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Blooming in June in 2024 at Bishton
30th June 2023

Last year we were at Bishton Hall. This year we're still at Bishton but we are exchanging the lovely grounds of the Hall for the lovely grounds of The Heritage, just across the road and owned by the reknowned Stafford Northcote family who used to own Bishton Hall. What a story and what a show we're going to have for you next year. Blooming in June is what we are going to do and we hope you will all join us at our next famous location! Read on.

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RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS for ANDY’S MAN CLUB, STAFFORD
18th May 2023

Ladies and gentlemen, here are the lucky winners of the raffle run in support of Andy's Man Club, the men's suicide prevention charity, organised by Sue Kent from Bishton Hall Courtyard. All funds go to supporting AMC's branch in Stafford. We women chat all the time, men not so much. That's why AMC exists. Thanks to all who supported by buying a ticket. Read on to find out if you have won and where to collect your prize if it's a big yes!

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Wool@J13 is back with a bang – and a huge dollop of that magical festival feel
16th May 2023

We're definitely back with a bang at Bishton. Celebratory sunshine, Naomi's marvellous music, Jo & Jay's cello playing, superb street food, very enjoyable gin, excellent exhibitors and an atmosphere that was electric, happy and welcoming. Here are some of our visitors' comments from our socials and personal messages to the whole team at Wool@J13. 2023 reached back to our festival vibe and did not fail to recapture what makes us stand out. Read on.

“Wool@J13 is unique amongst the plethora of UK wool events. What a fabulous festival atmosphere with music and street food and even a bar as well as all the wool. In all my years of going to wool shows all over the country, I have never found an event like this one. And what a location! I’ll be back next year!”

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25th April 2023

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK ONTO OUR WOOLLY WORKSHOPS! Bookings close in a few days' time. Your chance to learn. Whether it's with Emma Jackson from Silver Soles who is going to teach you how to make this fabulous wet felted Pod or with Amber Brigham who will teach you how to use a Needle Punch - it's all your opportunity. Read on....

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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE – New for 2023
19th March 2023

The chance to get to settle up with your stash, wherever that may be hidden, holed up or piled up. One woman or man's trash is another's treasure they say. And so say all of us! It's time to clear out and pass it on. And we're giving you the perfect opportunity to do just that. Whether we've got piles of Knitting, Crochet, Felt, Dyeing or just Craft, Craft and more Craft magazines, we're all faced with the dilemma of where to put them when we've finished breathlessly leafing through the new copy each month or getting out the needles and hooks or plunging our hands into the latest colours to concoct the patterns inside its pages. Same with our yarn. But if its only destiny is a bag at the back of the wardrobe, then we either do something with it or set it free and pass it on. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

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WE ARE MOVING IN 2023
29th September 2022

NEW SHOW LOCATION! Great news! Staffordshire's finest grade II listed Georgian mansion, Bishton Hall, with its beautifully landscaped gardens inviting you to linger longer in their treelined happy & dappled shade, will be playing host to Wool@J13 2023. And you're all invited to join us in our new home. Come, play with wool and enjoy the place whose watchwords have been philanthropy, happiness and education since 1776. Read on for the story of Bishton Hall, where it is and why we chose this location.

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TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2022 SHOW
7th January 2022

We are pleased to announce that our 2022 Show tickets are now available. We are celebrating wool in all its happy & glorious forms under bluer & warmer skies on the weekend of 14th & 15th May. Read on for how to book or hit our tickets page. Whichever way, we look forward to seeing you there!

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES: Wool@J13 2022: 14th & 15th May
5th December 2021

Back to May, back to a warmer life & bluer skies and welcome, once again, back to wool. May 14th & 15th, 2022. Tickets for next year's show will be available in the New Year when we are confident that the show can go ahead. Hold on tight, stay safe and watch this space!

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What a fab Welcome Back to Wool 2021
5th December 2021

What a warm welcome back to wool it was, despite the November chill. Wrapped in jumpers, scarves & masks, you came with a will and bags aplenty just waiting to be filled with show goodies. Thankyou for supporting us, both our superb exhibitors and our lovely visitors.

