Formed by 3 Founding Directors with a shared passion for yarn and lived experiences of a number of mental health conditions.  Established in February 2021 we have successfully delivered Yarn for Mental Health through projects funded by PHA Making Life Better and Community Foundation NI.  

Services:
Yarn for Mental Health: a 6-8 week course which teaches participants the many physical and mental health benefits of yarn-based crafts.  Through this course we teach crochet/knitting skills and show how these skills can be used alongside Mindfulness to improve and maintain better mental health.

Skills Classes/Workshops:
We are keen to promote and encourage uptake in a wide range of Heritage yarn-based skills.  We run a number of knitting, crochet, spinning and weaving courses  to enable us to do this.  Anything from beginners level to advanced.

Retreats:
We will run at least two retreats per year which highlight the many beautiful locations within Northern Ireland in order to promote Northern Ireland and it's many yarn shops and rich historical links to the textiles industry as a destination for yarn enthusiasts.  The retreats are suitable for any skill levels, and are pitched at being a relaxing weekend away to meet new people with similar interests and learn new skills.

Events:
We organise a range of other regular events to encourage people to spend time with others sharing skills and indulging their yarn interests.  These are called Yarn Together.  They can take place at our premises, on Zoom or even The Great Outdoors.

Retail and Training:
We have an online yarn shop and our selection of commercial and hand-dyed yarns available for in person purchase in Newtownards.  We are also Northern Ireland's only supplier of Spinning Wheels and Weaving Looms as a supplier for Kromski & Sons.  Customers interested in developing these skills are welcome to come along and try out our demonstrator models.

Inspiring Yarns CIC

Org chart

Teams

Offices