Learning to knit at The Yarn Shoppe

It was a cold Thursday night when nine of us—four moms and five children—gathered around the large wooden table in the middle of The Yarn Shop to begin our knitting lesson. We buzzed excitedly, catching up with one another while admiring the yarn we had chosen and unwrapping the small, colorful needles from their packages. Our instructors, Valerie Newkirk who owns The Yarn Shoppe and Bambi Suits, the shop’s clerk, circled the room, explaining to our eager crowd what we were about to learn.

We began with a simple stitch and set out to make bookmarks. Before long, needles started stirring and our pleasure grew as we slowly began to master the first knot, and then the first stitch. Our patient instructors leaned in to guide our fingers, cheerfully encouraging fine motor finesse.

“Your needle is naked!” The delightful Ms. Suits called out playfully, making the kids (ages 8–12) giggle. “Put some yarn on it to cover it up!”


Ms. Suits and Ms. Newkirk, as well as Elaine Phelps, a frequent patron who helped with the class, could not have been kinder or more patient as we—all novice knitters with ages that spanned decades—slowly learned. They created a warm atmosphere and fostered great excitement. The walls of the shop are lined with gorgeous textiles and the color and cheer of the space pervades, producing a space primed for creativity, artistic motion, and community.

Our favorite part of the knitting class: Perhaps you’ve noticed the rise of the Rainbow Loom among the elementary-school set. For months, my kids have been elbow-deep in the tiny, colorful woven bracelets. Because of this recent creative interest, I was correct to assume my eldest might enjoy similar handiwork by learning how to knit. “Everyone was talking and laughing,” Oliver observed over ice cream after class. “It was so warm and cozy...it was fun!” Not only did I enjoy the time I got to spend watching him learn a new skill and interact with friends, but the evening was also a great way to spend special time together. Since our class, Oliver remains excited about his new skill and has completed a super hero eye patch and begun working on scarf. We continue to share what we remember from our evening at The Yarn Shoppe and happily check each other’s work at home.

Ms. Newkirk and Ms. Suits favorite part of their work: Both women agree that working in a place where people come to express themselves is gratifying and that learning how to knit is a great way to engage a creative outlet. “You can express yourself in your projects,” Ms. Suits says. “What I like best about teaching is encouraging the students to believe in themselves and to trust their hands.” Ms. Newkirk adds, “When the student—at any age—is finally getting the hang of it, you can see the look of accomplishment and satisfaction on their face.”

If you're local, you should visit The Yarn Shoppe: Ms. Newkirk says knitting is a social, community activity. For virtually any group hoping to spend time together or enjoy a new experience, a class at The Yarn Shoppe is a delightful venture. Classes are free; you’re simply asked to buy your supplies at the shop. (This ranges from approximately $10–$15 per person.) The Yarn Shoppe carries beautiful chemical-free, hand-spun, local and fair trade fibers, the production of which ultimately empowers women and families near and far. The quality of the shop’s cotton, linen, silk, blended—even cashmere—yarn is carefully curated and soft to touch. Whether you find yourself relaxing at home or sitting poolside someplace warm this spring break, knitting needles can travel. And as we discovered at The Yarn Shoppe, knitting is both a centuries-old craft as well as a new family adventure that can be learned and enjoyed together.

A version of this post was published in the March issue of The Gold Book.