Hello, and welcome!

elizabethgledhill

Sep 7

3 min read

Hello, and a very warm welcome to Yorkshire Bess Creates! I'm Elizabeth, the maker and creator behind Yorkshire Bess Creates. Here is a little introduction to who I am and what you can expect from my lovely little business.

Creative beginnings.

Creativity and imagination have always been a huge part of my life. From writing lengthy stories as a child to trying practically every craft in existence as an adult - making things has always provided a valuable outlet allowing me to express myself. Not every craft stuck; those who know me well may remember my origami phase, and my passion for embroidery, shamefully, lasted a mere 24 hours! Knitting was different though.

My not so secret love affair with knitting began during the 2020 lockdown. With time to spare I was determined to finally learn to knit after many failed previous attempts. I ordered a knit kit from the internet and when it arrived was in awe of what was the softest and squishiest yarn I had ever felt. I picked up what seemed to be a pair of very oversized chunky wooden knitting needles, and with the help of online tutorials succeeded in learning the fundamentals of knitting. Knitting quickly became therapy, occupying both my mind and hands in a way that nothing else could.

I became known for my knitting. Knitting in ten-pin bowling alleys while my son competed in tournaments, knitting on buses, knitting by the side of the road when the car broke down. People would ask 'what are you making this week?', and 'can you make me one of those?'. Knitted gifts became the norm for family and friends, and my wardrobe quickly began to overflow with woolly garments and blankets.

Changing perspectives.

For the past seven years I worked as support staff in a secondary school. This was a hugely rewarding job that I loved, but over time it became increasingly demanding. Taking up most of my energy, I felt myself drifting into burnout and realised that something in my life needed to change. I took a risk and left my job without anything to go to. I spent some time evaluating what truly mattered to me and realised that I needed to embrace and reignite the creative part of me. Encouraged by my family and friends I began to build Yorkshire Bess Creates.

So what is Yorkshire Bess Creates?

Yorkshire Bess Creates is my new creative venture. Following my heart, and love for super chunky wool, I created a small range of handmade accessories to share with the world. I'm a huge nature lover, and when I'm not knitting I'll often be found wandering local woodland and hiking rugged Yorkshire hillsides. It is outdoors where I find my inspiration, so most of my creations are heavily influenced by nature and the shifting seasons.

My first collection of products is designed to welcome in the colder months, celebrating the elements of autumn that I love. There's the ribbed beanie hat which is perfect for layering up with on chilly mornings, and a cosy cable knit hot water bottle cover to snuggle up with when you get home. Finally, super squishable hand-knitted pumpkins complete with cinnamon stick stalks (I mean, who doesn't love a pumpkin?) and the fluffiest pom-pom wreaths you ever saw complete my autumn range.

I hope you enjoy browsing my little hand crafted store, and if you're interested in a custom creation, please reach out to me - more on this will be coming soon!