Jess Thomaz loved knitting when she was growing up in the United States.

Now she has turned her hobby into a new business in the Covered Market.

Mrs Thomaz has taken advantage of one of Makespace Oxford’s schemes to encourage new businesses to set up shop in the historic market.

Four empty units were transformed into pop-up shops for retailers during the festive season.

Read again: Pop-up shops make use of space at Covered Market

The short-term use of these spaces is part of the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ programme, commissioned by market landlords the city council and delivered by Makespace Oxford, which seeks to re-use space in Oxfordshire’s urban centres.

Mrs Thomaz’s shop is called The Woolhound and taps into growing popularity of knitting across the nation.

She is hoping to occupy the retail space until at least the summer as she is enjoying the atmosphere in the market.

Mrs Thomaz said: “In the United States I had a knitting business in Pittsburgh, so I thought I would try something similar here and thought it was a good opportunity with Makespace Oxford.

“The reaction from customers so far has been very positive - they are very pleased to see a wool shop back in the city centre.

“We get customers of all ages - we had a 10-year-old boy in the other day and he was so excited about getting started.”

Read more: Ducky Zebra clothing store opens

More and more people are taking up knitting as a hobby, Mrs Thomaz said.

She has been impressed with the UK tradition of yarn bombing, and has admired the decorative woollen hats that are being provided for local postboxes.

The business is called The Woolhound because Mrs Thomas is a big fan of dogs and has previously owned greyhounds.

She added: “I like greyhounds and if I ever see a pub called The Greyhound I like to go there.”

She has been delighted with the welcome she has received from other traders in the market.

“Everyone has been very welcoming and I’m definitely planning to stay until at least the summer,” she added.

“I am looking forward to working with the Teardrop bar - we are trying to get together so that we can hold a crafts afternoon there.”

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The other businesses involved in the Makespace scheme are Ducky Zebra, a start-up creating colourful, sustainable clothing for children; Y.O.U Underwear, a social enterprise making a difference selling sustainable, organic underwear with a focus on ethical supply chains; and Headington Fair Trade, a shop selling ethical and fairly-traded food, homewares, stationery and more.

The arrangement is expected to be reviewed this month, to see if traders want to remain for longer in the market.

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