Wendy Reiten

Owner



Employed at Crates of Yarn since: Before we opened

Knitting since: 2002

Favorite thing about knitting: It’s so portable

What knitting projects are you currently working on and what are they for? Christmas bulbs for the X-mas tree and a sweater for the tree outside our store…you know it gets cold up here in the winter!

Tammy Hofmann

Sales Clerk

Employed at Crates of Yarn since: June 2008

Knitting since: 1985

The reason why you knit: It's my "creative" outlet! I find it very relaxing and I love to give handmade gifts.

What knitting projects are you currently working on and who or what are they for? Bulky Hooded Cardigan for the shop. CocoKnits, Gretel pattern, and a summer top for myself. Socks - I always have a small project to take along for traveling.

Gail Laugen

Sales Clerk 

Employed at Crates of Yarn since: November 2008

Knitting since: Knitting and crocheting 40 years.

Favorite thing about knitting and the reason why you knit: I love all the fibers! There are so many fun yarns out there now and many are so lovely to the touch! Knitting and crocheting is relaxing and in the end you have something to use or wear or to give as a gift. Teaching others to knit or crochet and helping someone figure out a pattern is part of the fun of working at Crates of Yarn.

What knitting projects are you currently working on and who are they for? I just finished crocheting baby headbands and flowers for the headbands and knitting a couple of baby hats for a photographer in the family - What fun that was! I have lots of projects in progress...a baby afghan, slippers, scarves, a shawl, a few sweaters, a few pair of socks - one out of the new corn yarn at the store and more that don't come to mind right now…Yep, I'm addicted!

Lori Jensen

Sales Clerk

Employed at Crates of Yarn since: July 2011

Knittingsince: 2008

Favorite thing about knitting: I can't pick just one thing. I love it so much, "sometimes I can't breathe". I get goose bumps when we get a new yarn in.

What knitting projects are you currently working on and who are they for? Socks - Son In-law; Mittens - Grandkids; Shrug - Maybe myself, unless I give it away; Sweater - Me; Slippers - Granddaughter Sophia; Sweater - Granddaughter Abby; Tulip purses and fairies - Grandkids; Hat - Son In-law; and a shawl.

Beth Samson

Sales Clerk

Employed at Crates of Yarn since: March 2011

Crocheting/Knitting since: I was 5. I was fascinated watching my grandma and mom crochet. I learned to knit after I started working here, I can't fix knitting errors but I know the basics of knitting. I prefer crocheting by far!

The reason why you crochet/knit: I like trying to find the "perfect" project for someone that fits their personality. My favorite is baby blankets, it keeps me busy.

What crocheting/knitting projects are you currently working on and who or what are they for?  My current project is an altered baby blanket pattern to fit an adult for my sister. She fell in love with it and asked if I could make it.

Beverly Rund

Sales Clerk 

Employed at Crates of Yarn since: Sept. 2012

Knitting since: 1962 (Since I was 7 years old)

The reason why you knit: It is yoga for my soul and working at Crates of Yarn allows me to knit, talk knitting, and buy to my heart’s content.

What knitting projects are you currently working on and who or what are they for?  Baby items for a new grandson, CocoKnits Anna sweater for myself, and I just bought yarn and a pattern for Christmas ornaments (stars & snowmen).

Mary Hauser

Sales Clerk



Employed at Crates of Yarn since: Sept. 2012

Knitting since: A long long time.

Favorite thing about knitting: I am wild about fibers and textiles.

What knitting projects are you currently working on and what are they for? 

A sweater for my son, vest for my sister-in-law, cowl for a friend, scarf for a niece, shawl for a friend, and a sweater for me.

Kirk Reiten

Owner 

Employed at Crates of Yarn since: Before it opened

Duties at the store: Unlike the women at the shop, I do not knit or crochet. However, someone has to do the ordering, bookkeeping, etc., so those jobs fall on me so that the others can knit to their heart's content.

Things I've enjoyed here at the store: It has been really fun meeting all the wonderful patrons that we have come through the door. Over the years, I have met lots of wonderful people and can say that I have been blessed by knowing them.

I would like to thank Wendy for coming home one day and saying "Have you ever thought about opening a yarn store?"