The other day I was very lucky to discover a new yarn shop – well, new for me. I was in Washington State with Lilia, and we decided to do a check for LYS’s in the area. Thanks to Judy, a sales rep in Michael’s who went out of her way to get us a name and directions, we discovered Apple Yarns. Yes, the name is a link, as they have a website – clicking on it will get you there, but read the rest of this post first! So the first thing we noticed when we pulled into the little village mall where AY is located, is that Andrea, the owner, has done a bit of yarn bombing outside. Actually, it’s more bikini yarn bombing, as the trees are all decked out in their summer bikinis, ready to get their tan lines. I think someone should do some trousers so the guys can feel included. It’s not just the trees that are adorned, there are some chairs out front that have been bombed and are just calling your tush to grab some yarn and sit down and knit in them. Next time I’m down there I’ll make sure I do.
The bombing outside is just the beginning though, as you’re instantly transfixed when you step inside. The store is clean and inviting, and very colorful. And oh yeah, there’s apples! I had to ask about apples and yarn, and lucky for me Andrea was there to explain. It seems as a child Andrea was very fond of a picture in their kitchen of an apple. So much so in fact, that even after she found out it wasn’t nearly as exquisite as she thought it was, she still liked it. When she decided to open a yarn shop, she used the apple as not only a symbol, but as the namesake for the shop. This is a very abbreviated (and not nearly as colorful) telling of the tale, so you should either visit the website or better yet, drop in the store to have Andrea tell it to you herself.
As for the store, I LOVE the selection of yarns that are there. There is a very wide range for quite the range of budgets. I could have stayed there for a day or two going through the yarn. Actually, I have to organize a field trip for the knitting groups I belong to to go and visit the shop. Speaking of field trips, Apple Yarns was also getting ready for the Puget Sound Yarn Crawl that is going on this weekend. If you live in the area – or within a reasonable distance – it’s worth your time to go and check it out. There is an annual yarn crawl in the Puget Sound area from May 19th – 22nd. Yes, you still have time today and tomorrow if you’re reading this on Saturday. This year’s version has 25 stores participating and there are lots of prizes, discounts, and patterns available. Not to mention the incredible selection of yarn! You can get a passport and fill it up (you get it stamped at each store you visit) for a chance to win from $100 – $500 in gift certificates! It’s definitely worth your time to check it out if you can. There’s also a website at here – Yarn Crawl – for you to get more information.
Back to the apples – I mean yarn. Did I mention there’s a great apple cookbook for sale in the shop?! Apple Yarns also has all the regular things you’s expect from a yarn shop – lessons, magazines, books, knit nights, room to sit and knit, etc. The difference is that Andrea and Erin (who was working with Andrea when we arrived) immediately put you at ease and are extremely helpful without being pushy in any way. I was very appreciative of Andrea stopping to take the time to chat even though she had to go off and get her kids and be a mom at the same time. As a mother of four, wife, and yarn shop owner, she’s very busy! Oh, and she even allowed me to take a picture of her as well. Thanks Andrea. You can also find her on Facebook and Ravelry under Apple Yarns. Here are a few more pictures from our visit.
Lilia enjoying the selection of yarns ...
Erin(left) and Andrea(right) of Apple Yarns!
- Hmmmm … yarn!
So, there’s a lot more to tell you but you should just go and see it yourself! You’ll have a great time!
Hugzzz 😎