Interview: Ruth Maddock from Lupin and Rose

How long have you been designing for Let’s Knit?

Although I first started designing for magazines back in the 1980s, I’ve only been designing for Lets Knit since 2009. I love its young, fresh appeal.

When did you decide to start your own yarn shop, and what inspired you?

As a child I was brought up ‘over the shop’ so somewhere in the back of my mind I always had the thought that I would open my own.  But it all happened rather quickly as I was really looking for a studio so that I could move my working day away from home. The office space I found came with a shop and now I love having it! I love seeing all the lovely colours, choosing the yarns, helping and advising customers, running the workshops and the general social side of having a shop. And of course I also get to work in the studio space.

What does ‘Lupin and Rose’ mean?

One of my other great loves is flowers and all things floral. I wanted a floral name for my shop – although some people do now think that I’m a florist! I searched for one that was available as a web domain name, and after a lot of thought Lupin and Rose was born. The name is also a play on words: loop, pin and rows!

Tell us a little bit more about the shop – what kind of atmosphere did you want to create?

I wanted a friendly drop-in atmosphere where people don’t feel too pressured to buy but can pop in just for a chat or some help. I have an armchair which people happily sink into while they are browsing through the patterns. Some people come in just to say hello to my assistant Betty, pictured below sleeping on the job!  Currently I let out some of the space to other craftspeople, and I am constantly rearranging the space and expanding the ranges that I sell. Once a month we have a craft and natter group that come along for a chat a laugh, and of course the biscuits and cake!

What’s the best thing about running the shop?

As a child I used to spend hours in the local yarn shop just looking at all the colours and patterns. I still love looking at all the yarns and colours – but now they are in my very own yarn shop. Having a yarn shop is like having my very own enormous stash.

Do you think it is important for local shops to get involved in their communities?

It can be difficult for me to get involved as I am so busy with my various projects – the shop and all my design work - but I try to get involved as and when things happen. Bromyard is a small market town but has a lot going on, from the folk festival to the gala, the lights at Christmas, the scarecrow festival, the town criers’ festival, and lots more. Last year I won first prize for my Christmas window (below) which was really great. I love it when we have people in town for these occasions as there is a tremendous buzz. I also speak occasionally at local groups, talking about my work and the history of knitting and crochet.

Why did you decide to get involved in Yarn Shop Day?

It’s another opportunity to get involved in promoting the shop in the local area and on a national scale. And I jumped at the chance to join in with something where there was so much back up.

What events and activities are you planning?

There will be cake! I also hope to organize some free make and takes for all ages and abilities.

Explore the gorgeous selection of yarns, fabrics and accessories at Lupin and Rose here.