Business Profile: Abuelita’s Knitting and Needlepoint

– Photo by Gus Herrera

By Gus Herrera

Abuelita’s Knitting and Needlepoint is a vibrant, community-centric business located in the Pasadena Playhouse District. The store doubles as a high-quality knitting supply boutique and also as a knitter’s forum.

Inside the store’s walls, which are lined with just about every color of yarn imaginable, local knitters gather to discuss techniques and help one another.

At first glance, the name Abuelita, which translates to “little grandma” in Spanish, might evoke the stereotypical connotations of a quiet old lady, knitting away in her rocking chair. But, when you spend some time inside the store, it begins to feel more like an early 20th century Parisian café, in which all sorts of local artists and philosophers came together to exchange knowledge and ideas.

What separates Abuelita’s from the competition is their curated inventory, which is hand-picked by co-owners Samantha Knight and Ulli Schober. “We try to get a lot of local artists in, local hand-dyers, all American-made. We try to find the right yarns for the right patterns,” reveals Schober.

The co-owners attend trade shows, meet with sales representatives, and perform countless hours of research in their quest to find the proverbial diamond in the rough, “I am also really active on the internet to follow little farms and independent yarn-dyers. I always try to find that jewel with the special yarn.”

The store carries all sorts of materials: cottons, silks, and cashmere, to name few. They also offer breed-specific yarns, which Schober reveals is a popular new trend seen throughout the American knitting community.

Abuelita’s heart and soul is their commitment to engaging the local knitting community. “I like the social and community aspect, that’s what it’s all about,” says Schober, “anybody today can buy online, but, for me, it’s about the community of people and bringing something fun and creative into their lives. We need that in our world, which is so hectic. “

Abuelita’s second-floor workshop where knitters of all levels come together and learn. – Photo by Gus Herrera

Furthermore, Schober emphasizes some of the benefits of knitting itself, “It’s so nice to do something with your hands … I think it’s very gratifying, healing … when you knit, you sit down and you relax. You play with colors, with something that feels nice. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Abuelita’s caters to knitters of all levels, “for us it’s all about building a community … and having a creative outlet. It’s not about how good you are, it’s about having a good time,” says Schober.

For beginners who are looking for a new hobby, there is a monthly free one-hour class, where interested individuals can see if they enjoy the craft, before they commit to spending on any necessary supplies.

For those who are more advanced, Abuelita’s offers specialty workshops, taught by passionate experts, where students will learn any of a variety of specialized techniques/patterns to add to their repertoire.

There are also Knit-a-Longs, where participants will work on a given project together, from start to finish. Projects can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the difficulty, and the only cost is that of the supplies/yarn.

Finally, for those who just want a comfortable, friendly environment in which to perform their craft, Abuelita’s offers open-table sessions where you can come in and get help on whatever you are working on at the time.

– Photo by Gus Herrera

Adults classes are $25 for one hour or $35 for two hours and all group classes are limited in size, so that each student may receive the individual attention they deserve. Private lessons are available at the rate of $45 for one hour. There are also children’s classes available at the rate of five sessions for $90.

In addition to knitting and needlepoint, Schober reveals that Abuelita’s branches out towards other crafts/techniques, including brioche, crochet, weaving, and more, “We always have something new going on, as long as it has to do with fibers and your hands.”

Abuelita’s can also host your next birthday party, baby shower, or bridal showers. The two-hour gatherings offered include: a knitting lesson, invitations, decorations (balloons and fresh flowers), and even a skein of yarn and pair of knitting needles as party favors.

To register, visit http://abuelitasknittingandneedlepoint.com/wp/class-registration.

Abuelita’s Knitting and Needlepoint is located at 696 E. Colorado Blvd., #2, nestled into a charming arcade lane. Parking is conveniently available on Colorado Street or in a lot off of Green Street.

For more information, call (626) 799-0355 or visit www.AbuelitasKnittingandNeedlepoint.com.

To stay up-to-date with all of Abuelita’s events/classes, make sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and sign up for their newsletter on their website or in-store.

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