Fears For The Debbie Bliss Brand As Designer Yarns Goes Bust

Logo courtesy of Designer Yarns

Yarn shops have expressed their fears about restocking British wool brand Debbie Bliss as Designer Yarns, a Yorkshire-based company that distributed yarn and accessory brands, closed on 18th December 2017.

Elaine Jinks-Turner, owner of online yarn shop Baa Baa Brighouse, said she had "attempted to place an order and discovered that since January 3rd the company's affairs were being managed by Rushton Insolvency. I'm afraid this will most likely affect our future supply of Louisa Harding and Debbie Bliss yarns."

Designer Yarns' Facebook page gives no mention of the insolvency and its website homepage has changed to give an email address for queries. Insider Media reported that the company went into administration on 14 December, that 12 people lost their jobs and although a buyer is being sought for Designer Yarns' stock the business itself is not being marketed.

Logo courtesy of Debbie Bliss

Currently Debbie Bliss doesn't sell yarn on her website Debbie Bliss Home. Responding to knitters and shops' concerns about getting hold of her yarns, Debbie Bliss, who herself is an unsecured creditor, said:

"I was sad to hear that Designer Yarns had ceased trading, having enjoyed working with the team there for many years. It was very difficult news for everyone: customers, suppliers, employees and myself. I am doing all I can to ensure that the Debbie Bliss brand will continue and will update all my knitting friends when I have more news."

Until wool shops can restock customers may find it difficult to get hold of their favourite Debbie Bliss yarns. If you know you need more of a certain colour or yarn the advice is to buy now whilst stocks last.

The full list of brands affected by Designer Yarns' closure is:

1. Debbie Bliss Yarns and sister brand C&B
2. Louisa Harding (the company that bears her name, not Harding's most recent venture Yarntelier)
3. Noro
4. Mirasol
5. DY Choice
6. Amano
7. Brittany Needles.

* Blog post edited 12th January.