I made the trip to DFW Fiber Fest this year with one main goal: to support my dear friend Diana Beard, who was teaching her class on how to apply a zipper and lining to a knitted or crocheted pouch. Watching her teach was such a proud moment. Diana is more than just a talented instructor — she’s a strong, hardworking woman who has helped raise her granddaughter, and she pours that same dedication into her craft. She’s stayed at my home when she visits to teach at Yarn Store Boutique, because I always open my doors to vendors as a way to help them save money. We all work hard, and every penny counts. Diana first came to my store in the second year we were open, thanks to my sweet friend and customer Debbie Smith. Like so many others who walk through our doors, Debbie started as a customer but has become family — because that’s what Yarn Store Boutique is all about.
Good news for those of you who couldn’t attend Fiber Fest: Diana will be at Yarn Store Boutique on November 15, teaching this very class. If you’ve ever wanted to finish a pouch with polish and confidence, this is the workshop for you.
Familiar Faces and Warm Hugs
Fiber Fest felt less like a marketplace and more like a reunion. So many of the vendors there are already a part of our Yarn Store Boutique community, and seeing them in one place filled my heart.
- Chaos Fiber Co. – Becky is unstoppable! She dyes, she sews, she creates stickers — I don’t know when she sleeps. Her husband Scott is just as special: a foodie with a wicked sense of humor, and one of our favorite dinner companions. Becky and Scott have become close friends, and I cherish every chance to see them.
- Charming Ewe (Maureen) – She’ll be at our shop January 9–10, and she’s dyeing two skeins just for me so I can knit a vest to wear during her visit. That’s Maureen in a nutshell: generous, thoughtful, and full of love.
- Lemonwood – We carry their beautiful tools in the shop, but meeting them again in person was such a treat.
- Yarn for the Masses – A young, sweet dyer whose trunk show we’ve already hosted. I was so glad to reconnect.
- Chicken Coop Dyeworks (Carol) – I was able to give Carol a hug — and that’s always the best part. She’ll be at our store in January, too.
- Dan Doh Yarns – I loved seeing her new cotton kits. They are fresh, modern, and inspiring — you’ll see them at YSB before long.
- Heather Handmades – A local dyer with a heart as warm as her colors.
- Katrinkles (Kate & team) – Some of the kindest, most creative people I know. Their tools always make me smile.
- All With Love (Evalina) – It was wonderful to reconnect with Evalina! Her handmade bags are so special, and she’s as kind as the products she creates. We’re looking forward to having her back at Yarn Store Boutique again in the near future (possibly very soon!).
New Discoveries and Special Connections
I also made some new discoveries that left me inspired and excited to bring more creativity into Yarn Store Boutique.
- Felted Sky – Their needle felting kits absolutely blew me away. I bought several on the spot and can’t wait to share them with you in our upcoming needle felting workshops — just in time for Halloween! Actually, Dianne and I opened them that very night and Dianne completed the Christmas Gnome and I did a Halloween silhouette.
- Bead Biz – I took one of their classes and can’t wait to bring those techniques to the shop. A little sparkle can transform any project.
- Tumbleweed Yarns (Diana Story) – Always a joy to reconnect. She’ll be back with us hopefully in January.
- Wanderluck Fibers (Victoria) – Dianne first discovered her at a small yarn festival, and what a gem she is! Her yarn is stunning, and we are so lucky to carry it in the store. More hugs, more joy.
- Nordic Star Yarns (Jenny & her husband) – Seeing them again was wonderful. They called out to me by name across the aisle — that kind of welcome is unforgettable. Jenny was so complimentary, thanking me for encouraging her on her business journey. I already carry some of her yarn, but now I’ll be carrying even more.
- Treasure Goddess Yarn – She has a new yarn line coming soon that I am so excited about. We fell in love with her Bamboo/Linen Blend. I knitted the Chickami. The yarn is delightful. We’re also dreaming up a retreat in Springfield, Kansas next fall, near her barndominium. Can you imagine? A weekend of yarn, laughter, and community.
- Martha Wissing – To my delight, she approached me because she follows me on Instagram. Martha is a prolific pattern writer, and she wants to collaborate with me — what an honor!
Why Fiber Fest Matters
Walking the aisles of Fiber Fest, I realized something: yes, it’s about the yarn, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about kindness, connection, and community. Every hug, every hello, every shared meal with a friend like Becky and Scott or words of encouragement from Jenny reminded me why I love this work.
I intentionally choose to work with people who are not only talented but also kind. Those are the relationships that last, the ones that make this fiber journey meaningful.
Grateful and Inspired
By the time I headed home, my bags were stuffed (as you can imagine!), but my heart was even fuller. I came back with new yarns, new classes, and new collaborations to look forward to — but most importantly, I came back with gratitude. Gratitude for the life I get to live, for the friends who have become family, and for the gift of being part of this extraordinary fiber community.
At Yarn Store Boutique, that’s what I hope you feel every time you walk through the door — that you belong, that you’re welcome, and that you’re part of something bigger than just yarn. Because in the end, it’s not just about the stitches we make. It’s about the love, laughter, and friendship woven in between them.
