So immediately you can see why I wanted to visit this shop – pun notwithstanding, it felt like it would be alternative, run by my kind of people.

I was correct and here are many photos of the delights I found there.

I was visiting Bristol but had the day to myself before embarking on a fun weekend. I looked up local yarn shops, naturally, and found that I could get to this one if I hopped on a bus for 40 minutes. Seemed completely reasonable to me.

Alterknit Universe stocks local, ethical, sustainable yarn. Ideally all three at once but they’ll settle for just one at a time. They also have a discounted outlet out back (which I didn’t visit) so that folks can pick up crafting supplies even when money is tight. The prices in the main shop are very reasonable for the quality of yarn, too.

The owner, Karl, says they want the shop to feel like a friend’s living room. Mission accomplished, I’d say. A friend who has a lot of yarn, mind you.

They also have classes, which is very sensibly (and prominently) displayed in the window. Next to the dragon (isn’t he amazing?).

As well as all the yarns, there are lots of little friends around to keep you company (or to keep kids entertained while their parent has a leisurely browse).

I was heavily encouraged to squish these fibres, including one made out of roses which was crazy soft. There was also corn and pineapple. Spinning is a whole other world. Sorcery, I tell you.

Also some of the samples are TINY JUMPERS which is a stupendous idea.

I had a lovely time, as you can tell, which included loads of chat with Karl. Oh and I bought some yarn. First a skein of West Yorkshire Spinners Exquisite, to make gloves to match my Otter’s Wake shawl now that the weather demands I wear it. It’s just as soft as you’d hope. 

Then some yarn to make a Cloudbreak (Ravelry link) by Melanie Berg (Instagram). The minis are WYS again, their signature 4 ply, while the neutral is Partrdge Yarns – they’re taking a break by the look of their Etsy shop so I feel lucky to have picked this up.

If you’re near Bristol, do check the opening hours and head on over. You’ll have a lovely time.