Meet the local woman who’s business has got people hooked on wool craft hobbies

Wool craft hobbies like knitting and crochet are booming with knit-fluencers gathering tens of thousands of followers on social media.

TikTok and YouTube are awash with how to videos, and the age range for devotees is expanding all the time.

In Formby there is a growing community of people becoming hooked on the hobbies thanks to A Modern Yarn, an independent wool shop that is putting a new twist on the traditions.

Michaela Hindle took a chance on opening the business almost three years ago. With a solid background in retail and a keen interest in knitting and crochet, she decided to turn her passion into a business. She hasn’t looked back since.

Michaela said: “I had worked in the haberdashery in the old George Henry Lee shop in Liverpool, later John Lewis. I then went on to have a career in retail and had loved knitting since I was a child. I then took up crochet about ten years ago.

“I turned 55 and my John Lewis pension came up. I had recently lost my parents and suddenly realised life was too short. I was in Formby and saw the shop was available for rent and decided to go for it. It all came together.

“I am never going to be a millionaire but it’s also my hobby and I love it.”

A Modern Yarn has become a real community asset to Formby. Customers have become friends and in addition to selling wool and a small selection of associated gifts, Michaela runs workshops, one to one classes and the popular Knit and Natter sessions.

There are now almost 60 people attending the sessions every week and they are so busy new days and times are in the pipeline.

Mel Cowdry is a regular in the shop, where customers have become friends.

She was a novice when it opened but has embraced everything about her new hobby and the opportunities it has brough her.

Mel said: “I started crochet during Covid using YouTube videos. I love the sense of community that has grown here. 

“We learn from each other, and I get inspiration from the colours of wool that I see during sessions. I also just love the way everyone helps each other – I have made some great friends.”

Michaela’s customers range from children right through to women in their 80s. She also has clients who run their own stalls at maker’s markets.

The clamour for handmade, quality products has never been higher. Crochet is having a moment and there are workshops teaching the basics so clients can go away with skills to take their hobby to the next level.

The wool on sale in the shop ranges from very affordable to luxury and Michaela is keen that everyone who wants to can get involved, learn and have fun – whatever their budget.

In June her regulars took part in worldwide Knit in Public Day, setting up benches and even spinning wheels in Formby village to show off their skills to the public and create even more interest in the cosy little shop where wool fills the shelves on every wall and everyone is welcome.

Michaela is always keen to stock wool from local independent suppliers like Red Squirrel and Dune and Penny Stitch Craft.

She is embracing the current trend for top-down knitting, which takes away the need to knit in panels and sew together, and likes to be constantly learning about new techniques and materials.

A workshop is planned to show people how to create emotional support chickens, knitted toys that are booming in popularity around the world being given as handmade gifts to friends and family who might need a bit of support.

She provides free downloadable patterns on her website and has examples of her garments on show as learning tools for her customers.

Michaela said: “You see so many more people knitting and crocheting now. You see them doing it on the train. It has really taken off.

“My role is to motivate, inspire and give confidence to people, whatever their level.”

From the constant stream of friendly faces coming into her shop for wool, advice or a chat, it is clear she is doing just that.

You can book workshops online but be quick, the Basic Granny Square event next month is almost full, just 24 hours after first being advertised.

You can find A Modern Yarn in Chapel Lane, Formby or online here.

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