A SHOP has opened in a South Lakeland town to cater for the resurgence of knitting in the region.

Adrienne Williams opened Williams’ Wools in Kirkland, Kendal, after noticing the pastime was enjoying a surge in popularity in Cumbria – and nationwide.

“I have always had an interest in wools and yarns but I think knitting is really taking off now,” she said.

“There is a large knitting community locally and nationally and there are a lot of young people who have a huge interest in it. There is a huge craft comm-unity built up around the Brewery Arts Centre.

“The pattern quality is really good and fashionable – now it is big on the catwalks.”

Williams’ Wools will be stocking mostly natural fibres, including locally sourced alpaca wool. Miss Williams will also attempt to build up a community of knitters by holding classes and helping beginners with questions.

“Knitting is theraputic and it is easy and you can do it anywhere,” she said. “You can carry it around with you and just do small things. And you have an end product that is unique.”

Miss Williams also hopes to stock materials for other crafts, such as felts.