About Us
Hi, I’m Bernadette, the owner of The Craft Merchants, a Craft store located in the picturesque village of Killea, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland...and we’re only five miles from the historical city of Derry/Londonderry.
Knitting has been part of my life, for as long as I can remember! Taught by my mother (who is still an avid Knitter) as soon as I could hold a pair of needles, I can still clearly see my 1st knit project...a brown cat, and that was more years ago than I care to remember.
Crafting is one of the most therapeutic hobbies. According to research, crafts can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness and even dementia. You can knit, crochet or embroider almost anywhere, in the car (we’ve all done it...waiting to pick the kids up at the school gate), on the train and I’ve been known to take my crochet on holiday, much to the dismay and embarrassment of my travelling companion, who was absolutely mortified when I brought it down to the poolside!
My love of crafts encouraged me to open The Craft Merchants in March 2017 and it is now a thriving hub for Crocheters, Knitters, Embroiderers and Crafters of all ages and abilities.
Here at The Craft Merchants we are passionate about our customers. Our shop offers a warm and welcoming environment, and we are more than willing to offer advice, help, hints and tips... or a little inspiration, should you need it! Our ethos is to encourage the enjoyment and imagination of crafts, so whether you are a beginner, intermediate or experienced crafter we are certain you will find a project to suit. We host Crochet, Knitting and Embroidery classes on a weekly basis and specialised workshops on a regular basis.
Our store is home to a wide selection of yarn including King Cole, Hayfield, Sirdar, Ice yarns and Rico, to name but a few, in a variety of weights from 3ply to Super Chunky. We also stock an extensive range of trendy Knitting and Crochet patterns, together with beautifully illustrated books and an assortment of knitting needles, crochet hooks, buttons, bows, trimmings, ribbon, zips, thread, wooden embroidery hoops, gilt scissors, scissor sets, faux pompoms, and much much more!
Did you know that DMC Stranded Cotton is The World’s Favourite Embroidery Thread? Wait for it... they sell one million skeins every single day!
They use the finest, long staple cotton and mercerise it twice to give your embroidery exceptional sheen. Each skein contains six easily divisible strands to allow you to vary the weight of your stitches to add depth to your project. Our DMC Thread collection includes Stranded Cotton, Coloris, Light Effects, Colour Variations and Satin! From one fine thread, a work of art is born!
DMC understands that handmade is about more than your time and effort. Handmade is about living more mindfully. Handmade is about giving with love. Handmade is about expressing your creativity. And your creativity is our heritage.
Hope this has inspired you to pick up your Knitting needles, Crochet hook, or Embroidery hoop. Enjoy shopping at The Craft Merchants!
Love Bernadette xx