There was only thing I wanted to do to celebrate my recent milestone birthday - visit my two daughters with my husband. Be with my tribe, in fact. As both girls live in London, this was easy to achieve, and offered many possibilities for what we might do during this long weekend in late November 2022.
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| Birthday to do list: cuddle my daughter Eilidh's new puppy, eat cake and drink champagne |
Since this mini-break was predominantly about me, I was also able to realise a long held desire to visit Tribe Yarns. Accompanied by daughter, Maddy, and my husband, Geoff, we travelled from London to Richmond-Upon Thames, the home of Tribe, on the most gorgeous winter day.  |
| Maddy and Geoff in Richmond park |
What holiday for me nowadays doesn't involve a trip to a yarn store? Especially when the only souvenir I want is some lovely yarn to remind me of my holiday! With birthday money burning a hole in my pocket and couldn't wait to look around.
Richmond was buzzing with only four shopping Saturdays left 'til Christmas but we dodged the crowds and walked to Tribe, a short distance from the railway station, along pretty streets lined with tempting boutiques and found the yarn shop nestled in at 17 Richmond Hill. Curator of this cornucopia of yarn and notions is Millie Abrams, who could not have been more welcoming. Here's what Millie says about her own shop:
We have put extra special care into selecting the fibres and materials that will give you the most intense pleasure in the priceless minutes you choose to spend with your yarn and yourself. It's our obsession.
Millie graciously allowed me to take these pictures during my visit. I hardly knew where to start but urged my daughter to chose any skein that took her fancy from the rainbow wall behind us so I could make something for her. Maddy and Geoff then left me to fondle the merchandise, whilst they sought out a suitable hostelry.
The first thing that struck me in Tribe was the wonderful array of displays : a peg board, many hangers, an armoire and bureau as well as hoops and cubbies. So much gorgeous yarn to peruse. 
Check out this marvellous printers tray, chock full of beautiful buttons.
Now - let's talk about these fluffies - adorable alpacas and the prettiest pom poms.
I had never seen so many knit and crochet samples in a yarn shop. Shawls, scarves, blankets and garments galore - they were artistically festooned, draped and hung over every available table-top, rail and bannister. They made me want to make EVERYTHING!
It's easy to feel like a kid in a sweetie shop when faced with such a selection of delectable yarns. Before my visit I had a good look at the shop's website, from the comfort of home, where I could match potential purchases with patterns in my library.
I also try to buy yarn I can't find elsewhere. Here I am, post visit, proudly cradling this scrumptious skein of cashmere/silk Artyarns Ensemble Light, bought with birthday pennies from my sister-in-law. It's the most luxurious yarn I've ever bought. Pure indulgence and the perfect splurge!
Also in my shopping basket was a very vibrant skein of Tribe Vibe Merino which was Maddy's choice. I was secretly delighted she picked this. It's unique to Tribe as it's hand dyed in small batches by Urth Yarns exclusively for the shop. When I asked Millie about notions, she recommended these jolly Cocoknits stitch stoppers and kindly gifted me a Tribe tote bag to keep all my goodies together.
Back home, I was eager to cast on and held the Tribe Vibe Merino together with some fluffy Drops Air from my stash to make these fingerless mitts for Maddy.
By February my needles were clear of other pressing projects and I was able to cast on the beautiful Artyarn. I chose the Winter Wander Shawl by Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade. It's my fifth time making it! If you scroll right back to the top of this post, you'll see me sporting a pink version and I'm wearing it standing beside Millie. I always grab this shawl from my wardrobe as it's my favourite go-to neckwear. Three of the others I've knitted were gifts. I knew this would was the perfect partner for my precious souvenir yarn.
The pattern includes a lace section and I chose to use Drops Kidsilk in the palest cream. The blend of mohair and silk compliments the Artyarn and is as light as a feather.
I selected clear beads to enhance the picot edge. They add weight making the shawl drape beautifully - plus they look like tiny dewdrops.
A few weeks after I started knitting, the shawl was finished. I had fun styling it with my clothes, especially these two charity shop blouses, but it'll also go well with my linen daisy dress and new flowery rain-jacket.The weather in Aberdeenshire is currently very changeable so today I've styled my new shawl with a light top as well as my cosy jacket! I'm thrilled with my purchases from Tribe Yarns and knitting with them has been truly pleasurable. It warms my heart to think Maddy's mitts are also keeping one of my family tribe toasty too! Tribe Yarns can be found at :
17 Richmond Hill, Richmond, TW10 6RE
Phone : 020 8940 0999
Email : connect@tribeyarns.com
