SWEET GIG: Knit, stitch and hook

The day she opened her knitting shop, “A Good Yarn,” Susan Post feared that her employees wouldn’t show up for work. When they proved her wrong, Post then panicked that the store wouldn’t get any shoppers.

“For our grand opening, 300 people came into the shop,” Post said. “I was so surprised and excited. It was so much fun picking out yarn all summer.”

After working in two other yarn stores, she opened her own — “A Good Yarn” — Sept. 1, 2009. “In just five months, the shop’s Facebook page has gained more than 200 fans.

Post has been a knitter all her life but gives everything she makes away to friends in family.

“The first thing I ever knitted was an afghan,” Post said. “I still have it. They last forever if you buy good yarn.”

A Good Yarn offers yarn lines from casual favorites to “treat yourself” fibers. Wall-to-wall yarns made of silk, cashmere, acrylic and natural fibers — which are perfect for knitting baby clothing — span the entire store in bright, bold and soft colors. Scarves, neck-warmers and socks are displayed everywhere.

As far as knitting trends go, Post says sock knitting is in.

“Sock knitting is the hottest thing out there right now,” Post said. “It’s a small and portable project that people can take on an airplane, in a car, waiting in a doctor’s office or even waiting in line at the post office.”

And rarely does anyone visit the store without finding exactly what he wants. But, just in case, the shop boasts a widespread library of patterns, which includes an online database of brand patterns, educational classes and a staff of expert knitters and crocheters. The most common question knitters ask Post is for help fixing their mistake or reading a pattern.

“After working in other stores, I wanted to create an environment where knitters and crocheters could have a place to come and do anything they wanted yarn-wise and creatively,” Post said.

And Thursday nights have turned into “group therapy” night, when about 30 women walk through the door, settle down into a comfy spot and pull out their knitting needles as they discuss their kids, grandchildren and current events. Any topic is welcome, but the sign on the door reads “No Politics.”

KNOT MUCH OF A KNITTER?
A Good Yarn offers a plethora of classes and clubs for beginning (and experienced) knitters and crochet devotées.

Sock Knitting — Learn to knit socks on two circular needles in three sessions offered from 1 to 3 p.m. March 11, 18 and 25. Class fee is $80.

Learn to Crotchet — Learn basic crochet stitches: chain stitch, single crochet and double crochet in one session offered from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. Class fee is $15. (Part two will be held March 16.)
Bar Harbour Felted Shell Bag — Create a felted bag that looks like stained-glass seashells in two sessions offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, March 13. Class fee is $30.

A Good Yarn Sock Club — meets from 3 to 5 p.m. the first Thursday of every month and from 1 to 3 p.m. the second Saturday of every month to share ideas and learn from each other. No reservations or fees.

For the complete class schedule and supply list, visit www.agoodyarnsarasota.com or call 487-7914.