Yarn Diva Mary Fellman poses at Close-Knit Yarn Cooperative. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

By BONNIE J. GORDON
Los Alamos Daily Post
bjgordon@ladailypost.com

Mary Fellman, manager of Close-Knit Yarn Cooperative, is passionate about fiber arts.

“I’m excited by the variety of yarn we have at the shop,” she said. “I recently found a source for the sparkly acrylic yarn used to make scrubbies, among other projects. People have been asking for it and now it’s in stock! We’re bursting at the seams with inventory right now, so come in and shop!”

Close-Knit opened its door in November 2018. It occupies the space formerly housing Warm Hearts Yarn, which it shares with Atomic City Quilts, at 1247 Central Ave., Ste. C in Los Alamos.When Warm Hearts closed, local fiber artists were bemoaning its demise, when someone suggested starting a co-op. The co-op has a five-member board of directors and Fellman runs the business day-to day. Although the cooperative is for profit and “runs like a business”, education also is part of its mission.

When the pandemic hit, Fellman and the board knew they had to make some changes and they were up to the challenge.

“We got a CARES Grant and it paid for our website to be set up as a web store,” Fellman said. “It’s been successful. Foot traffic has been down because of the lack of tourists, but we’ve picked up quite a few new customers. The community has been very supportive and we haven’t lost many people.”

The new website offers its entire inventory online, accessories as well as yarn, with free local delivery in Los Alamos County and also ships to customers out of the area. Visit www.closeknityarncoop.com.

“Now you can buy yarn 24/7!” Fellman said. “All of our yarn is pictured on the site. If you have questions about anything, feel free to call me, email me or message the store on Facebook.”

The store’s number is 505.662.1416. Fellman is at the store Thursdays and Fridays, but she checks email (closeknityarncoop@gmail.com) and Facebook regularly most other days, as well as onsite messaging at the website. Fellman is an avid and skilled knitter who loves to promote all things yarn.

“If someone has a knitting emergency, I’ll try to help whenever I can,” she said.

Close-Knit moved its Thursday evening knitting group online via Zoom. They also meet on the first and third Saturdays, usually, Fellman said. Those who do other fiber crafts are welcome. Sign up on Facebook or on the website.

“It’s fun to see everybody and we’ve picked up some people who couldn’t make it in person before,” she said. “Knitting is a social activity and a great way to make friends! I’m hoping that a lot of the people who started doing fiber crafts during the pandemic will keep it up. We’ve seen many people take up a craft this year. Making a tangible object is very satisfying with all the time people spend on Zoom.”

Spring has been a profitable season at Close-Knit this year.

“In normal years people save for travel,” Fellman said. “This year they stayed home and they have more to spend on yarn. Plus, they have been at home honing their skills and want to branch out to new projects.”

Although Close-Knit doesn’t usually have classes in the summer, Fellman is kicking around the idea of holding the popular class, Give Spinning a Whirl, this summer.

“Spinning is a good summer activity,” she said. “We may be able to hold the class outdoors in the new park going in across the street. People will have the opportunity to try both drop spindle and wheel spinning.”

Other classes will be offered this fall, to help those new knitters keep it up, and experienced knitters to learn new techniques.

The partnership between Atomic City Quilts and Close-Knit Yarn Cooperative has been good for both businesses. Quilter and Atomic City owner, Shelly Kuropatwinski, holds down the fort Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Fellman mans the location Thursdays and Fridays. They alternate Saturdays.

“We can operate each other’s equipment,” Fellman said. “We’re both capable of answering basic questions. I can cut fabric and Shelly can wind yarn. It’s a good arrangement for both businesses.”

Close-Knit is now open regular hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and online all the time.

Close-Knit Yarns is ready to welcome summer knitters. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com