learned to your own garments that need mending.

The Darning Brooch Workshop on Saturday the 20th of June takes the practical skills of darning and elevates them to an art form. Using a combination of darning stitches and a a specially prepared materials kit (think high-quality fabrics, ribbons, beads, and other decorations) you’ll make your own palm-size (or smaller) brooch. All the skills you’ll need will be taught in the class, but absolute beginners might find this one a bit challenging. Everything you learn can be applied to mending, too!

If you can’t join Hikaru in person, we have several of her wonderful books on creative mending as well as exquisite tools like her handmade Darning Mushrooms and Darning Jellyfish!

New Julie Arkell Collection

Another friend and artist who has been with us from the very earliest days of Loop is Julie Arkell. Taking in a new collection from her is like finding a new room in your house. Each time we receive more wonderous pieces it feels like a whole new world opens up. We’re delighted to have a brand new, incredible range of her work in the shop now. From iconic Julie Arkell creatures like “A Distinct Other-Ness” to fuzzy pals like “A Woolly Wonder” and the fabulous “Wool Forever Red Truck“, this collection is full of evocative wonders.

Beginner Classes

We have new dates for our Beginner Knitting and Beginner Crochet classes! Beginner Knitting will be held on Sunday the 31st of May and Sunday the 7th of June with instruction from Rhona Mackillop, a Loopette of many years who also works as a freelance designer for high-end luxury fashion brands. In six hours of tuition across these two Sundays, you’ll learn all you need to know to start your knitting journey. Hosted at Loop neighbour Frequency Coffee, this course will be a blast. Beginner Crochet will run on the 6th and 13th of June — both Saturdays. These sessions will be taught by Loopette Evie Eden and will give you the confidence you need to explore the wide world of crochet. Hosted right here at Loop, there’s no better way to learn!

New Colours of Biches & Bûches Le Coton + Alpaca

More delights from Biches & Bûches! Hot on the heels of Le Lambswool‘s arrival, we have received three new colours of Le Coton + Alpaca, a truly delightful base. “Light Peach”, “Summer Dust”, and “Medium Grey Beige” join the shimmery ranks of this yarn, whose radient undertones give a little extra oomph to the overtone. This yarn is light and soft with a slightly heavier drape than wool — perfect for shoulder season knits!

New Buttons!

Spring has well and truly sprung, and we’re feeling super inspired by the abundance of flowers around London. One of our favourite ways to bring the joys of spring into our knits is with finishing touches like buttons, and we have three fantastic new options this week. Colourful Little Flower Buttons, dainty Wooden Flower Buttons, and retro Wooden Dots + Flower Buttons bring three different floral vibes to your makes. These are just a few of the latest arrivals in our huge collection of Buttons. Check out the whole range!

Selvedge Issue 130 – Flower

Speaking of flowers, we’ve just received the latest issue of Selvedge magazine, which explores the enduring relationship between textiles and the botanical world. From dye materials to decorative motifs, Selvedge Issue 130 – Flower is all about the ways plants inspire and influence craft, looking at phenomenal examples from around the world. Pick up your copy today!

Chubby Jelly Scissors

We adore these scissors! Chubby Jelly Scissors are super comfortable to hold, ultra precise, and of course stylish, too. Sharp in every sense of the word, these are a fantastic addition to any crafting basket and a fantastic gift for your favourite maker (and they come in an easy-to-giftwrap box as well!)

Happy crafting!