Monthly Yarn Store Spotlight Series: Yarn Tales

Basic yarn store info: Name, Location, Hours of operation and any current policies (e.g., appointment only, drop-ins allowed but only 6 people allowed in the store at one time, etc.)
Yarn Tales 1, Inc.
228 E. Main Street, Suite 111, Anoka, MN
It’s like a treasure hunt to find us as we’re located at the back of the building.  Folks don’t realize we’re back here.  We used to be in Suite 114 (current location of Appleberry’s Attic) and anticipate moving into Suite 101 once more of the pandemic protocols are relaxed.  That should make it easier to find us.
Hours are Wed – Sat from 9-5
Open stitching times are Wed- Fri from either 9-11 or 1:30-4:30.  Reservations are not required but encouraged as seating is limited to six people to ensure social distancing.  There is no charge for a single weekly visit.  More frequent visits there is a $10 requirement of an in shop purchase.
Tell us about your team or would you like to highlight someone special?
Shirley Temple Black Bear!  Just Bear for short.  She is my puppy love and an Australian shepherd Poodle mix that comes in about once a week.  Photo attached below.
What yarn do you stock that you feel doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
Plant based fibers; cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, and other cellulose based fibers.  For those of us with skin sensitivities these yarns are often overlooked in the LYS world.  So many people need hypoallergenic alternatives that this shop specializes in these fibers.  (Even the dog is hypoallergenic!)
What class offerings do you have coming up?
While there is actually nothing on the calendar at the moment, we usually have one workshop a month on a Sat afternoon for three hours.  The next few should include Latvian braids, herringbone stitches, and  blocking/finishing.
We’re awaiting the final shipment of Jody Long’s Coastline yarn to start a KAL which will occur on Tues evenings.
Classes for beginning knitting and crochet are currently scheduled as requested on an individual basis as we continue to remain cautious with the pandemic protocols.  I’m anticipating children’s (8 years old and up with an adult accompanying them) classes this summer every two weeks but waiting to see what the Governor announces in May.
Are you offering virtual classes?
No.
Do you have any upcoming trunk shows or other events?
Working with KFI on a trunk show in June for Gedifra’s Fior di Seta / Fior di Seta Color silk yarn.  They haven’t gotten back to me yet on whether there are garments available yet.
What is your favorite sample? photos encouraged
Attached below.  It’s pattern I made up for Juniper Moon Farm’s Bud yarn.  It’s 100% certified organic Peruvian cotton.  It takes 9 skeins (3 each color) and us a table runner.  But you could use it as a rectangular shawl wrap also.  I have a similar one I made for my aunt for Xmas out of Trailhead Yarns Yosemite yarn.  It’s another 100% organic cotton yarn.
Do you offer a MKG discount or a frequent buyer club?
Yes, 10% discount for MKG members.
Other than shopping, what are the best ways we can help support your yarn store?
Get the word out about the versatility of plant based fibers!
Is there anything else you’d like us to feature? ie: are you committed to providing extra benefits to employees? are you involved with a local charity? are you committed to being green?
We support the local ACBC food shelf every year around Xmas time along with the other shops in the building.
I attempt to support US mills,  manufacturers, and distributors whenever possible.  Or least try to keep the carbon footprint smaller.  Not always successful at it, but we keep trying.
If things keep improving around here, then I’m hoping to hire someone later in the summer or fall.

Recent Posts

The Auction is Coming!

Help the guild re-home some delicious yarn!  The 2025 online auction supporting the Minnesota Knitters’ Guild opens at 8 PM on January 21, 2025. We have 71 lots this year, including many sweater quantities!

Read More »

Service Knitting Special Project Alert!

The Service Knitting committee is looking for a few more volunteers to work on a special project for St. Luke’s Maternal and Child Health unit. If you’re interested and want to learn more, please email the Service Director at service@knitters.org.

Read More »

Our spinning demonstrations are sponsored by Get Bentz Farm. 

Theresa Bentz of Get Bentz Farm, Northfield, MNAfter growing up in the city and suburbs, the owners of Get Bentz Farm felt a need to be closer to nature and to be more connected to where their food came from. 

In 2014, they found a farm house for sale and later that year they decided on and purchased their first two Icelandic sheep. 

Once they had a good size flock they began marketing the amazing meat and wool. Initially, they found that many mills in the area do not process dual coated long wools, which slowed down their growth in yarn, but they did find a great market for wool filled bedding products and batting for spinning. 

Today, they have a variety of yarns, batting and roving as well as finished products like dryer balls, sheepskins, and wool bedding. Most recently, they opened their own Get Bentz Wool Mill as well as their own line of yarn – Badgerface Fiber.

