There has been a happy ending to the story of the theft of a handmade cardigan from a local craft and knitting store.

Darn Knit in Oakham was the location of the theft of a handmade cardigan just a few weeks ago.

On 31 May, a cardigan was stolen from the Mill Street shop, much to the dismay of Sian and the team in store.

The cardigan had been made by a regular customer and loaned to Darn Knit to show off the King Cole yarn that had been used. In fact, the yarn was so nice, and Pauline - the creator of the garment - had done such a lovely job, that someone took a fancy to the item and snagged it for themselves.

Following the incident, Sian said: "We're a bit in shock as this cardigan knitted by Pauline has been stolen from the shop. It was knitted for herself, but she kindly loaned it to us to show off the yarn in the shop.

"We're heartbroken to think that someone would steal someone else's hard work from our small business. It was beautifully hand knitted by Pauline, matching the patterns front and back, hand picking her buttons. And now it's gone."

Pauline worked for hours on the jumper, pattern matching and hand picking. Image credit: Darn Knit.

Pauline and the team received a great deal of support on social media, but that would not bring the cardigan back.

However, the story has a more positive solution.

Although the garment was not returned, King Cole, who stock the yarn used by Pauline, got in touch with Sian. They offered to send Pauline some replacement balls so that Pauline could recreate her much-loved jumper.

Sian and the team at Darn Knit shared the happy resolution on social media: "Thank you to everyone who commented and sent lovely messages and popped in the shop to speak to Pauline in regards to her stolen cardigan. There was so many comments I didn't even know where to start, but it warmed our hearts no end.

"Somehow, King Cole saw our post and reached out to me to send Pauline replacement yarn for free. It arrived today and I could not wait for Pauline to come in and open it, she came in on her day off (because I wouldn't tell her why a parcel arrived addressed to her) and she was so surprised and happy! Thank you so much @kingcoleltd. That was the kindest thing and she was very surprised."

Pauling loved the surprise delivery. Image credit: Darn Knit.

Pauline was chuffed and the staff and customers at Darn Knit have been reassured by the lovely gesture.

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