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COVID Secure for your security
10th November 2021

The Play Barn at Lower Drayton Farm has been operating under strict COVID secure procedures since it opened in August 2020 and this will be no less so for Winter Wool@J13. We want you to enjoy the Welcome Back to Wool at Lower Drayton Farm this coming weekend by helping to make the environment as secure as possible.

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Coming to the show? Consider Car-Sharing
30th October 2021

Visitors to Winter Wool@j13, being held down on Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge, Staffordshire, are being asked to consider car-sharing or making use of public transport to help support our fragile environment. Welcome Back to Wool and welcome to making a difference.

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2021 DATES ANNOUNCED – WELCOME BACK TO WOOL!
26th May 2021

We are back, live and lovely and raring to go with our Winter Wool@J13. The weekend of November 13th & 14th is when our patient woolly audience will be able to have a conversation with colour directly with our raring to go exhibitors. The world, all fingers crossed, should be a safer place by then and the Team look forward to welcoming you all back.

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2020 Show Postponed
14th May 2020

Wool@J13 2020 is being postponed until, we hope, later in the year. We are sorry to announce this, as we know that our audience must be too, but we know that you will all understand the circumstances. Please follow us on https://www.facebook.com/WoolJ13/ to receive updates and any further news. If you have already brought a ticket for either the show or the show plus a workshop, these will be honoured for when we rearrange. In the meantime, stay safe everyone and take care.

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Protecting ourselves & Others
14th March 2020

Over the past few weeks, the Wool@J13 Team have been monitoring the growing health concern around the Coronavirus (COVID-2019). As it stands, we plan to go ahead with the Wool Event on 16th & 17th May 2020 and we will be in contact immediately if the situation changes.

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Just Another Brick in the Wall
25th February 2020

Wool@J13, the Midlands No 1 Wool Show, is planning to build a wall for this year’s show on 16th & 17th May and they think they’re going to need a little help from their friends.

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Equality & Diversity
24th September 2019

Wool@J13 is committed to encouraging diversity, promoting equal opportunities and providing fair treatment in all that we do. We strive for an environment that is inclusive, free from discrimination and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We agree with Maya Angelou that there is strength in difference if we choose to embrace it. And, at Wool@J13, we do.

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Call for Exhibitors Wool@J13 2020
13th July 2019

Applications are now open for Wool@J13 2020 which will take place on the weekend of May 16th & 17th. The Midlands' No.1 Wool Show, now known for its laid back, hugely enjoyable festival atmosphere, appeals to yarnaholics as well as to those who are taking the plunge and visiting a wool show for the first time.

It has also gained a well earned reputation for looking after & putting its exhibitors first to share the enjoyment around.

The closing date for applications for the 2020 show is 31st October 2019, with special discounts available for returning exhibitors.


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What a Wonderful Woolly Weekend!
23rd May 2019

Wool@J13 is a yarn show like no other I’ve ever attended! It’s got the vibe of a summer music festival and it’s really, really laid-back, relaxed, chilled and charming. Just magical! The Sockmatician

Absolutely the best yarn festival I have ever been to. I learned a lot – and my dog was allowed to come as well. I had a great time. Thankyou! Katie Mansfield

The atmosphere and vibrancy of the event were incredible. Jennifer Smith

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Exciting Workshop Programme announced for Wool@J13 2019
21st March 2019

Global knitting star, The Sockmatician, heads up the workshop programme just announced for Wool@J13 2019. Whether you knit, crochet or needle felt, there is something for everyone to learn which is the order of the day from Wool@J13's organisers, Ingrid Wagner & Val James. This year, they present children's workshops running alongside those for adults, mixing science & crafts in a whole new way.

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Final Call for Wool@J13 2019 Exhibitors
30th November 2018

Exhibitors keen to secure a place at fast-growing Midlands wool show Wool@J13 should act now – as application for the 2019 edition of the event, which will take place on 18th & 19th May, are to close in January.

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EARLY BIRD TICKETS FOR 2019 NOW ON SALE
16th October 2018

Save, save, save on our Early Bird 2019 show tickets. On sale for a limited time only, from now until Dec 18th, our Early Birds are available at £4.50 for day tickets and £7.50 for weekend tickets. That's a big saving of £3.00 on a day ticket & £4.50 on a weekend ticket. The Early Bird certainly catches the worm in this case!
AND THERE'S MORE GOOD NEWS .....

