The Knitting Gift Shop: Crafting Creativity at Crook Business Centre
- gracebell7
- 17 minutes ago
- 1 min read
For Ian and Tricia, what began as a side project has become a thriving business with customers across the UK and beyond.
The Knitting Gift Shop combines traditional craftsmanship with modern e-commerce – offering a beautiful range of handmade knitting accessories, kits and gifts, all designed and assembled in County Durham.
"When you’re running an online business from your living room, it’s hard to switch off. Now we can close the door at the end of the day – that’s made a big difference." Ian Fothergill, Partner, The Knitting Gift Shop
From Print to Purl
Before founding The Knitting Gift Shop, Ian and Tricia worked in the printing industry. As that sector changed, they spotted an opportunity to turn their passion for crafts into a business.
“It was Tricia’s idea originally,” says Ian. “She’s been a knitter since she was five, and we saw a gap in the market for thoughtful, quality gifts for knitters.”
Starting from their home, the couple began creating and selling knitting-themed gifts online, steadily building a loyal customer base. As demand grew, they expanded into producing their own yarns, patterns, and accessories, sourcing materials as locally as possible. “We’ve always tried to work with local suppliers,” Tricia explains. “It’s about quality and supporting the community.”
