During the pandemic and having to stay indoors many people found new talents and hobbies to keep them busy. Among the areas seeing growth, yarn stores became very popular during the pandemic, as people were able to turn their hours into productive craft sessions. There are a handful of stores that have been able to open the doors fully and get back to offering in person knitting classes due to mandates being lifted.
One store is in Turlock called Needful Things; the shop is at 2243 Geer Road and owners are sisters Christina and Casandra Carroll. They took over the store three years ago from the previous owners and since then have been hard at work growing the store’s potential.
For about a year now they have been offering knitting classes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and made them open call classes. Meaning anyone, of any age and level of knitting can come without having to make an appointment or register.
Most people bring their own materials to the class but the store does offer supplies for purchase at a discounted rate. The classes highlight how to crochet and knit and offer assistance with a beginner’s pattern or customers can come in with their own project.
“We like to teach the washcloth pattern, because if there are any holes or messy areas, no one ever said the washcloth wasn’t used or torn,” Christina explained of the dual purpose beginner’s pattern.
Being able to see the excitement and enjoyment when the students understand a pattern or finish their project is why the sisters continue to offer classes.
They are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and can be contacted at 209-669-9009.
They also sell the yarn and materials on their website shopneedfulthings.com.
Another store where all knitting needs can be satisfied is Village Yarns in Patterson. They are at 32 S. Third St., and the shop is owned by Samantha Taylor.
She has owned this must stop knit shop for 22 years and has a passion to not only teach but also spread the love for knitting.
Knitting classes are offered during all business hours which are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and closed Thursdays and Sundays. To make an appointment or call for questions about beginning a knitting class, the store can be reached at 209-222-1772.
Since COVID, Taylor began to offer classes on the customers’ own schedules rather than a specific day and time, creating very flexible classes. The sessions are $10 each and all materials are offered in store but customers are still encouraged to bring their own if they would like.
“I always suggest we start classes making scarves, they are my favorite to teach,” Taylor explained.
Gaining knitting experience is available with shops scattered all over the 209, and taking that first step into starting a hobby in knitting is only a loop and a stitch away.
