Hanks Yarn Parlour

14/08/2026

New shades of Baa Ram Ewe Woodnote have just arrived, and I think this trio might be my favourite drop yet 🧶

Say hello to Birch, Petal, and Badger — a warm creamy ivory, a soft dusty pink, and a deep charcoal that's both moody and sophisticated all at once. Together they're just *perfect*.

Woodnote is a Bluefaced Leicester and Masham blend — gorgeous stitch definition, beautiful bounce, and proudly British-made. DK weight, so satisfyingly quick to knit up too.

Available now in-shop and online — come in for a squish or shop at hanksyarnparlour.com 💛

12/08/2026

The bureaucrats are at it again.

I'm writing with some genuinely rubbish news, and I want to be upfront about it rather than have you discover it at the checkout.

As of today — 12 August 2026 — I'm pausing all shipping to EU countries except the Republic of Ireland.

I know, I'm sorry. Please keep reading, because I want you to understand why, and because this is something you can actually help with.

The reason: EPR regulations

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a piece of legislation designed to hold businesses accountable for the packaging and product waste they introduce into a country. In principle, I'm actually on board with that. You already know that keeping waste minimal is core to everything I do here — the compostable mailers, the plastic-free packaging, natural (bio-degradable) yarns, the whole lot. Businesses should be accountable for their footprint. I believe that.

But this implementation? It's a different story entirely.

Under the current rules, a small independent shop like Hanks would face compliance fees of up to €1,400 per EU country we ship to. Per country. That's not a typo. For a one-person operation running on genuine passion and very thin margins, that figure isn't a challenge to rise to — it's a door slamming shut.

And here's the thing that really needs to be said clearly: this is not a Brexit issue. I've seen that assumption floating around and I want to stamp it out. These fees apply to EU-based businesses selling to other EU countries too. This is affecting indie sellers across the entire continent, not just those of us on this side of the water. It's a problem with the regulation itself, full stop.

What this means for you

If you're in the EU and you've shopped with me before — thank you, truly. It means so much that you sought out Hanks from wherever you are. I hate that I'm having to put up this barrier, even temporarily.

For now, I'm not able to take EU orders. I hope that changes.

Here's how you can help

There is a petition calling for fairer treatment of small businesses under these regulations, and I would be ever so grateful if you'd consider signing it. It takes two minutes and it genuinely matters.

https://c.org/hYsPsffkmq

The more signatures, the louder the message. Please share it too — with your crafty friends, your knitting group, anyone who buys from small independent makers. This affects the whole ecosystem of small creative businesses, not just yarn shops.

Stop destroying EU micro-businesses: Immediate moratorium on cross-border EPR fees

12/08/2026

It's finally happening 🧶 I've cast on with the possum yarn — and I'm saving the full story for Sunday's episode of the Yarncast.

New episode dropping this Sunday. Link in bio 🎙️

KnittingCommunity

10/08/2026

Just a heads up before you make plans for this Thursday! 🧶

I'll be opening the shop from 1pm–5pm on Thursday 13th August, rather than the usual 11am — so please do factor that in if you're planning a visit.

The good news? Stitch & Stash is absolutely still happening! I'll have the kettle on from 6pm and I'd love to see some familiar (and new!) faces. Bring whatever you're working on, pull up a chair, and let's have a proper crafty evening together. All skill levels welcome — whether it's your first time or you're a regular, there's always a spot for you.

Drop in or RSVP on Hanks website 💛

08/08/2026

New colours have arrived in the Rosarios 4 Madragoa range, and they are well worth a look 🧶

This is one of those yarns that just feels good from the moment you pick it up — and the fresh new shades we've just added make the range even harder to choose from (sorry, not sorry). Whether you already know Madragoa or you've been meaning to try it, now is a very good time.

Browse the full updated palette at hanksyarnparlour.com or come in to see them in person at 75 Castlereagh Road 💛

07/08/2026

Know your knit from your purl? Then you're ready for the next step 🧶

Learn to Knit II: Knitting in the Round is a two-part class where we take your flat knitting skills and turn them into something genuinely exciting. We'll cast on, join in the round, and work through simple decreases to shape a cosy beanie — all on 4mm circular needles that are yours to keep, along with the yarn.

No seams. No purling back. Just that satisfying round-and-round rhythm until a hat starts to appear. Soon you'll be on your way to knitting seamless cowls, socks and even sweaters!

This class suits anyone comfortable with basic knit and purl who's ready to level up. Places are limited to 8, so book your spot early at hanksyarnparlour.com 🎓

📅 Wednesday 23rd & 30th September | 🕖 7–9pm
📍 Hanks Yarn Parlour, 75 Castlereagh Road, Belfast
💷 £35 | All materials included

06/08/2026

Two new arrivals that seemed to find each other the moment they landed on the shelf.

The Rosários 4 Bio Love range has just expanded with a whole new palette of colours — and a gorgeous set of mini amigurumi books and card decks has come in alongside them, which feels like more than a coincidence.

Bio Love is a GOTS-certified organic cotton, soft and smooth and beautifully behaved on the hook. The new shades run from soft pastels to richer earthy tones, and honestly, every one of them looks like it belongs inside one of these books. The amigurumi collections themselves are delightful — illustrated patterns full of characters that make you want to drop everything and start crocheting immediately. Whether you're drawn to the food-themed one or the storybook characters (no wrong answer), Bio Love is exactly the yarn for them.

Everything is in stock now at hanksyarnparlour.com and in the shop at 75 Castlereagh Road 🧶

05/08/2026

Belfast is absolutely buzzing for Fleadh Cheoil this week 🎶 and if you're here for the festival, I'd love to see you at Hanks Yarn Parlour!

Add a yarn shop to your Belfast adventure. Pick up a souvenir skein, something for the journey home, or just come for the squish. I'm at 75 Castlereagh Road, open Tues–Sat 11am–5pm 🧶

Can't make it in person? I ship worldwide too 💛

01/08/2026

If you run, own, or work in an independent yarn shop, I've created a new Reddit community just for us!

One of the best parts of being part of the yarn industry is how generous and supportive other shop owners can be. But sometimes it can be difficult to find a place to ask business-specific questions, share ideas, or get honest feedback from people who truly understand the day-to-day challenges of running an LYS.

The goal of this community is simple: a place to discuss merchandising, events, marketing, suppliers, online sales, shop management, and everything in between. Whether you're looking for advice or happy to share what's worked in your own shop, we'd love to have you.

If that sounds like something you'd find useful, come and join the conversation: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndependentYarnShops

Please feel free to share this with other independent yarn shop owners who might enjoy being part of the community!

28/07/2026

Have you ever wanted to knit an actual picture into your fabric? Not a pattern that hints at a shape — an actual picture. Bold blocks of colour. A little fox face staring back at you from the fabric. That's intarsia, and I'm so excited to be teaching it this September. 🦊

Intarsia is one of those techniques that sounds more complicated than it is. Little balls or bobbins of yarn for each colour section, no carrying across the back — just clean, solid blocks of colour that build up into something genuinely pictorial

We'll be making a fox hot water bottle cover - cosy, and a perfect first project for the technique.

📅 Wednesday 9th September | 🕡 6:30–9pm
📍 Hanks Yarn Parlour, Belfast
💷 £25 Including materials

Whether you've been curious about colourwork knitting for ages or you just really love foxes (valid), this is a brilliant evening to pick up a new technique in a relaxed, friendly setting. Places are limited to just 8 students, so book early to secure your spot.

Book at hanksyarnparlour.com 🦊