Did you know that Baaad Anna’s sponsors a football team?

It’s true! We are proud supporters of the Britannia Micro Footie. While yarn and football might not seem like the most obvious pairing, supporting local community initiatives has always been part of who we are.

When we say we support local, we mean it. Not just by carrying products from independent makers, dyers, and designers, but by investing directly in the people and communities around us.

With the World Cup in full swing, it’s impossible to miss the flood of merchandise everywhere you look. Polyester this, plastic that, limited-edition souvenirs destined to be forgotten in a drawer or worse, headed to landfill before the year is over. Maybe it’s the fibre artist in me, but I’ve been feeling a little pessimistic about it all…I’m sorry.

But it’s here, and rather than grumble from the sidelines, maybe we can embrace the best parts of it. Recently, I read an email from one of the coaches that spoke about how football can help children celebrate teamwork, friendship, and global citizenship. Those words stuck with me.

Whether it’s on a football pitch or around a knit night table, people come together to learn new skills, support one another, solve problems, and celebrate progress. That’s something we care deeply about at Baaad Anna’s.

In fact, it feels especially fitting with World Wide Knit in Public Day just around the corner. Our iconic teacher, Jackie Blackmore, is hosting a big meet-up at Jericho Beach this Saturday, bringing together knitters, crocheters, spinners, and fibre artists to do what our community does best.

So while the world is focused on football this summer, we’ll be cheering for our local team, celebrating our local makers and embracing the joy that comes from being part of something bigger than ourselves.

Here’s to teamwork, creativity, and community. ⚽️