WILLIAMSBURG一 Yarn Matters will celebrate a decade of helping Williamsburg residents learn, create and connect through knitting and crochet with a 10th anniversary celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The independent yarn shop, located at 7437 Richmond Road, opened in 2016 after another local yarn store closed. Owners Marina and Kevin Hayes said the shop was created not only as a place to purchase yarn and supplies, but also as a gathering place for people interested in fiber arts.
For Marina Hayes, opening a yarn shop fulfilled a longtime dream. She learned to knit as a child growing up in Russia, and the hobby developed into a lifelong passion. The business also allowed her to pursue that passion while spending time with her two daughters.
Over the past decade, Yarn Matters has offered yarn, knitting and crochet supplies, classes for beginners and experienced crafters, and weekly social stitching groups where customers gather to work on projects and share ideas.
“We’ve watched complete beginners become confident knitters and crocheters,” Hayes said. “We’ve celebrated new babies, admired countless finished projects, and watched friendships grow over a shared love of fiber arts.”
The shop said more than 900 students have learned to knit or crochet through its classes. Some customers have gone on to create sweaters, blankets and handmade gifts after first learning the basics.
The celebration will include new yarn releases, anniversary merchandise and refreshments. The first 20 customers will receive a hand-dyed mini skein made by Hayes.
“When we opened the shop ten years ago, we hoped people would enjoy the yarn,” Hayes said. “We never imagined all the friendships, creativity and memories that would grow from it.”
