BERLIN — Knitting and crocheting enthusiasts now have access to a bountiful selection of vibrant and varied yarn and accessories since A Little Bit Sheepish on South Main Street in downtown Berlin officially opened its doors yesterday, Nov. 14.
“Opening a yarn shop is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said owner of the independent shop, Brenda Trice.
Trice said he has spent her entire adult life invested in the world of knitting and crocheting, a hobby that has led to her becoming an expert on the assorted materials and techniques associated with the craft.
Hundreds of diverse bundles of yarn made with numerous colors and fabrics are stocked, giving customers a seemingly endless possibility of designs, whether the product of their work is a simple blanket, a hat or an entire wardrobe.
“I have always loved the different colors and textures,” Trice said.
Much of the yarn is produced by companies in the United States. This would include laced yarn with a thin, glittered line running down it from Berroco, R.I. and 100 percent “super wash” wool from Plymouth Yarn Company in Pennsylvania.
What sets the “super wash” wool apart from any other, is that it can be machine washed with any other clothing.
Alpaca wool from non-profit Frog Tree Yarns in Massachusetts is also available. Frog Tree donates all it proceeds to aid communities in Mexico, Peru and Bolivia.
Reaching overseas, Trice has stocked yarn from popular Spanish manufacturer Noro, angora rabbit wool from Schulana in Germany and wool and silk with beads intertwined made by Tilli Thomas from Australia.
“Not only do I have the brands you would expect to find, but I also support local producers,” Trice said, as she already has a selection of different fabrics from Maryland.
Blue Heron Yarns from Easton are of the luxury variety and the fabric is brightened by glitter sparkling throughout.
Dancing Leaf Farm from Barnesville, just outside of Frederick, produces a thick yarn intended to be used for sweaters. Its yarn is hand-dyed and incorporates a multi-colored and rainbow-like design.
There is also a children’s section featuring easy-to-wash yarn and micro-nylon yarn that is extremely soft and suitable for blankets.
The shop also carries tools and supplies such as needles, hooks, patterns and books. In front of the store are couches where patrons can sit and knit or crochet.
Meanwhile, designs displayed on mannequins can be used for inspiration. Patterns exist for all outfits hung on the mannequins. If a certain design or yarn isn’t in stock, Trice can special order any material needed for no extra cost, save for the price of shipping.
Trice has also instituted a free ball-winding service with the purchase of any yarn in the store.
Beginning in January, multiple classes will be held in the shop each month to teach skills involved with the hobby. These classes will be taught by local artisans such as Monika Lilley, owner of Upper Room Studio in Berlin, who has worked with fiber arts for more than 11 years.
While A Little Bit Sheepish opens this week, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held tomorrow, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m., with its official grand opening the following day, Saturday, Nov. 17. At the grand opening, there will be a free gift with every purchase and a drawing will take place to win one of four $25 gift certificates.
A Little Bit Sheepish will be open Tuesday through Sunday throughout the remainder of the year. On Tuesdays, the shop is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. On Wednesday through Saturday, its hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It operates on a short schedule of 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.
Between January and March, the store will be closed on Sundays.