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Call for Exhibitors Wool@J13 2019
21st September 2018

Exhibitor applications are now open for our 2019 event which will take place on 18th & 19th May next year. A little bit quirky, a little bit festival and a lot bit wool, we offer would be exhibitors the opportunity to be part of an increasingly popular show which opens its doors to visitors from all over the UK plus the chance to be well looked after throughout the weekend - and who wouldn't want that!

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Sock It To Me: learn how to knit your own!
3rd June 2018

You came, you saw and you marvelled at Sock It To Me, our sock fashion show presented by our super sock making exhibitors and Stafford Steppers at Wool@J13 2018. Now you have the opportunity to learn how to knit a pair of socks for yourself!

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Woven Winners to join Wool@J13
6th May 2018

Wool@J13 is extremely pleased to welcome Halsbury Barton to its exhibitor line up, all the way from North Devon, presenting the award winning beautiful fleece of their flock of Jacob sheep, UK born, bred and woven into superb throws, cushions and scarves. For those of you who are fans of the Jacob, and we know there are many of you, don't miss Stand W9 in the Shop Til You Drop marquee for this marvellous treat.

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Stafford Steppers step up for Sock It To Me
13th April 2018

We are delighted to announce that Stafford's very own performance group, the lively Stafford Steppers, will be joining Wool@J13 this year to present Sock It To Me, the event's Sock Fashion Show which will be gracing the stage on Sunday 13th May, in support of the Childhood Liver Disease Foundation. The girls will be including music from Glenn Miller and Thoroughly Modern Millie in their presentation and Sock It To Me will showcase hand knitted socks by Wool@J13 exhibitors and singing the praises of British wool.

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Hats Off to a Super Hat Making Weekend
12th March 2018

They came from Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Sheffield, Wolverhampton and Staffordshire to attend the Hat Making Masterclass put on by Wool@J13 at Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge, Staffs - and they went away waving an impressive and colourful collection of hats and proud of new found skills. Led by Zara and Paul Ellis from Innerspiral, the Masterclass buzzed from the start and the two tutors shared their knowledge freely. And what a lot of knowledge it was!

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Hat Making Masterclass fully booked
4th March 2018

We - and the Costa Baby who insisted on being part of the morning's photoshoot - are pleased to announce that the bookings for our super duper Hat Making Masterclass to be held on the 10th & 11th March in Staffordshire, are now closed. The Masterclass is fully booked and we are all looking forward to some Hat Making mayhem next weekend with Zara Ellis from Innerspirals, lots of dyed wool and a hat band or two. That baby is going to be so jealous!

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Win a Place on our 2 Day Hat Making Masterclass in March!
18th February 2018

The hot ticket in town right now is a place on our fabulous 2 day Hat Making Masterclass on the weekend of March 10th & 11th. We're running a competition which finishes at midnight on Sunday 18th February, to win one place. For Mother's Day? For you? Or for fun? Maybe all three.

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Hatmaker, hatmaker, make me a hat!
11th February 2018

Eat your hat? You can make one! But you need to be quick as there only a few places left on the Hat Making Masterclass run by Wool@J13 on the weekend of March 10th & 11th at the show's venue in Staffordshire.

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Applications for Wool@J13 2018 now closed
25th January 2018

The clock has struck midnight and the door to exhibitor applications has now closed. We have been inundated with requests and we have had a hard job in selecting our 2018 exhibitors. But select we have. And we hope you are pleased with the show that we have lined up for you in May!

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Last Call for Exhibitors Wool@J13 2018
11th January 2018

Applications close at midnight 12th January. Is your business wool? Do you want to be part of the Midlands newest & most exciting show in its second year after a superb start in 2017? The clock is ticking. Does the glass slipper fit......

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2nd Call for Exhibitors Wool@J13 2018
15th October 2017

2nd shout out for exhibitor applications for our 2018 show on 12th & 13th May. Due to the success of our inaugural show this year, we'll be expanding our Shop Til You Drop Marquee of exhibitors in 2018. So - if your business is wool in any way at all, we want to hear from you.

