Yarn Store Focus – Rainy Day Yarns.
Keeley Richardson
Founder and Chief Fiber Officer
A day out to gig Harbor is always wonderful, but for us yarn enthusiasts it ‘s made extra special by a visit to Rainy Day Yarns where you will always find a warm welcome and lots of beautiful hand dyed yarns to fall inlove with. It’s great to have a Q&A with the lovely store owner, Susan!
Please let us know your name and who we can expect to meet when we visit Rainy Day Yarns:
My name is Susan & my sister is Sherri, we are the owners of Rainy Day Yarns & Mercantile. I am in the shop the majority of the time, however, Sherri does come in occasionally (special events, occasions & social functions).
Where Do We Find You?
We are located in the beautiful historic waterfront district of downtown Gig Harbor, in the Harbor Center (7716 Pioneer Way, Ste C & D, GH 98335)
How long have you been there?
We have occupied a spot in the building for 11 years (we moved from a 1100 sq. ft. space to over 2400 sq. ft , same building, on the upper level)
What will we find in your store?
You will find yarn, needles, hooks, accessories, in addition to mercantile items and local artisan works (wood bowls, vase, boxes, fused glass, machine knit socks, candles… just to name a few).
What are your favorite yarns/fibers?
It is so hard to tell you what my favorite yarn is because I love SO many, but I really do appreciate a good natural yak & nothing synthetic!
What’s on your needles right now?
A child’s sweater, soon to be a shop sample, knit with Lang Cloud AND currently designing a crochet pattern for our upcoming yarn crawl (May 2-5)
What notions can’t you live without?
Stitch markers, tape measure, needle gauge.
What’s your advice for a new yarn enthusiast?
First and foremost… never give up, However, make sure you start with something you simply adore & have back-up/help. It took me 8 years to learn. I piddled around with a hat and a scarf, but it was a basic raglan that did it for me. I completed 3 in three months!
What is coming up in the near future at your store?
We are currently looking into bringing in some new instructors, new classes, and new yarns.
Any recommendations for additional places to visit in your area for yarn lovers making a day of it?
We have some fun distilleries and breweries in the area, many GREAT restaurants, a maritime museum, fun waterfront shops, great parks (dog firendly).
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