Fun in Frome

—

by

Kate Davies Designs
in

gables

Did I mention that I really love my work? This week work took me to Frome — a beautiful small town in a part of Somerset which I have never visited. I was there to see Jen . . .

jen

. . . and also got to hang out with Jim (the inimitable Veuf Tricot) and Scooter. The latter is a very smart feline — far too smart to injure his dignity posing for photographs.

scooter

Jen and I worked (and plotted) really hard, and then then took an afternoon off to potter around town. I’m really glad we did, as Frome is a place that seems to demand pottering.

Everywhere you look, there are inviting windows to peer into. . .

window

tea

And things to look at . . .

dogsbestfriend

bouquets

seagullmask
(This needle-felted Seagull mask was one of an incredible collection in a shop called OWL. )

On Catherine Hill, there are several fabulous vintage stores, selling niche and carefully curated garments and objects. I love this selection of cloches . . .

cloches

. . . and am concerned that this dress and its very particular green is going to haunt me.

shirtwaister

Catherine Hill also boasts a lovely haberdashery shop called Millie Moon

milliemoon

I have a mild addiction to ribbons and trims . . .

trims

. . . which was certainly fed there.

spoils

And best of all, Catherine Hill has its own lovely yarn shop – Marmalade Yarns

marmaladesign

In this extremely pretty and well-situated shop, Catriona and Maxine sell a superb selection of British yarns from mainstream producers like Rowan to some of the best independents like Skein Queen, Fyberspates, and Shilasdair. Marmalade Yarns is also a stockist of (ahem) ME. I don’t think it will ever stop being exciting to visit a place that sells my book and patterns.

marmaladeyarns
(Jen and Catriona outside Marmalade Yarns. Yes, Catriona is wearing an o w l sweater!)

Thankyou, Jen, for a fun and productive couple of days, and for a great introduction to Frome!

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Comments

85 responses to “Fun in Frome”

  1. loveleighknitz Avatar
    loveleighknitz

    Kind of how I picture Heaven!

    Reply
  2. Time-not-cash Avatar
    Time-not-cash

    Nostalgia trip for me. I grew up in Frome before moving back to Scotland. I have memories of my mum pushing me up Catherine Hill in a red and white striped buggy telling me I was too big now and would have to walk. At the top was a little bakers where we got Battenburg cake as a treat.

    Reply
  3. Madge @ The View From Right Here Avatar
    Madge @ The View From Right Here

    Lovely series of images, I love the last shot and the name of the store ‘Marmalade Yarns.’ I’m your newest rss subscriber…

    Reply
  4. Louise Avatar
    Louise

    I live in London but have stopped in Frome a few times on my way to Glastonbury festival. It has lovely coffee and cake shops which is what you need when heading off to a large busy field. I am so happy to discover that it also has wool and haberdashery shops. Brilliant and why am I living in London……

    Reply
  5. Jenny in Duluth Avatar
    Jenny in Duluth

    Just to be contrary: you already appear to have the dress’ twin. I had to look twice to be sure the dress in your header-picture and the dress on the form weren’t the same one! Although, I admit, this may also mean you *should* buy the dress, for they are almost certainly different in more ways than the prints.

    Reply
  6. Mrs Napalm Avatar
    Mrs Napalm

    Frome is now definitely on my list of places to visit! Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for similarly picturesque places with lovely independent shops? I’m surely not the only person who loves a mooch around shops but am sick of the homogenous high streets which are so prevalent. In the UK some of my favourites for a grand day out are Rye, Ludlow, Totnes, Lewes, and Ledbury but I’m keen to find more!

    Reply
  7. Beth in Maryland Avatar
    Beth in Maryland

    Kate – you and I have never met, of course, but I know for sure, that green dress is YOU.

    Reply
  8. reviverenewrestoreblog Avatar
    reviverenewrestoreblog

    I love all the neat pictures. They make me want to see your part of the world away from Central Texas, U.S.A.

    Reply
  9. Katy Duke Avatar
    Katy Duke

    Hi Kate, I’ve written an article for Frome People about two nice stories from Catherine Hill, including yours, hope you like it & do visit again :) http://www.fromepeople.co.uk/Frome-s-Deadly-Female-boosted-Nigella-s-wiggle/story-17986024-detail/story.html

    Reply
  10. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    I love your pictures. I have a coalport figurine called Biddy in that exact shade of green.

