This Week at Over The Hook – Confessions, Courgettes & Cake Sellouts

July 19, 2026

Let's start with a little win — on Monday I finished knitting a pair of socks in the most beautiful hand-dyed yarn, picked up at a yarn festival. I have, if I'm honest, an embarrassing number of skeins of hand-dyed yarn from various indie dyers. It's a collection. A considered collection. And next week, when Helen and I finally make it to the Summer Wool Festival in Ampthill, that collection will almost certainly grow.

This is life as a yarn shop owner. One week you're finishing socks, the next you're abandoning a Gansey and justifying a festival yarn haul as professional development. Welcome to Confessions of a Yarn Shop Owner — the weekly diary of running an indie yarn shop in Lowestoft, where the yarn is beautiful, the community is everything, and there is always something on the hook.

Because then I have a confession to make.

I started the Gansey. I really did. I had every intention of seeing it through. But somewhere between casting on and the first few rows, it just wasn't happening for me. You know that feeling when a pattern and your hook simply aren't on speaking terms? That was me and the Gansey. So, in true express yourself fashion, I ditched it and went back to a pattern I'd been eyeing up for a while — Hey There Sailor, a gorgeous crochet jumper by Cassie Ward. I'm crocheting mine in Stylecraft Life DK and I am absolutely smitten with it. Nautical, fun, and already feeling much more like me. Sometimes you just have to be brave enough to change course. Madonna would approve.

What's Been On The Needles (and Hooks)

It's been a brilliant week in the groups. Tillie Mai has been popping in and bringing all the good energy as always. Barbara has finished a beautiful top in King Cole's Norse 4ply — the stitch definition in that yarn is just stunning, and she's done it absolute justice.

Our very own Mosaic Crochet Guru, Lynne, has been working her magic helping Becca with her envelope border — if you haven't seen Lynne's mosaic work, you are missing out. Seriously.

Francis has finished a breathtaking shawl — and was camera shy about it, so Adie stepped in for the photo. The shawl looked fabulous. Adie looked fabulous. Everyone wins.

And then there's Mandy. Mandy has been quietly and brilliantly knitting bags, jumpers, and dresses from Little Cotton Rabbit knitting patterns — tiny outfits for knitted rabbits and woodland creatures. They are, without question, the most adorable things I have ever seen. I've decided Mandy needs to knit one in every colour of Stylecraft Special DK. Only 120 more to go, Mandy. You've got this.

Saturday Workshop — Sunflower Squares with Bonnie

Saturday saw the second session of our Sunflower Bag Workshop with the wonderful Bonnie — the first one sold out so fast we had to run it again, which tells you everything you need to know. Everyone got stuck into learning how to crochet the sunflower squares in Stylecraft Special DK that will eventually become their bags. Nobody went home with a finished bag just yet — but they went home with new skills, a pile of beautiful squares in progress, and a very good reason to come back. The plan is to have enough squares made over the next two weeks to assemble the finished bags at the next session. We can't wait to see them come together!

And if that's got you excited — just wait. Bonnie is already working on a fantastic new workshop for Autumn and we think you're going to love it. Watch this space. 🌻

Down on the Allotment

We are, to put it mildly, overrun with courgettes and squash. It's a full-on vegetable situation down there. [Photos to follow — brace yourselves.]

A Very Special Retreat Announcement

We are absolutely thrilled to confirm that Esther and her team from Kadoush Soul Space will be joining us at the Yarn Retreat! Esther will be offering interpreted individual art prayer pieces, hand massages, and a peaceful space to step away from the wonderful, glorious, slightly overwhelming hustle and bustle of retreat life. It's going to be a truly special corner of the weekend.

The Coffee Shop Chronicles

Saturday in the coffee shop was something else. We sold out. Completely. Cake — gone. Quiche — gone. And the star of the show: a special Homity Pie made with allotment courgettes. Gone before we knew what hit us. If you missed it, I'm sorry. If you got a slice, you're welcome.

A special mention this week to our foster boys, who rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to help David in the coffee shop. We couldn't be prouder of them — they were brilliant, and David was very grateful for the extra pairs of hands. It really does take a village. ❤️

Ticket Launch — and a Queue Worthy of Wimbledon

And finally — the big one. Ticket sales for the Yarn Retreat launched on Sunday, and I am still not over it. We welcomed everyone coming into the shop with coffee and pastries — because if you're going to queue for retreat tickets, you deserve to be fed. Over half the tickets sold in the first half hour. We had ladies waiting outside before we even opened the doors, like they were queuing for Centre Court. Honestly, it was one of those moments that makes everything worth it — and a reminder of why running an indie yarn shop in a small town is the best job in the world.

I will be completely transparent with you: I was running on very little sleep and a great deal of coffee, having spent Saturday night celebrating Holly's 40th Birthday in fine style. Sunday morning arrived with some force. The coffee I served to our lovely ticket-buyers may have been as much for me as it was for them. No regrets. Happy birthday Holly. 🎉

The Over The Hook Yarn Retreat — 4th October 2026

Tickets are still available — but not for long. If you missed the launch frenzy, now is your moment. Here's what your £85 gets you:

🏨 A beautiful day at the Park Hill Hotel, Lowestoft
☕ Refreshments and a delicious lunch included
🧶 A yarn goodie bag (yes, really)
🧵 Workshops with all materials provided — just bring yourself and your enthusiasm
⭐ A Meet the Designer session with the wonderful Cassie Ward — yes, that Cassie Ward, designer of Hey There Sailor
🛒 A pop-up shop because of course there is
🙏 Plus the peaceful presence of Esther and Kadoush Soul Space for hand massages, art prayer pieces, and a little sanctuary when you need it