I first learned to crochet when I was just a kid. In an effort to keep me entertained, my aunt searched online, “How to Crochet,” and printed out the instructions she found on the first site that popped up. She found some yarn and hooks hidden deep in a drawer somewhere, then set me loose.
Learning to crochet on my own was a bit of a challenge, but I was able to make it work. If I were to learn again today, I would definitely seek out the assistance of some veteran crafters.
If you are looking to learn to crochet, or maybe knit, you might be wondering how in the world you’re supposed to find these veteran crafters. Here in the Greater Lafayette area, we are lucky to have The Strand, a local yarn shop with helpful staff and a slew of knowledgeable crafters who spend time in the space.
From a long-time crafter to you, here are five reasons to visit The Strand yarn shop:
Purdue University Student, Erin Cardinal, shares this blog. This blog is part of a series of articles submitted to Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette through a cooperation with a 400-level travel writing class at Purdue University.
1. The staff are kind and helpful
As soon as you step into The Strand, you will be greeted by the smiling faces of Ellie McClellan and Karla Osvath Shelton, the co-owners of the shop. Before opening The Strand together in August of 2025, the two of them worked together at the marketing firm located in the same exact building. With their shared love of fiber arts, the decision to open a local yarn shop felt like fate to Ellie. If you have questions, need advice on a project, or are looking to figure out how to get started, they will be happy to help you out.
2. They offer a wide variety of classes, suitable for many different skill levels
You can walk into a class at The Strand having never touched a crochet hook and leave a few hours later with a fully finished piece. During classes, participants receive all the required materials, then get a step-by-step tutorial on how to create their item of choice.
Ellie says that the most important thing during classes is that everyone has fun. During classes, she likes to match the energy of the group. Sometimes everyone is super chatty, so she follows suit. When groups are a bit more reserved, she encourages conversation to help people come out of their shells.
3. Their yarn and tool selection is vast and unique
One of the best things about going to a local yarn shop is that you can find quirky, exciting yarns that you would never find at the big box stores. The colors, fibers, and weights are hand-picked by Ellie and Karla. They have been told that it feels like they have every color imaginable, which Ellie attributes to the difference in the co-owners’ taste in color. Karla tends to gravitate toward brighter, 80’s inspired colors, while Ellie leans toward more muted, earthy tones.
4. You can form friendships and find community
Sometimes, in my day-to-day life, it starts to feel like I spend all of my time at home, work, or school. I often find myself searching for a home away from home. Ellie likes to describe The Strand as a third space for members of the community. The shop is a place for people to come in, enjoy a craft, and make new friends.
On Thursday evenings, The Strand hosts Fiber Friends, a crafty get-together held in the back of the store. There are comfy couches, kind people, and great conversation. Ellie said that when they hosted Fiber Friends for the first time, everyone ended up staying hours after close because they were having so much fun. This ongoing event has created a sense of community for the attendees.
5. If you aren’t yet ready to take on a new craft, you can buy finished products
Sometimes learning a new skill can be overwhelming, so don’t feel bad if you aren’t ready yet. The Strand has tons of finished products available for purchase in the shop. These pieces are made by Ellie, Karla, and various local artisans.
With the help of The Strand’s staff and community, picking up a new hobby doesn’t have to be nerve-racking. With their assistance, you will definitely manage to learn the skills a lot faster than an 8-year-old with printed instructions and hand-me-down tools.
Check out the Home of Purdue Blog for more fun things to do in the Greater Lafayette area!