    Reply
  11. Laura Francis Avatar
    Laura Francis

    I live in Frome, moved here almost 2 years ago to the day. I love it! What wonderful pictures you took, I think they truly evoke the spirit of our wonderful town and all the reasons we moved here :-) Don’t hesitate to visit people – and, you may like to know that on the first Sunday of the month throughout the summer months (May-September) we have a wonderful Artisan market on the cobbled St Catherine’s Hill (where Marmalade Yarns and Millie Moon and all of those lovely retro shops are) which is a fantastic chance to see even more local craftspeople, eat delicious local “slow food” and more. We look forward to seeing you. (PS – if you are local we have a great WI, and Marmalade Yarns and Millie Moon, the florist featured Bramble & Wild and other local people are regular speakers. Do join us http://fromewi.blogspot.co.uk/ )

    Reply
  12. Isabel Avatar
    Isabel

    A lovely vicarious visit for me…. I’d be haunted by the green dress as well!

    Reply
  13. Cécile Avatar
    Cécile

    Time travel… And goes with the various items that keep hauting us the inevitable question from the male partner (perplexed tone) : “If you talk so much about it, if you really liked it, WHY didn’t you buy it ???”. Ignorant men.

    Reply
  14. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    I was so intrigued with the seagull mask from the OWL shop that I found its site on facebook, and asked who the artist was. It is a woman named Gladys Paulus, and she does amazing wet-felting work. And for those of you in the United Kingdom, she offers felting workshops! http://www.gladyspaulus.co.uk/

    Reply
  15. addknitter Avatar
    addknitter

    Marmalade yarns? The name alone sends me into paroxysms…

    Reply
  16. Elaine Avatar
    Elaine

    Please check the Internet for Shetland Ponies Wearing Sweaters. An advert put out by the Shetland Tourism Board.
    I wonder how long it took them to knit those big FairIsle sweaters. Seen on Good Morning America on January 25.

    Reply
  17. Genevieve Avatar
    Genevieve

    Lovely photos of a lovely place I am unlikely to ever be able to see. Thanks for the eye-candy! I am glad you had a good and productive time, Kate.

    Reply
  18. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    Another vote cast for buying the dress! I’m headed for Wales next summer, and almost wish it were England instead…almost! It is truly wonderful to see all these little villages with their shops on your blogposts. Where I live in small-town America, those retailers were long ago driven out by the local big-box store.

    Reply
  19. Dixie Myers Avatar
    Dixie Myers

    The votes are in, Kate…we all want you to have the dress, obviously. Post a picture as soon as you have it, so we can all relax! Thank you for sharing your lovely day with those of us across the pond!

    Reply
  20. writerwannabe2011 Avatar
    writerwannabe2011

    Beautiful images!!!

    Reply
  21. RatiganKnits Avatar
    RatiganKnits

    Looks like such a lovely place. I am hoping the dress and the owl mask came home with you. I suspect you’ll be seeing more and more of your designs in the future. Luckily that means we (your fans) will be too…

    Reply
  22. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    What a lovely place! I love all those little shops. Not badly off here in Edinburgh (Stockbridge on my doorstep) but it would be lovely to have more independent retailers like that. I guess the current economic climate is not so great though.

    Reply
  23. thermal Avatar
    thermal

    Hi, I love Frome, I live here & I love the shops so much that I’ve made a free one page shopping guide to help the retailers, you can download it here http://bit.ly/Fromeshop – or check out the Frome Shops Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ShopinFrome

    Reply
  24. Jo Avatar
    Jo

    I just love that town and want to go strolling around those little shops too!

    Reply
  25. Gretchen Avatar
    Gretchen

    That dress is SO you.

    And. . . one more town added to my UK travel list.

    Reply
  26. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Awesome trip – on my fibre places to visit on pinterest now!

    Reply
  27. PendleStitches Avatar
    PendleStitches

    I so very nearly got to live there about 6 years ago, but the husband’s job changed and it didn’t materialise. I may never recover. ;-) It’s a fabulous place!

    Reply
  28. Gail Roche Avatar
    Gail Roche

    and the next email was from kate so here it is. Looks like a lovely little town. Hope it is. Ga

    Reply
  29. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Sounds like a great day! Well worth a trip.

    Reply
  30. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    I wouldn’t mind knit-walking down those streets !

    Reply
  31. Deborah Garretty Avatar
    Deborah Garretty

    Looks amazing. I would really like a trip to that part of the country. I love towns with independent retailers. My sister in law is lucky enough to live in Totnes (Devon) which is very reminiscent of Frome. I bet you had a grand time.

    Reply
  32. Catriona Williams Avatar
    Catriona Williams

    Thank you for your kind comments on Frome and our shop. I would like to bet I was more excited to have you visit us as stockists of your exquisite patterns, if you return for that dress please call again.

