Six years ago knitting expert Sheelagh Kendra opened 'The Yarn House' in the High Street, Caterham-on-the- Hill, fulfilling her dream to own her own wool shop.

"I have always been a passionate knitter," said Sheelagh. "There used to be a wool shop on the Hill which had closed and since then there was no-where in the area to buy wool. A couple of years after I opened The 'Yarn House' knitting became very fashionable because all the Hollywood stars were knitting, which was more luck than judgement for me and my shop!" Sheelagh, who always wears one of her own creations, is a walking advertisement for the wool she sells.

"I like luxury yarns and the top designer wools but I cater for everyone, including those who are returning to knitting after a break of many years. I like the whole atmosphere of working here, helping my customers and getting new knitters started."

As well as brands such as Sirdar and Rowan, Sheelagh also stocks a good selection of Fair Trade and organic yarns as well as knitting needles and other accessories.

Sheelagh has had some unusual requests, including a grandmother who needed wool to knit a dinosaur for her grandchild. Football scarves are also a popular 'grannies knit'!

"There is a sock-knitting craze sweeping the country at the moment, so we have a massive collection of sock wool. Some of my customers are commuters who like to knit socks on the train into work," said Sheelagh.

'The Yarn House' also stocks haberdashery including a huge selection of designer fabrics, buttons and ribbons which are very popular with patchwork and quilting enthusiasts.

So if you are thinking of taking up knitting this spring, pop along to The 'Yarn House'.