For the Love of Yarn — Colour, Craft and Sanctuary with Lisa Harland

In this episode of Crafting Scotland I chat with Lisa Harland, the radiant mind behind For the Love of Yarn. What started in Lisa’s kitchen nearly twenty years ago has grown into a bright, bustling studio that feels part yarn emporium, part cosy living room and part communal craft classroom.Lisa talks candidly about the early days: how a graphic-designer’s eye led her into dyeing yarn, how a suggested hobby became a lifeline through a difficult period of postnatal blues, and how that tiny spark turned into a business driven by colour, care and connection. Her studio is a place where customers can walk in, “squish” skeins, sit on a plush sofa with a cup of tea, and suddenly find themselves planning a whole new project, or simply stealing five minutes of calm.We explore the joyful, practical and ethical threads that run through Lisa’s work. She and her team champion heritage skills such as spinning (and teach it at every level: from spinning on a stick to working at an Ashford wheel), and they take real steps to rescue local fleeces that might otherwise be wasted. Lisa explains why visible mending and “meet & mend” events are about more than saving clothes: they’re about finding creative solutions, reducing waste, and reclaiming the value in the things we already own.You’ll also “meet” Jen, Lisa’s dye apprentice (and now indispensable studio partner), and hear about the everyday triumphs and hilarious disasters that come with running a hands-on, playful craft business. We hear about pink kitchen floors to nine-foot sheep signs. Throughout the conversation Lisa returns to the same simple, generous message: craft is for everyone. You don’t need perfect tools or perfect timing, you just need a bit of curiosity and the willingness to start.This episode is a warm invitation to slow down, make something with your hands, and find or build a little sanctuary of your own. If you’ve ever felt nervous about starting a new craft, Lisa’s story will gently persuade you to stop worrying and just get making.You can find more details about workshop events, new dyed wool, opening hours and so much more on Lisa’s website https://www.fortheloveofyarn.co.uk You can also find and follow Lisa & Jen here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofyarnTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/fortheloveofyarnFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortheloveofyarnThank you for listening to the podcast. I would love to know what you’re taking away from this episode. If you are a crafter in Scotland and would like to be a guest on this podcast, then please complete this short form - https://form.typeform.com/to/kUUWIPfRTo stay in touch and find out about upcoming guests then visit me over on Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/devinetoursofscotland/In case this inspires you not only to be more creative but also plan a holiday in Scotland and would like a little help with planning your trip or even like me to guide you in part or for the entire duration of your stay, then check out my website and use the contact form to get in touch - https://devinetoursofscotland.co.uk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit devinetoursofscotland.substack.com