The wool trade has bucked the recession with sales up by nearly 30 to 40% as knitting becomes a revitalised fast growing mainstream hobby popular with an increasing number of celebrities.

Karen was aware of local knitters who were unable to buy less traditional yarns locally. She said: “I am not selling the same as other local wool shops. Some knitters always like to use certain fibres but another group is looking for natural fibres of higher quality, hand-dyed and handspun and that is what Once A Sheep is selling.”

The internet has aided the knitting boom with massive on-line communities and a huge choice of free patterns.

Karen was taught to knit by her mother and grandmother when she was five. She took a break in her teenage years but returned to it when she became a mum, knitting baby clothes and items for older members of her family.

The shop in Kempock Street opened at lunchtime on Saturday and was busy with enthusiasts after word spread on the online community. Karen said: “People were coming from all over.”

A knitting group meet twice a week in the shop around 20 people attending. Once A Sheep will also be offering knitting lessons.   

The shop is also the only West of Scotland stockist of Ashford spinning wheels, looms, spindles and accessories. Spinning lessons will also be available.

 On Saturday designer Ysolda Teague will be signing copies of her new book Whimsical Little Knits 2 at the shop from 1 to 4pm.   

-- Knitting Benefits: Knitting is said to increase co-ordination and concentration, with improvements in numeracy and literacy. It has also been shown to aid those seeking to lose weight, stop smoking, or cope with mental illness, stress, pain and bereavement.

-- Celebrity Knitters: Geri Halliwell, Madonna, Julia Roberts, Russell Crowe, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Kate Moss, Bridget Fonda,  Sandra Bullock, Eva Herzigova, Ulrika Jonsson,  Winona Ryder, Goldie Hawn, Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah,  Tracey Ullman, Catherine Zeta Jones, Antonio Banderas, Brooke Shields, Cameron Diaz