I grew up in a farming town called Ashburton, on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand.  This has a population both of the town and the country district of approx 35,000 people.  Now this is where I am basing myself whilst we are in New Zealand for the next 5 weeks.  First stop on our 12 months journey around the globe.

One of Ashburton’s most famous businesses is Ashford Handicrafts which is situated on West Street (the main thoroughfare through town).  In 1934 Walter Ashford founded Ashford Handicrafts in New Zealand, a company that has become a world leader in the manufacture of quality wooden textile equipment. 

They are most famous for their spinning wheels which are now sold around the world.  They also sell wool and all accessories for the knitter, crocheter and weaver.

I am lucky enough to have this place within walking distance from my mum’s place (where I am currently staying) and got the opportunity to call in the during the week.  Of course I had to make some purchases and picked up some lovely sock yarn, which will be for my stash or one of my monthly competitions that I run on Instagram.

Below are photo’s of what I did end up purchasing……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 You can find all details more in depth about Ashfords on their website  https://www.ashford.co.nz