Interview: Ann Miner of Yarn Folk
How/why did you choose the name "Yarn Folk?"
When I was working toward opening my shop, I had to file a lot of paperwork before I could do things like open vendor accounts, lease a commercial space, etc. I wanted the name to be inclusive of both knitters and crocheters and to represent a sense of the community I wanted my business to host. I don’t love pun-based names (for myself--I have no problem with others using them!), so that ruled out a lot of options. And I was looking for something where the domain name and social profiles were available.
Could you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to open your yarn shop?
Prior to opening Yarn Folk, I worked for the postal service for eight years. What I enjoyed most was working in small offices, which were gradually being eliminated or rolled into bigger offices. I didn’t think it was likely that I’d be able to attain the type of job I wanted (postmaster of a small office) without relocating. One night I asked my spouse what he thought about me opening a yarn shop, and he didn’t hesitate for even a moment in saying that he thought I should. While I love knitting and yarn, the key factor was that I thought the area needed and could support a shop; the previous shop had closed two years prior, and I knew I wasn’t the only person who needed yarn closer to home! In all of my previous positions I’d been a “utility player,” so I felt I had a range of skills to call on in operating a small business.
What is the most surprising thing you've learned about being a yarn shop owner?
This is a hard question! I think it’s a really deep study in the effects of encouragement on people--to try new things, to make mistakes, to learn how to fix them, to feel confident in liking what we like. People really respond to encouragement in ways I didn’t necessarily anticipate.
What advice would you give to others wanting to open a yarn shop?
I would encourage prospective shop owners to be realistic about the amount of work involved, and I would also advocate for running the business with an eye toward sustained profitability. Even if a shop owner has a level of financial security that makes profitability less important on a personal level, it affects all of us who make a living in this industry. The visibility of women in this industry is high, and we deserve fair wages for our creative and community-building work.
Are you a knitter, crocheter, or bistitchual?
I am bistitchual, but I’m a better knitter than crocheter. I have to look at my crochet more, which means I Netflix-and-crochet less than I Netflix-and-knit.
What do you most enjoy about stitching?
I like literally everything about it--the color, the texture, the math, making my own clothes, the meditative state it can support--all of it.
What do you most enjoy about fiber arts?
The incredible amount of variation that can be generated from such a simple foundation: some string, simple tools, a few stitches.
What other arts/crafts do you enjoy?
Garment sewing bends my brain in a completely different way, but still gives me the thrill of making.
What yarn(s) have your heart pitter-pattering lately?
Neighborhood Fiber Studio DK, Lang Carina and Erica Knight Wild Wool.
If you were to suggest a yarn base for a beginning stitcher, which base would you recommend? Why?
100% wool, worsted weight, in a color they love. Wool has a forgiving bounce, worsted weight is thick enough to show progress in a reasonable time frame as a beginner, but isn’t so thick that the tools become unwieldy, and working with colors we like makes for a more pleasant encounter.
When selecting books and patterns for the shop, what do you look for?
I try to maintain a balance between things that are interesting/challenging and those that produce great results without a lot of fuss.
When selecting dyers for trunk shows, what do you look for?
Great communication and a strong vision of what makes their product unique. Excellent samples help too.
What do you love most about hosting trunk shows?
Trunk shows are a challenge I’m trying to do a better job of rising to; events push me out of my introvert’s comfort zone!
How does running Yarn Folk add happiness to your daily life?
My job is never boring, and nearly all of the challenges I face are positive.
What do you most enjoy about the fiber arts community?
Fiber folk are truly enthusiastic, and I love enthusiastic passion. It’s fascinating to see how it is expressed by people of so many different backgrounds.
You host weekly knit nights; what do you enjoy about these gatherings?
It’s nice to have the chance to sit down and get to know people on a deeper level. I love it when new people find their community here.
There are a lot of changes happening within the fiber arts industry right now. What positive change are you hoping to see in the fiber arts world?
I think that the discussions about inclusivity have the potential to be powerfully transformative. I’ve seen a quote from Brene Brown where she is quoting a 12 year old who says, “If I get to be myself, I belong. If I have to be like you, I fit in.” Even early in the process of this industry working out what it means to be anti-racist and more welcoming to a broad range of life experiences, it’s an honor to get to hear from--and see the great work produced by--a more diverse group of makers. I don’t want to minimize the pain that has been expressed by many, because there’s no joy in knowing someone has suffered, but there is also an opportunity to participate with people in their joyful creative expression too.
What are your dreams for Yarn Folk going forward? Is there anything you'd love to incorporate or change?
I mentioned above that I’d like to become more adept at managing more trunk shows and other one-off special events. I’d also like to become a better teacher--that’s a stretch for some of the same reasons that events are challenging. Beyond that, I want to continue bringing beautiful fibers to central Washington and to participate in the growth of the community that exists between my customers. Oh, and I want to continue to encourage people who want to make sweaters to MAKE SWEATERS. It’s not that scary, I promise!
How do you balance time spent squishing yarn for the shop and working on personal projects?!
Balance? Is that a thing? In all seriousness, I do try to have my work for the week finished when I leave on Sunday so that it doesn’t spill over into Monday, when I’m closed. It’s not always possible, but I’ve been a bit better about protecting that time recently.
CONNECT WITH YARN FOLK
Website: www.yarnfolk.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yarnfolk/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/yarnfolk