Our Story

welcome to baa ram ewe

Baa ram ewe is just over two years old and is based in our shop, a redeveloped cow shed in the Headingley area of Leeds, West Yorkshire. It actually started off as half a cow shed, but after six months of trading we doubled our size to accommodate its huge demand for workshops, space to roll out its online store, and to stop extra wool stock being stored in the loo.

Inside you'll find some of the UK’s most luxurious fibres, along with wool from rare breeds sheep and beautiful yarns from Yorkshire artisans. We're proud to showcase the many Yorkshire yarn companies that are still thriving, from Sirdar in Wakefield, Rowan in Holmfirth and Cygnet in Bradford.

Baa ram ewe is living the dream that Verity had when creating her business vision: embracing its philosophy to be more than just a wool shop. It’s an active, varied community, committed to putting Yorkshire back on the wool map, as well as encouraging the use of British Wool. The business is fast band vsists from top deisgners including Amy Butler, Marie Wallin and Louisa Harding to the store. 

The business has also made the most of the explosion in social media, with regular blogs, the “baa ram news” letter, tweets and facebook updates to market and build the brand effectively.

It’s a far cry from Verity’s previous job as a radio producer on a Classic Rock station, but despite no retail or business experience she’s proved that with the right vision and determination you can succeed, even if you open in the depths of a recession.  She decided to set the shop up after her passion for knitting was re-ignited whilst caring for her mum who had terminal cancer. The craft was an enormous comfort to her and to her mum, and Verity feels the business is a tribute to her mother and grandmother’s passion for knitting, and their tenacious, energetic characters which she inherited.

Nice Things Folk have said about us

“Verity’s worked hard to combine well known brands alongside more unusual, local yarns that showcase the vibrancy and rich heritage of Yorkshire’s wool producers.” Ysolda Teague, Knitting Designer extraordinaire

If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, do go visit Baa Ram Ewe. It's an amazing shop with a really lively atmosphere and ultra friendly staff and customers which welcomes all knitters." Woolly Wormhead, wicked knitted hat designer

"I think it's great that you're working to promote British wool, I'd a million times rather buy British, but to be truthful, until recently I hadn't really even considered where the yarn I used was produced.  Thanks for helping me navigate my way." Kerry Smith, new BRE customer

“This place truly is THE place to come for British and particularly Yorkshire yarn and knitterly goodness, we were blown away by all the pretties on offer and Verity’s welcoming friendliness. .” Melanie, on her blog, http://homesickyorkshirelass.wordpress.com/

“If Leeds' shiny bars, international population and global cuisine have left you lacking a sense of place, and you're seeking a reminder of where you really are, look no further than Baa Ram Ewe. Set in a Yorkshire stone building, this shop/workshop space is pure Dales-gone-cool, stocking a huge range of locally made wools and yarns, artisan knitted goods and crafty accessories. ” Susan M, via yelp.co.uk