ORGANISERS of Skipton's Yarndale Festival have awarded this year's start-up bursary to Yorkshire based rope-makers Kefi Textiles.

The bursary was begun in memory of Jenny Machin, daughter of Amanda Bloom, formerly of Cosy Life Boxes in High Bentham and a regular exhibitor at the festival. It is awarded each year to support and showcase new, up and coming businesses.

This year's winners, business owners Andrew and Heather Cumpstone said they were honoured to win the bursary and were looking forward to this year's festival, due to take place once again at Skipton Auction Mart in September.

Heather said: “Having previously attended as visitors, Andrew and I had been hoping to exhibit at Yarndale 2024 so we're thrilled to have been awarded the start up bursary in memory of Jenny Machin, and are really looking forward to being part of the show this year as an exhibitor.

“We have recently started the shift from using New Zealand wool to British wool in our homeware range and with Yarndale’s focus on both the sustainability and versatility of British wool we felt it would be fitting to showcase this range at the show.”

Kefi Textiles, based near Richmond, was set up by rope-maker Andrew and Heather in 2022 to protect the heritage of rope-making in North Yorkshire following the closure of a long standing rope manufacturing company in Wensleydale.

Andrew and Heather specialise in all natural fibres such as cotton, flax and wool, and alongside their ropes, they have developed a range of craft cords, made from 100 per cent cotton, for the craft market. Appealing to macramé artists, textile artists and many other creatives, all their cords are made in-house at their workshop.

Yarndale organiser Kate Beard said: “We’re delighted to award our start up bursary this year to Kefi Textiles and are keen to support Andrew and Heather’s desire to keep rope-making alive in North Yorkshire.

“We’re looking forward to seeing their Kefi Cord range, which is designed for textile makers, at the show and we love that everything is made by them on site in Yorkshire, from yarn to finished tube of cord.”

Amanda Bloom added: "We awarded Jenny’s bursary this year to Kefi Textiles as we believe that the business offers something different and beautiful. This looks like a fantastic new slant on rope - I felt quite inspired looking at their products and instantly wanted to make things with them.”

Yarndale 2024 takes place at Skipton Auction Mart on September 28 and September 29. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.yarndale.co.uk.