I found myself at The Black Sheep Yarn and Fiber Arts, a cozy knit shop in Noblesville, on a soggy, gray day. Pulled in by the bins of colorful yarn, I was greeted by Marina Turner, one of the owners. She welcomed me, and quickly introduced me to the other owner, her mother, Karen King.
Karen told me that she had worked at a couple other knitting shops in the Indy area, and had always dreamed of owning her own shop. Karen and Marina tossed the idea around for a while, before taking the leap and starting the store seven years ago this spring.
Karen and Marina are very proud of the community that they have fostered through weekly help classes at their shop where knitters of every level gather together to work on whatever project is keeping their hands busy at the moment.
Even through the pandemic, their community has continued to thrive. Karen and Marina have created Facebook Live programs where they discuss their current projects, new patterns and supplies. They also chat about their lives and the shop in general. The programs are as warm and cozy as their shop.
During the pandemic, Marina and Karen continue to offer weekly help sessions. They are usually on Fridays from 12-2 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.. They cost $10 per two-hour session. They do recommend calling beforehand, as they are cognizant of the importance of social distancing during this time. Private lessons are also offered. Days and times are flexible. Those lessons generally cost $15.
Children as young a 7 can begin knitting, and can best learn in a private lesson. “The key to learning to knit is really about how motivated the child is,” Karen says. During non-pandemic times, they offered many classes just for children, so check their Facebook page to see what classes they currently offer.
The Black Sheep Yarn and Fiber Arts is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
1355 S. 8th St., Noblesville | facebook.com/theblacksheepyarnandfiberarts
