AN IMPECCABLY dressed rabbit has helped a craft shop scoop two coveted accolades in the haberdashery world.

Cool Crafting, housed in a Grade 1-listed property in Kendal, has become "a place of pilgrimage" for fans of the Luna Lapin craft kits designed by business owner Sarah Peel.

This week Sarah and the close-knit team of nine colleagues at the 16th century premises on Stramongate are celebrating after being named Best Independent Sewing Shop in the North of England at the British Sew Awards, run by Sew magazine.

"It's quite emotional," said Sarah, a mum of three who lives in Hincaster and started teaching craft in 2011.

"We've all put an awful lot of work and effort into getting to this point, and because it was voted for by our customers it probably means more."

Sarah's Luna Lapin kits have also just won Best Product at the Craft Business Awards, where her shop was highly commended in the Best Small Business category.

"We do get people who travel from all over to make a pilgrimage to see the shop. We've had people fly in for craft courses from America. I suppose it's confirmation of our hard work and the passion that goes into making a shop part of a living community."

Sarah moved into the former Henry Roberts book store in Kendal in August 2016 after relocating from Kirkby Lonsdale in need of more space as the online side of the business took off.

Around 250 internet orders are posted out each week and workshops are held upstairs. Meanwhile, the Facebook group Luna Lapins Little World has more than 8,100 enthusiastic members. "It's a very active community where people look after one another and crafting is seen as being very good for the mind," said Sarah, who previously worked for clothing company Lakeland Leather.

Now working on a miniature scale with Luna Lapin and elegantly clad creatures such as Daisy, a Herdwick sheep in a twirling red gingham dress, Sarah said: "The outfits very much reflect the kind of clothes I would like in a perfect wardrobe. It appeals to people who still have that child in them, still want to make and dress up."

Thanking all her colleagues, Sarah added: "Without the hard-working team we would never be at the point we are now. I really appreciate everybody's passion for the business and the kindness they bring with it."

The team features Fiona Hayhurst, who looks after visual merchandising and does designs; Sheila Mason, who sews samples and designs tiny knitwear patterns; Joan Fawcett, who assembles the intricate kits; Sue Astle, who cuts fabric and works in the shop; Samantha Howe, who processes orders and works in the shop; Jo Johnson, who looks after orders; Jo Jones, who works in the shop; Hattie Green, Saturday girl; and illustrator Carolyn Harker.

Sarah's partner Anthony and daughter Grace also pitch in.

Craft Business Awards judge Debbie Bliss warmly praised the Luna Lapin kits, saying: "I am not surprised to learn that Luna Lapin and Friends have a whole community of crafters following them. I fell in love with them myself, the woodland creatures are beautifully designed and have a fantastic stylish wardrobe that would be the envy of any fashionista.

"I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail on the clothes and there are even instructions for an armchair should Luna need to put her feet up.The sewing patterns in the accompanying books are simple and easy to follow."

Fellow judge Julie Peasgood said she was impressed by Cool Crafting's "enticing, professional and beautifully designed" website, adding: "Their products are delightful - I would definitely make the pilgrimage to Kendal to visit their shop. And I love the fact that Luna has become a byword for kindness - the most important of human qualities.”

For more, see www.coolcrafting.co.uk