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EARLY BIRD TICKETS FOR 2018 SHOW
7th October 2017

EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW ON SALE for our 2018 show. £2.00 off all full price tickets per day. Weekend tickets now £10.50, single day tickets £6.00. Limited availability offer until 21st Oct. Book now for the Midlands' newest celebration of all things woolly 12th & 13th May 2018

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NEW DATE ANNOUNCED FOR 2018!
31st July 2017

GET IT IN YOUR DIARIES NOW!
12th – 13th May 2018. Sat 10a.m. – 5pm, Sun 10.00 – 4.30pm
A HUGE THANKS to all our hordes of visitors, fabulous array of exhibitors, friendly volunteers, generous sponsors & fine & dandy food traders, especially the very musical Haywood Sisters, all of whom helped to make our first show in 2017 such festive fun and go with such a swing

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Crafting Kerry Travels to the Top
31st May 2017

Kerry Ashdown, journalist, keen crafter & festival goer, who hails originally from Eastbourne and who now lives in Stoke on Trent, has won herself a First Prize Luxury Hamper with the Wool@J13 competition to dress a Bare Bear.

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‘Time Shop’ raffle at wool festival to raise funds for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice
4th May 2017

Organisers of Wool @ J13, which is set to take place on 13th and 14th May 2017 near Penkridge have come up with a novel way to raise funds for Trentham-based charity The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice. Over the course of the two day event, which is expected to attract over 2,000 wool and yarn lovers from around the country, a ‘Time Shop’ will get visitors thinking about how they would spend an extra 5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 minutes if they were able to buy extra time.

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STOP PRESS: Another exhibitor joins the Wool @ J13 ‘flock’
4th May 2017

It may be getting close to D-day, but exhibitors are still keen to sign up for the Midlands’ newest celebration of wool & yarn!

The latest to confirm attendance is Sue Stratford – all the way from Milton Keynes. She’s the lady behind Save the Children’s “Make the world better with a sweater” campaign and also Clanger patterns that are available as a free download from CBeebies!

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Swap your stash or fleece a sheep at Wool @ J13
26th April 2017

The Midlands’ newest wool show is now just weeks away, and organisers have announced two great additions to the already packed line-up.

Now visitors to Wool @ J13 can bring along their wool stash to trade in for fresh stock and also buy and sell whole fleeces. This is on top of a packed programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations with great shopping and live music to boot.

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Staffs wool show in search of volunteers
21st April 2017

The organisers behind Wool @ J13 are on the hunt for volunteers to help ensure the inaugural event runs like clockwork.

In return for their time – whether they can offer half a day or the entire weekend – they will be provided with meals and refreshments throughout and enjoy being a part of the vibrant team behind this exciting new event. There are around 30 roles to be filled; ranging from assisting exhibitors at set up and break down to looking after stallholders and entertainers over the course of the weekend to helping get all-important feedback from visitors on the gate.

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“Saw Them Here First” NEW EXHIBITOR ZONE
20th January 2017

OPPORTUNITY FOR WOOLLY START-UPS at Wool@J13: 13th & 14th May 2017
We've had a fantastic response from exhibitors for the show, with the shopping marquee fully booked with some great established traders. Watch this space for the final list very shortly.

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Set out your stall – exhibit at Wool @ J13
16th June 2016

Whether you’re an artist accustomed to exhibiting at the leading wool shows, or are researching events at which to showcase your craft for the first time, you may have noticed that there are some great events in the North and South of the country - but that there’s a huge gap in the MIDLANDS!

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Dates announced for Wool @ J13 2017
16th June 2016

Get the dates in your diary now – Taking place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May 2017, Wool @ J13 is a brand new wool show taking place in the heart of Staffordshire.

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New wool show for the Midlands!
16th June 2016

Wool@J13 is a vibrant new event for anyone with an interest in wool – whether you spin, knit, crochet, weave, felt or use it in mixed media this is a fantastic platform to showcase and sell your wares as an exhibitor, and a fun-packed way to spend a weekend as a visitor.

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