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A new craft shop within Worden Park is one man’s triumph of how we has channelled his anxiety and depression into building a new business.
Chris Wilson, creator and owner of Flock and Skein, has turned his hardships into a thriving craft business with big morals.
After being diagnosed with Depression & Anxiety Disorder, Chris was encouraged by loved ones to take up a new hobby to help occupy his mind. After picking up knitting, his hobby soon turned into a passion.
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Chris said: “What has turned from a hobby into me now opening a shop and dye studio and working for a living doing something I love.”
Flock and Skein specialises in selling 100% British Wool products. Chris dyes the wool and sources all of their wool farmers himself, so he can personally ensure quality and that the farmers are paid a fair rate.
He said: “I know how hard farming life can be, especially for sheep farmers, many of whom live very isolated working lives for very little money, not helped by the fact that they are paid a pittance for their sheep’s fleeces, it costs more for them to be sheared than the wool board pays the farmer. This has led me to only source 100% British Wool, paying the farmers what the fleeces and yarn is actually worth.”
A huge part of the business is giving back to the community, the company even pledged to donate 10% of their first year’s profits to the charity, Field Nurse. Registered nurses who run drop-in sessions at local Auction Marts for farmers, one of their key focus areas being mental health and wellbeing.
Flock and Skein are also looking to start classes so people can learn a new skill and meet new people. On the cards so far is Coffee & Crochet, Knit & Natter or Wine & Wool, details TBC but they’re planning on holding the classes Tuesdays 1.30 – 3pm at El Tano on Worden Park. More information will be posted on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
The classes will be open to anyone and everyone, Flock and Skein’s door is always open.
Chris added: “Please don’t suffer in silence, its so easy to go into yourself and hide away, talking about and sharing your emotions is so important. If you feel you can’t talk to anyone close to you, there are mental health help line available drop-in centres and resources online. If you’re in Leyland, you can even pop into my shop for a chat. And always remember, no matter how dark things are, things will get better.”
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