Wenches Charge!

The Web Wench has returned from an exhausting safari to find shops in northern England that meet the exacting standards of Wenches. She slogged through rain, she sat on coaches, she wandered lost through pedestrian malls and has returned with what she hopes is a useful list of whom to call for what. Each shop or seller listed here has been personally determined to be worthy by the Web Wench herself.

The top shop the Web Wench found is in York. It's called The Viking Loom and is just in the Shambles, near York Minster. They have an excellent selection of general needlework items and plenty of slate frames. They ship to the US, no problem. Very nice and helpful staff.
The Viking Loom
22 High Petergate, York
Tel: 01904-620587
vikingloom@vikingloom.co.uk
www.vikingloom.co.uk

There is a yarn and knitting shop in York as well. If you are looking for yarn for a traditional guernsey, give them a call. Not only do they have the usual navy blue, they have other colors as well. Web Wench had a lovely chat with the gent behind the counter, who really knew his fibers, but didn't give his name.
Woolfayre Ltd.
46 The Shambles
York YO1 7LX
Tel: 01677-422659
Fax:10677-425759

Wye Needleworks was a stop the Web Wench made after leaving Hardwick Hall. There she found the traditional linen twill used for crewel work by the bolt. They'll sell lengths by either meter or yard. Web Wench got a meter while she was there and will never regret it.
Wye Needlecraft
2 Royal Oak Place
Matlock Street
Bakewell
Derbys, DE45 1HD
Tel: 01629-815198
www.wye.co.uk
wye@globalnet.co.uk

Voirrey Needlework center started life as a mail order shop. Voirrey is a Manx girl's name and rhymes with 'sorry' so you Wenches can sound in the know when you call. Web Wench took a stumpwork class there from a Royal School graduate and also bought 90 centimeters of British Satin, a 100% cotton used for surface embroidery or crewel.
Voirrey Embroidery
Brimstage Hall
Wirral, England L63 6JA
Tel: 0151-342-3514
Fax: 0151-342-5161

While at the Muncaster Castle and Owl Center (don't ask) this Wench heard about a crewel kit based on a 17th century tapestry. Having just been allowed to examine and handle the unrestored original, the Web Wench snapped it up. Inside the kit she found information about Phillipa Tur nbull, who makes her living creating kits like this and teaching. The kit the Web Wench got is on linen twill and has Appleton's crewel yarn in it.
The Crewel Work Company
Phillipa Tur nbull
Pembroke House
Appleby-in-Westmoreland CA16 6TS
Tel: 017683-53683
info@crewelwork.co.uk

All the needlework shops carry Appleton's crewel yarn. Ask and ye shall be guided with color choices. You must ASK for a VAT refund, it's a hassle for the shops but many of them will assist with a refund or adjust what you pay for the items when shipping overseas. There is a minimum amount you have to spend to get a refund in many cases. The minimum amount is not the same from shop to shop. Remember to ask for your VAT! Take note, most British shops open around 10:00 and close at 5:00 or perhaps 6:00.

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