Hanks Yarn & Fiber opened today in the shopping center very close to my house. We were there and it was fun. I’m not a knitter or a crocheter but I can’t wait to go back tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day. Hanks is all about yarn and fiber but it’s a lot more than that. It’s about people. And community. And I’m not just saying this because Ginger, Lorena and Sharon are my friends.
I watched all three of them talk to people they had never met before and help them feel welcome in the store – whether they bought anything or not. The two young girls sitting in the middle of the floor with their Nintendo DS’s were welcomed. Men in kilts, welcomed. Women new to knitting and crochet and spinning, welcomed.
When we walked in the store, from the Publix side, the couches and chairs were full of knitters. Lorena is helping a customer while Sharon laughs the way only Sharon can laugh. Who knows what they were talking about over there…
Ginger was busy at work, spinning a skein of yarn into a ball (Bless her for spinning TW’s new sock yarn and the yarn I bought for my mom’s birthday into balls. The latter, in particular, was not an easy thing to do – and I really really appreciate her patience and her help.)
Sharon, again, happy and laughing. She’s like that in general but opening Hanks is like a dream come true.
The “bouncer” looking serious about making sure people enjoyed their visit to Hanks.
Care to join me at Hanks tomorrow around 3? Or next week, Tuesday – Thursday, around noon? If you don’t live in Gainesville, and you need some yarn, you can order online. It won’t be the same, but it will still be a great experience.
I hope someday to work at a quilting store or even help run one. The store near my house had this kind of community going on, it was very nice! I like yarn, but fabric is my passion.
Yarn?!? You bought me yarn for my birthday???? Does this mean I’m going to have to actually make something??