Crafty Leeds

As I had said in my inital blog, Credit Crunch What, there has rarely been a better time to get creative. But it is easier said than done. With unemployment levels still rising in the UK, I felt it was necessary to investigate what the city of Leeds has to offer to begin a more creative approach to one's career, and to offer information about where to get started.

Verity Britton is Leeds' example of someone who has taken the opportunity to do something new and inventive. After working for ten years on the radio, she finally decided to hang up her headphones and head for new horizons. Inspired by both her mother and grandmother's passion for knitting, Verity has recently opened up her own shop, Baa Ram Ewe in Headingley, which sells everything to do with knitting, from yarn to buttons.

Verity believes that the recession has actually helped her - the unit of her shop was empty for months before she swooped in and waved her magic needle. "You just have to be smart and develop good business knowledge," says Verity. "I didn't have a clue when I first started out!"

Verity arranges knitting workshops at Baa Ram Ewe for anyone to come along, whether you are a pro knitter or just starting out. It's a good place to start if you're looking to learn a new skill. "The craft industry is massive at the moment because people prefer to spend their money on something more unique and special."

In shunning the more expensive high street brands, crafty sorts looking for that unique twist to store bought outfits are increasingly deciding to customise their own attire. Thanks to people like Verity, Leeds is fast becoming the capital of the UK's handmade revival. I've highlighted some of best craft stores in the city to help with your new favourite hobby.

Baa Ram Ewe
Verity's new Headingley wool shop sells everything to do with knitting, like yarn, needles, books, buttons and clothing. They also host workshops and crafts events such as their free Knit and Knatter nights every Thursday, along with lessons for beginners. Or if you just fancy somewhere cosy to sit and chat, then feel free to sit in the shop and knit the hours away.
87 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3PS, 0113 278 1788. www.baaramewe.co.uk

Buns and Roses
Leeds' newly revived Women's Institute aims to provide women with educational opportunities and the chance to expand their horizons, plus they've been doing all sorts of crafty things such as a knitting night called Thread Zeppelin. And just to prove how these folks are bringing the W.I. bang up to date, you can even follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Every 3rd Thursday of the month at Mojo Bar, 18 Merrion Street, Leeds LS1 6PQ. www.bunsandroses.co.uk

The Bowery
The amazing gallery/cafe is across the road from Baa Ram. Not only can you kick back and have a coffee, this place offers workshops for both children and adults such as digital photography, glass making, jewellery making, sewing and drawing. There are also free clubs you can join such as book clubs and artist networks which are great for meeting others with similar interests.
54 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AL, 0113 224 2284, www.thebowery.org

Fabrication
Located next to the Corn Exchange in an 18th century textile building, Fabrication is available for hire by designers looking for a large space to work on their creations, plus access to professional equipment needed to improve their business standards. They also host exciting workshops and craft clubs.
11 Crown Court, Leeds LS2 7DG, 0113 243 9140. www.fabric-ation.co.uk

Factory 4 Workshop
A social enterprise run by a group of Leeds graduates. The workshop provides numerous services to local people, with open access to woodworking, screen printing and jewellery making as well as space for other creative applications.
Sheepscar Street South, Leeds LS7 1AD