East Neuk Knitting Festival

East Neuk Knitting Festival

The last weekend in November saw us attending the inaugural East Neuk Knits festival at the Bowhouse in Fife. Organised by our very own Susan Anderson from the Journal of Scottish Yarns together with Di Gilpin, Sheila Greenwell and Alison Mayne we were in great company surrounded by wool, knitting enthusiasts and livestock!  Whilst the main event was held at the Bowhouse by St Monan's, side workshops and events were held nearby at the Scottish Fisheries Museum and Di Gilpin's studio.

East Neuk Knitting Festival

We attend this inaugual festival in Fife

Highlights

The last weekend in November saw us attending the inaugural East Neuk Knits festival at the Bowhouse in Fife. Organised by our very own Susan Anderson from the Journal of Scottish Yarns together with Di Gilpin, Sheila Greenwell and Alison Mayne we were in great company surrounded by wool, knitting enthusiasts, livestock and two star contestants from the tv show Game of Wool!  Whilst the main event was held at the Bowhouse by St Monan's, side workshops and events were held nearby at the Scottish Fisheries Museum and Di Gilpin's studio.

This was a great opportunity for us to catch up with Scottish farmers, weavers and knitters who work in the world of wool.

Di, Sheila and Susan with Ailsa from Game of Wool

Erica and Jimmy from Newburgh Handloom Weavers

The Women behind the Farm to Yarn story

I am always impressed by the strong women and their stories that sit behind many of our Scottish textiles brands. Special highlights were seeing our friend Rachel from Balmerino Farm in Fife with her Balmerino sheep Pinkie and Nibbles who originally met King Charles with us at Edinburgh Castle in July 2024. Rachel's breed of Balmerino sheep have produced a range of very soft knitting yarn, which Di Gilpin also uses for her high end fashion supply chains.

Gillian from Lunan Bay farm is breeding cashmere goats to produce Scottish cashmere. Her friendly goats were a big attraction, as were the alpacas and mohair goats from other farms.  Having the animals together with the end products made from their wool and fibre helped to drive home the "Farm to Yarn" story, and gave these passionate farmers the opportunity to share their journey in person. I am always impressed by the strong women and their stories that sit behind many of these Scottish brands.

 

Rachel Ives with her Balmerino sheep Pinkie

Pinkie in July 2024

Shepherdess Meg from Birlinn Yarn, Western Isles

Gillian with her cashmere goats at Lunan Bay, Angus

Game of Wool

Di and Sheila have sprung to tv fame as judges on the current Channel 4 tv show The Game of Wool, hosted by Olympic diver and knitter Tom Daley.  We were lucky enough to meet contestants Ailsa and Gordon who entertained us with stories from the show and their passion for knitting.

Kitty, Ellen and Kayleigh

John Isaacs, Carving Scotland

Meet the Alpacas

Save the Date for 2026!

The first East Neuk Knits festival was certainly a success on the great atmosphere, a combination of carefully selected vendors with a balance of beautiful materials for crafters and gifts. Quite a few non-knitters commented that they were inspired to learn! Meanwhile, our socks proved particularly popular, possibly because knitters might prefer not to make them!

We would certainly recommend a visit to East Neuk, a picturesque corner on the east coast of Fife, known for its charming fishing villages St Monan's, Pittenweem, Crail and Elie. The Scottish Fisheries Museum celebrates the herringbone pattern, Gansey designs and craft traditions inspired by the industry. 

Diary dates for next year 28th and 29th November 2026.
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