What a difference a year makes! Karelia House near Aberfeldy is going from strength to strength with lots of new fabrics, yarns, paints, stencils, beads etc. The interest in crafts all over UK has increased partly because of the economy and also because of programmes like Kirsty Allsop’s Homemade series.
The workshops have taken off and we have even had Sarah Lawrence from Crafty Notions doing a couple of workshops last autumn and she is planning on a return visit with lots of new inspirational projects. The famous knitting designer, Debbie Bliss, is hoping to visit later in the year as we stock her products and our customers tend to enjoy using these fabulous yarns. We have an ongoing Knitting Club and have introduced beginners crochet classes.
We have found lots of interest from children and young adults especially for knitting, painting and beading. We are planning some new enamelling jewellery workshops with amazing funky colours and designs especially with youngsters in mind. We can incorporate this type of craft as part of a birthday party and we also supply the cakes and goodies to complete the party.
We have now adopted the relatively new concept of a craft cafe where anyone can come in and try a craft using our equipment - We have purchased some new, state of the art sewing machines which we are happy for anyone to come and use either just to learn about patchwork or general sewing or to complete their own project. These can be booked in advance and it is a great opportunity to try out a really good sewing machine or to have a taster at sewing or other crafts.
On the gift side of things we have a beautiful new range of gifts including fabulous candles and accessories from Denmark, baskets, cushions and so much more – ideal for the unusual wedding gift or just a lovely pressie for someone special.
The coffee shop menu is expanding with lots more homemade goodies – even the jam and bread are homemade. Lots of quilting and craft groups from all over Scotland have been booking to browse through the materials and yarns and also enjoy a bite of lunch. They are making a day of it and visiting other venues like The Courtyard, Crannog Centre and the Watermill which is good news all round.

If you are interested in any workshops then look on www.kareliahouse.co.uk or call 01887 822999.