Yarndale Theatre Talks 2026 | Creative Conversations at Yarndale

13.30
Corks, Spools, and Nancies: an exploration of French Knitting and its recent comeback.

With Sophie Hurden of A Spring Snowflake

Explore the history of spool knitting, sometimes known as french knitting or corking; a technique of creating thin knitted tubes using a spool with a number of nails or pegs. Watch demonstrations and get your hands on a variety of handmade and commercial spools, and cranked knitting mills, and discuss uses for the end product.

Teacher, designer, and vlogger, Sophie of A Spring Snowflake loves to introduce makers to new, or variations on familiar, techniques. She particularly loves to introduce class participants to ‘woolly wire’, taking inspiration from wire art and neon signage, as well as passing on techniques in crochet and tunisian crochet.

15.00
Hooked on Yarn, Game of Wool

With Ailsa Stephen, Gordon Cree, Stephanie Thompson and Tracy Callaghan

Meet Ailsa, Gordon, Stephanie and Tracy, familiar faces from the inaugural TV programme Game of Wool, Britain’s Best Knitter. Ailsa will share examples of her meticulous vintage knitting, while Gordon talks about his passion for Fair Isle, colourwork and, of course, steeking. Stephanie will tell the story behind her spectacular peacock jacket, and Tracy will share her experiences of knitting, crochet and the art of procrastination. Guaranteed to be an entertaining and informative chat, packed with stories, laughs and plenty of woolly moments.

Ailsa:
Ailsa is an experienced knitter and crocheter who grew up on a farm in Ayrshire, Scotland. She’s obsessed with textile heritage and vintage style, bringing a joyful, nostalgic twist to her projects and designs.  Her love of oldschool techniques and bold ideas carried her to the final of the TV competition Game of Wool on Channel 4

Tracy:
Tracy is an octo grandmother of three children and eight grandchildren. A prolific knitter and crocheter, she’s known for her whimsical designs, often featuring beads, sequins and plenty of sparkle. Away from yarn, Tracy is an Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor, working with the NHS, local authorities and professionals across a range of sectors. Since appearing on The Game of Wool, she has co-founded London Fringe Therapy, a specialist counselling service supporting people working in the creative industries.

Gordon:
Gordon Cree is known to audiences throughout Scotland as a pianist, conductor and singer.  He spent many years in theatre and broadcasting as accompanist to both Moira Anderson and Anita Harris, made his BBC Proms debut in 2024 at the Royal Albert Hall, and is the first Scot in the 126-year history of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom to be resident organist there.  His other passion since childhood has been knitting.  Although not from Shetland, he has a particular interest in Fair Isle and lace traditions of Shetland knitting.  In 2025, he was – controversially – the first ever “cast-off” from Channel 4’s, “Game of Wool.”

Stephanie:
Stephanie is an extremely enthusiastic knitting hobbyist and now crochets too, since being on Channel 4s Game of Wool TV Show.  Any evening you will find Stephanie sat surrounded by knitting pins, crochet hooks and balls of wool creating a wide variety of items from jumpers and coatigans to pillar-box toppers and door rings to name but a few!

13.30
Woolly Business: From Dales Farms to Wardrobe and Beyond

With Edward Sexton, Glencroft & Sarah Turner, Little Beau Sheep

The Journey of the Fibre

Edward Sexton from Glencroft shares the step-by-step journey of Clapdale Wool, sourced directly from Yorkshire Dales farms within 5 miles of his Clapham home. Edward takes you through the fascinating process – and economics – of turning raw fleeces into finished yarn, knitwear, and tweed, all within 50 miles of the sheep.



Innovation, Care & Beyond


Sarah Turner from Little Beau Sheep picks up the story, exploring creative ways to use British Wool beyond the traditional sweater – from felted soaps to dryer balls. She will share practical tips on caring for, airing, and storing your woollies so they last a lifetime. Finally, Sarah shares a preview of her upcoming ‘90-Day Wool Habit’ challenge, proving just how versatile, durable, and sustainable British wool really is for modern everyday living.

Edward Sexton is a partner in his family business, Glencroft, started in 1987. They produce a range of products all from British Wool, including creating their own fully traceable wool – Clapdale Wool – in 2021. Edward is passionate about making Glencroft as sustainable as possible and locally sourced wool, entirely processed in Yorkshire and paying farmers a decent rate, is a key part of that.

Sarah Turner is the founder of Yorkshire-based Little Beau Sheep, a British wool business on a mission to find new ways for people to use, value and care for wool.

Best known for its British wool dryer balls and wool-care range, Little Beau Sheep works with farmers, wool businesses and manufacturers to create products that showcase the versatility of British wool – including a collaboration with Glencroft using its traceable Clapdale wool to make felted soaps and dryer balls.

A Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, British Wool licensee and long-standing supporter of the Campaign for Wool, Sarah is passionate about creating greater demand for British wool while helping consumers care for the wool they already own so that it can be enjoyed for longer.

This October, Sarah will launch the 90-Day Wool Habit, wearing the same British wool dress for 90 consecutive days to explore wool’s versatility, performance and place in an everyday wardrobe.

15.00
Creative Approaches to Climate Action

With Jody Harris, Craft for Climate

Craft for Climate is a community art project charting our changing climate.  Over the past three years they have crafted with hundreds of people across Yorkshire to spread their message of climate optimism and the belief that every action matters. Their Knit the Stripes display has been seen by over 10,000 people at events across the region and they continue to champion creative engagement approaches to climate communication through their second installation – Square the Risk – currently in development at Yarndale.

Craft for Climate is managed by Sustainability Sorted in collaboration with the Little Craft House*. Sustainability Sorted delivers creative approaches to sustainability and climate challenges.

Jody has two decades’ experience working as a Chartered sustainability specialist in the private, public and higher education sectors, bringing together business, charity, education and community groups to deliver projects with purpose.  From her base in Yorkshire, she leads creative projects that address some of the biggest sustainability challenges with colour and creativity (and a bit of stubborn optimism).  She also supports businesses on their sustainability and climate action journey – working collaboratively to get Sustainability Sorted.