Jean

Vice President

(Term 1, Year 1)

Jean Gross has had an interest in all things fiber since, at the age of 5, her mother gave her fabric scraps to keep her occupied. She is fluent in knitting, crocheting, tatting, embroidery, sewing, quilting and spinning, thanks to her mother, Janice, and grand mother, Clara. But Jean’s favorite thing to do with fiber is help others to explore its possibilities. She has taught at the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines Library, Freedom for Youth, the Des Moines Knitting Guild, Shepherds Market, local yarn shops and also teaches privately. Jean has served on several non-profit boards including FiberSmiths of Iowa and the Des Moines Knitting Guild. Jean lives in north central Iowa with her husband, Dave, and faithful canine, Rolo. She has published several knitting patterns.

Thyra

Marketing Director

I grew up watching my mom knit. She tried to teach me as a kid and I never enjoyed it, but after finishing college I found myself with extra time and no hobbies. In the last 20 years I have dove in all the way and love to learn new and challenging techniques. As my fiber love has grown, I have also started raising sheep in order to go from sheep to sweater. I love interacting with the sheep who have big personalities and learning to process and spin the wool has been a great adventure.

Open Position

Yarnover Committee Chair

The Guild is currently looking for a new Yarnover Chair. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact our president Meg, president@knitters.org

Currently Open

Marketing Director

The marketing director position is currently open. For more information contact the Guild President, president@knitters.org

Melissa

Technology Director

(Term 1, Year 3)

Melissa has been knitting for 15 years. She loves socks and sweaters. She is a new member who hopes to use her marketing background to lift up the MKG. While she isn't local to MN, she really loves the atmosphere created by the Guild. Melissa and significant other Al enjoy traveling, wherein Al graciously offers to drive so Melissa can knit in the passenger seat. (she, her, hers)

Nikky

Membership/Programming Director

(Term 2, Year 2)

Nikky was first introduced to knitting in 2012 when her visiting sister-in-law taught her the basics of casting on and the knit stitch. A few weeks later, she learned how to purl from her mother-in-law. From there, it quickly became a passion and she has taken on each new project with a desire to expand her skill and discover new techniques. She loves a good mystery (knit-a-long) and knits way more shawls than a single person can wear in a month.

Deb

Service Director

(Term 1, Year 1)

Deb learned to knit in the early 1980s as a happy by-product of Hill Street Blues fandom. For a couple of years, she and a gaggle of other students met weekly to watch the show, and one of those friends was always knitting. As it is with so many knitters, that friend was enthused to teach someone else. Deb has been knitting ever since and particularly enjoys playing with colorwork and knitting sweaters. She is constantly astonished at the skill, enthusiasm, and generosity of MKG members. (she, her, hers) (See our Service Knitting Page for more information about our current projects and donation process.)

Open Position

Programming Director

(3-year term)

This position is currently open. If you are interested in volunteering for the Guild board, please contact our president, Kelly, at the email me link below.

Rose

Treasurer

(Term 2, Year 3)

Rose learned to knit from her mother at the age of ten. She started knitting on the ends of small paint brushes. She continued to knit off and on through her teenage and young adult years and became a more avid knitter after taking a Norwegian sweater knitting class through community education. Today, knitting has become a passion and she knits for charity, herself, and her family her stash. She enjoys meeting other knitters and learning new techniques.

Kendra

Secretary

(Term 1, Year 2)

Kendra lives in the Twin Cities and learned to hand knit from her mother in middle school. In the last few years, she has also learned crochet and machine knitting. Kendra enjoys knitting items to donate and challenging herself with new techniques. She prefers knitting in the round with colorful yarn. (she, her, hers)

Meg

President

(Term 1, Year 1)

Meg grew up surrounded by makers. Her mom, a master quilter, former Home Ec teacher, and 4-H club leader in Duluth, taught her to sew, embroider, and cook. She won a trip to the State Fair as the Dress Review Princess at 13! Another MKG member taught her to knit continental style 15 years ago. Meg can’t sit still and NOT be knitting, embroidering, rug hooking or sewing. Favorite thing to knit? Mittens! She loves taking classes and learning new things – absolutely amazed and inspired by all the amazing knitters in the guild! (she, her, hers)

Kathy

Webmaster

Kathy has always been into crafts, but didn’t teach herself to knit until after college. She really got hooked while living in San Francisco when a friend opened a knitting store. To pitch in, Kathy started knitting up fun (and odd) things for window displays, as well as teaching classes. In the last couple of years, she has started designing her own knitting patterns (many of them available for free on Ravelry!) with toys and mittens being her primary obsessions. (she/her/hers)