Tell us about your business
We’re a small local business where you’ll find me and my three amazing part-time staff in the shop, they definitely make me look good!
We proudly support local small farms, local crafters, and UK-based businesses, stocking commercial yarns, quilting cotton fabrics, haberdashery, embroidery threads, knitting needles, and crochet hooks.
In fact, we have the largest selection of knitting needles and crochet hooks in Shetland, alongside an ever-growing haberdashery range, with special orders always welcome.
How long have you been in business?
We’ve been trading for 2½ years, continuing the well-loved Loose Ends name.
What are your most popular products?
During tourist season, our most popular products are the local purebred Shetland sheep wools from farms including Uradale, Aister, Laxdale, and Murrister. We display them proudly across the front counter, creating a beautiful burst of colour that visitors love.
Do you have a personal favourite item in the shop?
One of my personal favourites is the beautiful needlepoint kits made by one of my talented staff members, Estelle Hughes. Visitors often told us they loved traditional Fair Isle designs but didn’t knit, so Estelle created a range of needlepoint kits inspired by those patterns. They’ve become incredibly popular and make wonderful gifts.
What makes your business unique?
One of our biggest unique selling points is our commitment to promoting purebred Shetland sheep wool from small local farms. People travel to Shetland from all over the world and are fascinated by our hardy little sheep.
The farms we work with , Uradale, Aister, Laxdale, and Murrister, are dedicated to keeping the Shetland breed true, and we’re proud to celebrate their efforts and share the beauty of their wool and traditional Fair Isle knitting.
What do you love about being part of the local community?
What I love most is that it doesn’t matter where you come from , if you get involved, you become part of the community.
We love supporting local events with raffle prizes and sponsorships, and we’re also a drop-off point for Loving Hands, a charity that sends blankets and knitwear to people in need around the world.
If there’s a way we can help, we’re always happy to get stuck in.
Why should someone visit your shop?
Come in for a warm welcome, browse beautiful local wools and crafts, pick up knitting, crochet, sewing materials and supplies — or simply stop by for a chat about crafting.
We especially love seeing what people are making, as we’re crafters ourselves. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, everyone is welcome.
After all, every great crafter started with their very first ball of wool or metre of fabric!
For more info please click here