HUBBARD – Focusing on yarn-related crafts including knitting, crochet, felting, weaving, spinning and dyeing, Gwen Erin Natural Fibers specializes in hand-dyed fibers and yarns and hands-on assistance for all skill levels.
In business since 2010, the shop hosts weekly get-togethers that offer assistance and shared enthusiasm, says owner Gwen Brown.
After navigating pandemic challenges including product availability and social distancing, the shop has resumed hosting workshops, private lessons and events. To compete with online offerings, the shop offers a community environment, one-on-one lessons, group workshops and demonstrations, Brown says.
In 2022, a popular hand-dyed sock yarn and two custom blend fibers were added with similar new products expected in 2023.
A new knitting instructor will teach more advanced techniques and the shop will offer new activities such as needle-felting and Tunisian crochet.
“Each year we try to offer new tools and fibers to keep our crafters excited,” Brown says. “It’s quite a niche market, but always invigorating.”