You may remember that back in December 2024, I had the privilege of visiting Longest Yarn Exhibition exhibition for the first time – and I was absolutely blown away by it. The creativity, craftsmanship, and sheer scale of that original installation were unlike anything I’d ever seen before. So when I heard there would be a second instalment, I knew I had to try and visit. And what better day to share it with you than Armistice Day, when we all pause to remember the bravery and resilience of those who lived through war.

Following the success of the original exhibition, The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War builds upon the same heartfelt storytelling – this time focusing on what life was like in Britain between 3 September 1939, when war was declared, and 8 May 1945, VE Day.

The exhibition features 80 brand-new panels of “wool art,” each one metre long, depicting key moments and experiences from the Second World War. From The King’s Speech to D-Day, The Blitz, the Home Guard, the Women’s Land Army, rationing, and much more, each piece offers a vivid, tactile snapshot of wartime Britain – all told through the medium of yarn.

Once again, I found myself completely mesmerised by the artistry on display. Every stitch, every colour choice, every carefully rendered detail spoke volumes about the love, dedication, and skill poured into this project.

Accompanying the panels is an extraordinary set of eight life-size wool figures, collectively titled “Army of Duty Calls.” These represent the many faces of service and sacrifice during the war; from a Land Girl to a Spitfire Pilot, each crafted with astonishing detail and care. Standing among them feels almost like stepping back in time. I was particularly blown away with the piper Bill Millin, the attention to detail was just astonishing!

I could easily have spent hours photographing each panel – but instead, I’ve chosen a small selection of images to share with you here, to give you just a taste of this unforgettable experience.

The level of detail in each yarn creation was truly astounding. Guided by historians to ensure historical accuracy, every scene was thoughtfully chosen by its creator to tell the story of this momentous period in history, each one unique, heartfelt, and crafted with exceptional care.

From evacuees and bombed houses to families sheltering in the Underground and incredibly detailed machinery, every panel captured such poignant moments in yarn that it completely blew my mind how thoughtfully each one had been constructed. It was so clear how much love and effort had gone into every piece. I couldn’t help but marvel at how each crocheter and knitter had managed to convey such depth and emotion through yarn – it’s nothing short of genius.

As I mentioned in my original blog post, the exhibition actually began as an idea by Tansy Forster, who was inspired by the post box toppers and yarn bombing events seen around the UK. She initially planned to create a small topper for her garden wall in Houesville to mark the 80th anniversary, but after chatting with a few friends and fellow knitters, the idea quickly grew and grew!

After touring the UK and Ireland, drawing more than 250,000 visitors, the original Longest Yarn is now on display in the United States for a year-long exhibition. I doubt Tansy ever imagined it would evolve into such an incredible worldwide exhibition, let alone lead to a whole second instalment. Personally, I’m hoping there’ll be a third one in the future!

As before what truly made the exhibition so special was the incredible sense of community woven through every crocheted and knitted stitch. Each panel told its own story, lovingly created by individuals and groups who poured their hearts into preserving this important part of our history. It’s a beautiful reminder of how creativity not only connects us to the past but also inspires those who will carry these stories forward into the future.

The Longest Yarn 2 exhibition is currently touring Great Britain and Northern Ireland and will continue through to the end of 2027. It’s free to attend, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience this remarkable creative tribute.

However, the project receives no formal funding and relies entirely on public generosity to keep it on the road. A £5 donation is suggested, which helps cover essential travel and setup costs – a small price to pay to support such a meaningful and inspiring initiative.

If you get the chance to see it for yourself, I thoroughly recommend it. It’s a moving, beautifully made reminder of our shared history — and a celebration of the power of art, craft, and community spirit.

For more details, visit: The Longest Yarn website

Still Supporting the Poppy Appeal

Just a little side note. As we remember those who served, I’m also continuing to raise money for the Royal British Legion through sales of my poppy crochet pattern. It’s a small way to give back and to honour those who gave so much – and I’m so grateful to everyone who’s supported this cause so far.

If you’d like to crochet your own poppy and help support the Poppy Appeal, you can find all the original details (and the pattern link) in my post here: 👉 Pattern Re-Release: Poppy Appeal

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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