Welcome to Flock. We are a Wool Shop & Haberdashery based in the seaside town of St Leonards on Sea, offering a range of beautiful, natural knitting yarn & hand picked tools & notions to make all of your projects joyful.
A Sense of Place: UK Produced Yarn
The UK has a long, long history of wool production, with over 60 native breeds. Each one has evolved to suit the climate in their particular area, from Welsh Mountains to Yorkshire Hills, Southern Downs and Marshland and everywhere in between. When you buy UK produced knitting yarn, you are supporting local farmers and small producers, and choosing a reduced carbon footprint and higher ethical and manufacturing standards.
New at Flock
From around 1875 to 1950, Dutch fishermen wore sweaters with characteristic knit and purl stitch patterns, sometimes cable. These jerseys, known as ganseys, became an intrinsic part of the identity of the Dutchmen who wore them. Many of the children in these fishing families wore ganseys too, and numerous photos have been discovered in recent years of schoolchildren dressed in the knitwear seen on their fishermen fathers.
Stella Ruhe returns with over 40 sweaters to knit from 30 different Dutch villages this time, for your little ones to wear and ramble in. Based on the original designs shared by families and discovered in archives, Stella has created recreations of these historically important garments for our contemporary life that ooze classic style with modern minimalism. With these designs, you are offered not only a chance to pay homage to the women who lovingly knitted the jumpers and to share in a beautiful Dutch tradition, but also give something for your child to treasure for years to come.
The sizes of the ganseys run from 1- to 14-years old, but can easily be adjusted to any child’s size by following Stella's straightforward measuring instructions in her chapter on knitting know-how. In the same chapter you learn that every gansey is a standard shape, meaning the beauty of each sweater is in the variation of pattern motifs and finishing details, which varies from village to village. In the gallery of knitting designs, each jumper is accompanied by knitting charts the pattern repeat clearly shown for easy garment adjusting, a diagram of the jumper and styled, modern photography.
With a wealth of fascinating background information and historical photos of the original designs alongside every design, this is an inspiring book for the ambitious knitter looking for unique, classic knitwear, and a brilliant read for anyone interested in craft, culture and heritage.
In this hands-on workbook, Patty Lyons brings her classroom experience straight into your home with exercises, designed to illustrate the lessons and techniques she explores in her book of knitting tricks and hacks. If you’re a tactile learner or you want to get the most out of Knitting Bag of Tricks, you’ll want to pick up this practical workbook and use it as you read along with the book.
With step-by-step instructions, this workbook guides you through knitting swatches that help you practice the techniques Patty teaches, get to know your own knitting, and understand the ‘why’ as well as the ‘how.’ Patty's clear instructions guide you through each exercise, making it feel like she's right there with you.
Plus there is lots of space for note-taking, adding your own samples, and developing your ability to ‘read’ your knitting. In addition, there are fun ways to chart your knitting journey and the progress you are making with stickers and other interactive features. Fill this workbook with your ‘swatchservations’ as you observe your knitting improve!
Use this workbook as a catalyst to become a more confident knitter! Set goals, identify challenges, and choose projects that help you stretch your skills. With space to track an entire year’s worth of projects focused on learning, this workbook is more than an expansion of Patty Lyons’ Knitting Bag of Tricks, it’s a sidekick to your growth as a knitter.
Ready to enhance your knitting skills? Let Patty Lyons' workbook be your guide.
Embark on a knitting journey through the captivating landscapes of Shetland, the Hebrides, Gotland and Blidö with best-selling author and knitwear designer Erika Åberg.
This stunning book features 20 timeless patterns inspired by the sea, wind and spirit of each island, perfect for knitters seeking one-of-a-kind garments infused with a touch of coastal magic.
From the outer Hebrides, whose 'poetry, history and stories are visible in the landscape', to Shetland, 'an island world of colours, light and patterns', discover the joy of creating unique pieces that reflect the essence of these captivating destinations.
Each chapter begins with an evocative and personal introduction to one of the islands, exploring its history and culture. This is followed by five stunning knitting patterns per chapter.
