KNIT UNTO OTHERS

Join the circle; no strings attached

Claire Gehrki and her staff believe that people should play with yarn every day — and they can at Knit Unto Others in Arkadelphia, a retail yarn shop specializing in yarn and accessories for knitting and crocheting.

It wasn’t long ago, Gehrki said, that she could only knit a basic scarf and admittedly was not a “habitual knitter.” However, one day she and her family visited a yarn store, and she saw something that left a lasting impression.

“There, a grandmother, a teen and a child sat together around a table, laughing and learning from each other as they knitted hats for patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital,” she said. “The vibrant colors made me smile, and the textures of wool and cashmere enticed me.”

Once Gehrki returned home, she did extensive online research about opening a business in Arkansas. She also explored the various fibers, techniques and all the charitable projects that could be done with knitting skills. She did not yet realize the bonding experience that families and friends could have while developing these skills. In August 2007, Knit Unto Others opened its doors.

“I have become more skilled at this craft, and now my friend Sabrina Mecum and I teach everyone from young children to grandmothers how to play with yarn,” she said.

Knit Unto Others offers a wide range of prices for the finest yarns, as well as free classes in a friendly environment for beginning knitters. In addition, the business supports many charitable needlework opportunities and carries fair-trade products that support artisans in developing nations.

“Drop by to see us, and we will share with you a few of the many things we have learned, as well as some of the fun we have at the yarn shop,” Gehrki said.