A New Knit in Town

Robin Mason, new owner of Forget-Me-Knot yarn store.

School has arrived yet again, and though the weather may be deceiving us briefly, we all know the onslaught of fall will come knocking soon enough. As we settle into our cozy routines and shuttle about on endless daily rituals, consider this: a new knitting locale has cropped up and is ripe with opportunities to break the daily habit, or find a new one.

Tucked right inside the double doors of the formerly-filled-with-Gottschalks end of the Mendenhall Mall lies the shop, Forget-Me-Knot. Expect to be greeted with a smile and a few pairs of needles clacking away in the back. And don't be surprised if you encounter a tween knitting away alongside a more ripened soul, that's just the kind of knit-spot it is.

Colorful Cascade brand yarns are bursting out of cubbies, ready to become something else.

Filled with Cascade brand yarns, this little shop has a different slant on the knitted (and crocheted) world then other local yarn haunts. To fill a niche, new owner Robin Mason opted for a space focused on community companionship. By offering several courses, an open sit-and-knit style space, and free knit clinics, Robin hopes to have a full house this fall. In her words, the inspiration for the shop was a desire to "give back to the community".

As a mother of three teens and an avid quilter, as well as crochetier, she feels right at home in the world of handmade crafts and companionship. But don't think she doesn't knit! Mrs. Mason does it all and will be teaching an upcoming course in making a fisherman's sweater that knits, then felts, into a cozy wool winter jacket. Other courses will provide expert knitters on hand if you get in a jam, and free clinics to get the basics down will be on a rotating schedule. As the shop has only been boppin' for a week, they are ready and willing to take suggestions on class times and offerings. Pop in the store itself to learn more about classes, times and pricing.

Ecological undyed wool yarns are also available for the earth-conscious.

 Or perhaps you just need a few skeins for a winter gift to family? Knot's classic yarns vary from small and colorful, to thick and natural, and each cubby holds enough skeins for at least a sweater, if not the scarf to match. And if knitting your own winter-wear isn't eco-concious enough, there are several all-natural yarns either un-dyed or dyed with plant materials like beets and coffee grounds. Just don't try to munch down on them. And don't forget the sundries. Needles, hooks, markers and more are available for any project of your choosing. There are even a few Alaskan-made products floating around for good measure.

Glass bead needle toppers made by local crafter, Alaska Beachcombers.

If you're a knitter looking for a few friends head over to Knot, and if you'd like to learn, now might be the perfect time. To find out more info and for store hours, which vary in October, dial 500-9950. Otherwise visit Forget-Me-Knot, located in the Mendenhall Mall, in person to learn more.

This article first published here by the Juneau Empire . . .