    Reply
  33. helenexplainsitall Avatar
    helenexplainsitall

    So lovely and surprising to read this blog! Long time reader, first time commenter from Frome who first heard of your blog via a Newcastle univeristy (where I was a student) acquaintance. Glad to hear you liked our little old town and I hope to one day visit all of the Scottish islands you frequent!

    Reply
  34. Mona NicLeoid Avatar
    Mona NicLeoid

    The picture of the little Loriot book made me smile. He was one of the really great German comedians (died in 2011). As a half-German I can say this: we don’t really have that many comedians who we don’t need to be ashamed of, and he was definitely one of them. His films and sketches are must-sees for every learner of the German language ;)

    Reply
  35. alison Avatar
    alison

    I was in Somerset last summer and completely missed Frome! That will have to be rectified someday. Thanks for the delightful tour.

    Reply
  36. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    These pictures make me want to get on a plane and come back to the UK. You’re so lucky to have access to such gorgeously inviting small towns.

    Reply
  37. Deborah Robson Avatar
    Deborah Robson

    Tea, books, and fiber. It doesn’t get much better.

    Reply
    1. Kathryn Avatar
      Kathryn

      It might, if that tiny little bicycle sign in the Marmalade Yarns picture means there is a ramp there which you could ride down with your backpack full of yarn after visiting the shop…. ;)

      Reply
  38. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    I love all of this. The seagull mask is wonderful, and your photo of Marmalade Yarns looks like something out of a dream.

    Reply
  39. Voie de Vie Avatar
    Voie de Vie

    You absolutely need to go back for that dress – let it haunt you no more! Looks like a great way to spend a few days.

    Reply
  40. knitonemorerow Avatar
    knitonemorerow

    Come to my shop – on the the lovely island of Anglesy.

    Reply
  41. Lorra Avatar
    Lorra

    Lovely pictures,I’ve lived near Frome for years but never really explored it properly, had no idea there was a wool shop, have made plans to visit on Monday!

    Reply
  42. Katarina Avatar
    Katarina

    Looks absolutely lovely!

    Reply
  43. JenAC Avatar
    JenAC

    I love my town SO much, and you’ve done such a wonderful job of capturing it. Reading the comments is making me burst with pride.
    It was, as always, a joy to spend time with you. Here’s to more plotting in the very near future. xx

    Reply
  44. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    I just loved this post, and the wonderful (as always) pictures. I would love to visit Frome… but I think there’s some danger I would never want to leave and come back home to Canada!

    Reply
  45. Fiona Avatar
    Fiona

    I’ve just moved to North Somerset so a trip to Frome I must now make! At knitting group in Bristol today a toddler was resplendent in your owl sweater.

    Reply
  46. makewisedesigns Avatar
    makewisedesigns

    what a magical place, and your pictures capture the entire atmosphere so beautifully. want to pack my bags and go there immediately, and i’m on the wrong side of the Atlantic!

    Reply
  47. Felicity Ford Avatar
    Felicity Ford

    Ah the West Country! Certainly, it is a place of JOY! I reckon that being self-employed and building your own career is all about finding the right COMRADES – folks who inspire; who are smart and capable; and – crucially – whom you can share such pleasures as tea and yarn and cake with. Huzzah!

    Reply
  48. Shaz Avatar
    Shaz

    Buy the dress. I am still haunted by the hand carved figurine I didn’t buy at the Cloth Market in Krakow….

    Reply
  49. Deborah Avatar
    Deborah

    Thank you for the tour. Frome looks like a wonderful place to potter around. I like the way that sounds.

    Reply
  50. donna Avatar
    donna

    What a fun time and beautiful town.
    OI look forward to a picture soon of you in that gorgeous dress!

    Reply
  51. Reform Lane Avatar
    Reform Lane

    PS. That dress is a must.

    Reply
  52. Reform Lane Avatar
    Reform Lane

    Aaw, the two sweetest knitwear girls I know and a beautiful town to boot. Jen has the loveliest smile. Brilliant post, thanks Kate. x

    Reply
  53. Ruth Avatar
    Ruth

    I was thinking just yesterday that I should cycle over to Frome for an explore at some point. Reading this has only increased my desire to visit.

    Reply
  54. Marne Avatar
    Marne

    Go back for the dress! It’s exquisite and you’ll not regret it.

    Reply
  55. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    Oh – I didn’t notice the picture with Catriona. I haven’t seen her in a few years…..looking good Catriona if you are checking in!

    Reply
    1. Catriona Williams Avatar
      Catriona Williams

      Thank you, you are very kind. Frome is lovely even if it is far away from home, I still love living here.

      Reply
      1. Diane Avatar
        Diane

        I can see why you would love it! And it looks like the perfect place for a knitting shop. Hope that the kids are all doing well – they must be getting big by now.