Each of the 20 exquisite hand-knitting patterns, from cozy sweaters and warm socks to stylish shawls, contains detailed pattern instructions and easy-to-follow colour charts.
The essential techniques section at the start covers all the key knitting information you need, including tips on increasing and decreasing, working with more than one yarn colour and grafting.
For knitters who are interested in the provenance and heritage of the sheep and wool the designs are knitted with, the book also contains a fascinating insight into the islands' native breeds, desirable properties of wool and an insight into the tradition of knitting in island life.
A treat for knitters and armchair travellers alike, Island Knitting invites you to explore the rugged beauty of these four unique islands: the Scottish islands of Shetland and the Hebrides, and the Swedish islands of Gotland and Blidö. Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of each location as you learn to knit 20 beautiful garments inspired by the colours and culture of each island.
52 Weeks of Accessories is a great companion for those who love knitting hats, shawls, socks and mittens, but also includes some more fashion-forward projects like cowls, hoods, headbands and bags.
The projects range in suitability from beginners to experienced knitters and feature an array of techniques including cables and colourwork, as well as simpler stitches. Thanks to their small size, accessories are the perfect starting point for those interested in trying out knitting and playing with yarn.
This rich and comprehensive guide to natural dyeing processes will take your practise to the next level.
Author, Heidi Iverson, explains how to boost the spectrum of colors you can achieve through using a variety of tannins, mordants, modifiers, and mixing colors to get incredible results naturally.
The Natural Dye Handbook includes:
A library of more than 60 plants including fungi, leaves, bark, roots, flowers, fruit, nuts, and seeds, and the incredible natural-dyed rainbow you can create with them.
A back-to-basics look at the fundamental principles of natural dyeing to help you understand each plant and process as you continue on your natural dye journey.
A large section exploring colour theory where Heidi explains how to create your own colour library and techniques for mixing colours.
Heidi explores two different approaches to natural dyeing; a traditional style and a more intuitive approach. Discover mindful dye practices, low-energy alternatives and water-conscious methods as well more traditional dye methods using raw dyestuff, whole plants and ground plants. There is also advice about foraging dye plants safely, ethical harvesting and growing your own dye plants.
Learn how to create your own dye journal in order to track your progress, in this ultimate handbook for natural dyers looking to take their practise further.
23 vibrant, Scandi-style knitted garments for the whole family perfect for outdoor adventures in cold climates!
Knitted with Norwegian and Icelandic wool fibres to repel water and cold, and featuring designs and colours inspired by the wild north of Norway, this is the ultimate knitting book for outdoor adventurers.
The 23 timeless designs feature polar bears, the Arctic sun, Hopi dreamcatchers, snowflakes, sled dogs and falling snow, all inspired by the Scandinavian climate and indigenous people of best-selling author Linka Neumann’s native Norway.
Choose from:
12 adult sweaters and cardigans that can be adapted with optional raglan sleeves, roll-necks and hoods, in sizes small to XXL;
6 matching children’s sweaters for kids aged 1 to 10 years old;
3 cozy beanie hats;
2 sets of frostproof mittens.
The patterns are suitable for confident knitters, and each contains full written instructions and colourwork charts. Multiple colourways are shown to inspire your own yarn choices, and advice is given on how to measure yourself correctly to select the right size.
Popular knitting designer Linka is dedicated to creating anti-fast fashion sweaters that not only look beautiful, but are robust enough to withstand the toughest of weather. Her wilderness sweaters have kept adventurers warm on trips through forests and up mountains including a trek to Mount Everest... But even if your own expeditions are a little lower altitude in ambition, you can create your own bespoke garments to last you a lifetime of adventures.
Take a colourful journey through the seasons with this essential guide to sustainable, botanical dyeing from noted expert Aurélia Wolff.
A captivating blend of chemistry, culinary flair and the magic of dye-pot alchemy, natural dyeing allows you to create your own vibrant, uniquely colourful results.
