Lana Pura
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There’s nothing more satisfying than knitting and crocheting with top quality yarn; and that’s why we love the selection available from Lana Pura (www.lanapura.com). Choose from leading brands such as Rowan, Debbie Bliss and Artesano, as well as gorgeous accessories from big names such as Brittany, Amy Butler and Art Viva. We chat to owner of the company, Alison Sambells, to find out where it all began.
How did Lana Pura get started?
Lana Pura just celebrated its first birthday in June this year and it has been a really enjoyable time. It started because I loved the new yarns that were available and could see that some knitting designers were bringing fashion to knitters. I have experience in business and customer service so I thought I would combine this and form Lana Pura.
How long have you been knitting?
I’ve been knitting since I was a child of seven. Both my mother and grandmother knitted, and I was always encouraged to help and learn around them. At school, we were taught needlework and knitting for which I am very grateful.
What's been your biggest knitting triumph and biggest knitting disaster?
My biggest triumph would have to be the large lace rectangle knitted in Marmalade Kidsilk Haze, from Jane Sowerby’s new book, Victorian Lace Today. I’m still not expert at lace knitting so I have lots of room for improvement. The biggest knitting disaster was an Aran sweater I made for a boyfriend many years ago, he and two friends got inside it and took a photo... the image is unfortunately still etched in my memory.
What's your favourite product of the moment?
That would have to be the Silver Yarn needle made by The Big Yarn. Not only does it look beautiful for sewing-up, but is perfect in design as it is easy to grip and the slightly curved end is in the right position for the next stitch. For me, it makes an unexciting job enjoyable!
What trends do you predict in knitting over the coming months?
Lace knitting is definitely going to be the next big trend in the UK and I think that knitters are going to become braver in substituting different yarns for their projects. Also, eco-yarns such as organic and naturally dyed will become extremely popular with hand-spun and dyed varieties like cashmere, merinos and silk the most coveted.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
It’s got to be positive feed-back from customers. I know through my own experience that buying over the internet can be unsatisfactory at times, so when customers take the time to tell me they are happy with the service they have received, then it makes my job very enjoyable.
Where do you find inspiration for projects?
Texture and colour of yarns really inspire me – if they are soft, luxurious and natural then I find inspiration comes easily. I am always drawn to classic styles and fashions where ‘less is more’. My style-heroines are Greer Garson, Ingrid Bergman and Grace Kelly.
Have you always been creative?
Since a young age I have always loved art, music and crafts. We have artists and musicians in our family going way-back and I am lucky that I was always encouraged to develop my own creativity. There are many crafts that I would love to work on in the near future, as usual it’s a question of time!
What do you look for when sourcing new products?
I keep my eye on market trends and research this in terms of quality, price and availability. I also listen to what my customers want and apply the same criteria. It is also very important to me that any company I source products from can provide good customer service to me too as it has a knock-on effect to my customers.
What's your favourite yarn in your personal stash at the moment?
I have some precious Ozark Handspun in my knitting basket, hand-dyed in beautiful bright pinks, greens and orange shades just waiting for me to knit! I haven’t yet decided what to knit with it, but I think it is probably going to be a scarf.
Do you think knitting has become more popular in recent years?
Definitely! It is such a wonderful thing that younger people are discovering this craft and people who have knitted for many years are experiencing the community spirit that exists now within knitting that can be found online, in groups and in magazines. I also think that we have turned our backs on cheap, poor-quality clothes and goods, and found that knitting offers us the chance to make our own better quality items.
To find out more about the store and to see the full range, visit www.lanapura.com
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT!
Get 10% off anything in the Lana Pura store by typing code CB005932LP into the checkout when you make your order.*
* This code is valid between Friday 25th July and 20:00 Monday 25th August. Only one voucher can be used per person. This offer applies to UK residents only and cannot be exchanged for cash. Lana Pura reserves the right to end this promotion prior to the advertised end date without notice.