        Reply
      2. Diane Avatar
        Diane

        Oh and it’s Diane Milne in case you were wondering ;-)

        Reply
  56. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    It looks lovely in Frome! I went to school/Sunday School with Catriona…..I love that she opened a knitting shop!

    Reply
  57. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Oh Frome, I haven’t thought of it in years. What a great place and all of Somerset! Yes to the dress.
    It’s ‘your’ fault I am now sewing more ;) And I got all of Ann Cleeve’s mysteries on Shetland and tell you what……….NOTHING is getting done around here! And Inquiring Minds want to know how many books you sold……….I do hope it was a bizillion, maybe it’s a secret. I love my copy and it is the essays that definitely add to the patterns.

    Reply
  58. Raymonde Avatar
    Raymonde

    That seagull mask is amazing!!!
    If I ever have a yarn shop, it will have cute “open” and “closed” knitted signs! Or in my case, “ouvert” and “fermé”. :-)

    Reply
  59. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    This is exactly what I love about your blog–the chance to visit (vicariously) so many absolutely interesting places. Perhaps we’ll see you in the green dress…

    Reply
  60. opinionknitted Avatar
    opinionknitted

    Loved the dress too! Loved it all….want to go there.

    Reply
  61. Alexandra, Bavaria, Germany Avatar
    Alexandra, Bavaria, Germany

    It looks wonderful! That dress…hmmm (I must look for fabric).

    Reply
  62. dana Avatar
    dana

    what a lovely day! i enjoyed it vicariously.
    the dress is going to haunt me too. i especially like the cuffs.
    and the wallpaper.

    Reply
  63. Ria, Victoria, Canada Avatar
    Ria, Victoria, Canada

    You really “need” to buy that dress. Love the knitted sign – so simple and charming! Love it. Glad you had a fantastic day.

    Reply
    1. Ing Avatar
      Ing

      Please buy the dress! I too am in Victoria, and would buy the dress if I could!

      Reply
  64. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Ooh that is my kind of town! Dear and winding and full of sweet independent shops.

    Reply
  65. Marie-Josée Avatar
    Marie-Josée

    I love those villages you get to visit, they are so charming! I understand why you love your work so much, apart from all the knitting and yarn… Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  66. frayedattheedge Avatar
    frayedattheedge

    That’s another place on my “to-visit” list ….. we are supposed to be going to Somerset to visit a friend who moved there recently, so that’s an extra reason to go!

    Reply
  67. Nancy (from across the big pond) Avatar
    Nancy (from across the big pond)

    What a cozy town to potter away in….not to add to you haunt Kate :) but that dress so has your name on it. So glad you had such a grand day out. :)

    Reply
  68. Mary Anne Avatar
    Mary Anne

    Spending a day with a good friend in a wonderful place….what’s better than that? ….And I agree…that dress is SO you. Don’t let it get away!

    Reply
  69. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    I just want to pack a bag and head there NOW!

    Reply
  70. astitchmatism Avatar
    astitchmatism

    Ooo, I love that particular shade of green too! Nice fabrics – reproduction feed sack, no?

    Reply
  71. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    Oh, I just hate/love it when dresses haunt me!

    Reply
  72. serendipturas Avatar
    serendipturas

    You NEED that dress!

    Reply
  73. bizzilizzikelso Avatar
    bizzilizzikelso

    ‘My type of town’ as the song says.

    I LOVE that cloche hat and the knitted shop sign. Why does something so simple please me so much?

    Reply
    1. Debra Avatar
      Debra

      Well it’s my “kind of town, NY,NY, a Frank Sinatra song. But I agree I’d love to be there too.

      Reply
      1. Maureen Avatar
        Maureen

        Sorry, I have to chime in to stand up for the home team . . . It is “My kind of Town, Chicago is . . .but I agree that Frome looks like my kind of town too. I’m putting it on my endless list of places I must see.

        Reply
    2. Jen Avatar
      Jen

      Because you would look great in it ! Probably in pink… or red ! ;)

      Reply
  74. Rosie Avatar
    Rosie

    Oh my goodness I wish I had been there with you!

    Reply
  75. Jill Jones Avatar
    Jill Jones

    I live just outside Frome and was ther yesterday and I agree the shops are fantastic!! LOTS of individual and independent people. Did you go to the black Swan? Marmalade yarns stock my local yarns too!

    Reply
  76. maryse Avatar
    maryse

    what a lovely place. my favorite thing is the knitted open sign.

    Reply
  77. Pam Gardner Avatar
    Pam Gardner

    sounds like such fun!

    Reply

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