Author and ‘colour cook’ Aurélia Wolff provides 18 easy-to-follow recipes that will guide you through the seasons, from delicate shades of walnut in spring; vibrant madder in summer; warm oak and elderberry in autumn; to rich chestnut completing the seasonal palette in winter. The gentle treatment of leaves, roots, bark and flowers can result in exquisite hues on natural fabrics, so with Aurélia's clear, expert guidance, discover how to forage ethically, dye naturally and create your own unique natural palette.
This practical yet visually sumptuous book contains:
A thorough, beginner-friendly introduction to botanical dyeing and mordanting, packed with historical insights.
18 seasonal recipes using ethically-foraged and easily sourced ingredients.
An in-depth guide to sustainable, ethical foraging, to encourage a deeper connection with nature.
A vibrant array of dyed fabric and hand-dyed projects for inspiration, for both experienced artisans and newcomers, including cushions and bedding for the home as well as sandals and a sarong for the beach.
A foreword and endorsement from Michel Garcia, world-renowned expert in botanical dyeing.
A comprehensive guide to how to knit in the round even if you’ve never picked up a circular needle or double pointed needles (DPN) before.
Circular Knitting for Beginners and Beyond explores the benefits of circular knitting and why lots of knitters prefer knitting in the round no more purl stitches anyone?!
Discover all the circular knitting techniques and the tools you’ll need to get started including different sizes of circular needles; flexible trios and DPNs. Ever wondered what the difference is between an interchangeable circular and a small circumference circular needle? Then look no further, this guide explains it all.
There are step-by-step instructions for all the different knitting-in-the round methods including how to use two circulars at a time, small circumference circular needles and the magic loop method.
Expert knitter and author, Kate Atherley, explains all the methods in an easy-to-understand style so you can try out them out and choose your favourites.
Includes 10 skill-building projects for you to try including accessories such as a beret, cowl and mittens, that help you to build your circular knitting skills as you go.
There is also a section about potential pitfalls and troubleshooting so you can correct your mistakes and keep going. So, if you’ve always wanted to try knitting socks or a hat, or perhaps that seamless sweater pattern you’ve been admiring, grab this guide and start your circular knitting journey!
52 Weeks of Easy Knits is a contemporary collection of 52 uncomplicated knitting patterns, ranging from beanies, mittens and scarves to sweaters, socks and cardigans, from Nordic knitting experts Laine.
For people who are picking up needles for the very first time, or for experienced knitters who are looking for an effortless comfort project, this gorgeous book contains a fun, cosy and modern knitting pattern for every week of the year each one a pleasure to knit. The 52 projects have been contributed by leading knitwear designers from across the world. The book uses a 'super easy' label to mark the patterns that are perfect for your very first knitting project. Each project is accompanied by beautiful and helpful photography, and supported by extra material on the Laine website.
Find the pattern previews here.
We’re always adding to our range of yarns, notions and books and magazines. Browse what’s new on our shelves and treat yourself to something lovely for your next project.
botaniq Yarn
Naturally dyed in St Leonards on Sea
botaniq ‘plant silk’ is a lustrous vegan yarn, hand dyed in small batches using botanical colours by Dyer Vivienne Richmond, in her East Sussex Studio.
Vivienne has also created two crochet patterns exclusively for flock. The Ruffle Collar and the Scrunchie are both available as kits.
Join Niina Laitinen on a journey around the world through gorgeous new knitting patterns.
This book contains 20 sock patterns inspired by places and cities around the world, drawing on ancient stories, memorable sights and fond memories of the author's own travels.
The 'Shanghai' socks are inspired by the gold dragon scales and flowing lace of China; delicate pale-pink cherry blossom motifs bedeck the 'Hanami' (flower viewing) socks that bring to mind springtime in Japan; while the flowing leaves of the tropical rainforests and the exotic creatures prescribe the vivid colourways of the 'Madagascar'-inspired pair.
Laitinen has designed the patterns to be easy to knit in her trademark familiar style using double-pointed needles, or cable needles for the cabled details, and a creative use of colour. The instructions are clear, there are intricate, detailed pattern charts for each pair of socks, and the photos are rich, atmospheric and wonderfully evocative. Some instructions are written for multiple sizes, and others can be adapted using the instructions.
Wherever you are, you can be sure to have the world at your feet!