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Camas Creek Yarn
Melanie Cross and Andy Hurst are a team in more ways than one! The couple are husband and wife, and are also the owners of Camas Creek Yarn. Camas Creek Yarn is still a baby of sorts, as the doors opened for business November 30th 2007. This yarn shop is definitely a “destination business” located in Kalispell, Montana.
Melanie and Andy not only own the business, but they also own the 1925 building that houses the store. That’s rare, but what they did with this property is very special. The process was long and hard; taking six months…..but the result is beautiful. The location was formerly Starr Bikes; a two story building with apartments above and a basement below. Now, a full service yarn shop, reminiscent of days gone by, you’ll see elegance and beauty, from the old tin panel ceiling, to the brick walls and hardwood flooring. Even from the outside, with the curved true divided lite store windows, this store is very inviting. The store is lit with exquisite stained glass fixtures, with a large selection of quality yarns, beads and everything for jewelry making, and is also a gathering spot for knitting and classes. You can even enjoy a cup of tea, cider or coffee…..but wait there’s more…..in real china teacups. All the cubbies you see holding the yarn were made by Melanie of gorgeous walnut wood.
Melanie is a native of Kalispell, as her great-Grandmother owned a homestead on Camas Prairie dating back to 1921. “There are several creeks in Montana with the name Camas Creek, but the one that our store is named for runs through Camas Prairie on the ranch where Melanie grew up”, says Andy. Melanie is the Mother of five, with the children ranging in age from 21-27, and is now pursuing her ambition of owning her own yarn shop.
Melanie loves the Norwegian knitting, particularly sweaters; but the store has an ongoing class schedule on a variety of projects. You can take a class on felted bags, Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Baby Surprise Jacket, entralac scarves, Norwegian mittens or maybe knitting 101. Camas Creek Yarn is constantly community building, offering free beginning knitting classes, and free beginning crochet classes as well as complimentary fresh coffee that is local to Kalispell called Fieldheads Coffee. Quite simply, she loves the company of knitters and handcrafters, and loves and supports her community. The business has nine employees including an instructor of high school age, and also brings in other local talents like Janet Szabo to teach. “We want a new generation of young people using their hands” says Melanie.
Kalispell is located in northwest Montana and is the county seat for Flathead County. The town is situated perfectly for visitors to take in all it has to offer from the skiing at Big Mountain Ski Resort, to visiting the renowned Glacier National Park. Maybe you want to rent a houseboat and enjoy Flathead Lake or just take in the geese at Woodland City Park. Andy and Melanie are a hard working lovely couple with one of the nicest yarn shops you’ll visit. You can feel the energy while in the store, which I believe is truly generated by Melanie and staff…..as she said herself, “Camas Creek Yarn is a dream come true – a way to earn a living, that just can’t be called work”.
Please visit the on-line store through their website listed below and make sure to visit Camas Creek Yarn the next time you are anywhere near Montana! |
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