Summer at The Yarny Way: A Different Kind of Learning Space

As summer begins, we’ve been receiving more questions about kids’ classes, camps, and large social meetups at The Yarny Way. We thought this would be a good time to share a little more about what we do offer, what we don’t offer, and why.

The Yarny Way was created as a calm, learning-focused yarn shop. Our approach is intentionally smaller, quieter, and more personal than a traditional craft studio or activity center. While we absolutely love helping people discover knitting and crochet, we’ve learned that large open meetups and high-energy group events are not the best fit for the space — or for Marni’s own accessibility needs as an autistic shop owner.

Instead, we focus on:

• Small-group learning
• Structured knit-alongs and crochet-alongs
• Beginner-friendly resources
• One-on-one support
• Guided series classes
• Independent, self-paced learning tools

That allows us to create a more welcoming and sustainable environment for everyone.

Looking for Kids’ Art Classes in Lubbock?

For families searching for regular children’s art classes, camps, or large mixed-age creative programming, we happily recommend Secondhand Art Depot.

They are wonderfully set up for:

• Kids’ art experiences
• Ongoing creative programming
• Family-friendly events
• Larger group activities
• Hands-on mixed media projects

We love supporting other local creative businesses that specialize in those experiences.

What Does The Yarny Way Offer?

Beginner Crochet Kits

We carry beginner-friendly crochet kits connected with the American Crochet Association “Learn to Crochet NOW!” program. These kits are designed for independent learning at home and include beginner materials and guidance to help new crocheters get started confidently.

They work especially well for:

• Teens
• Independent learners
• Parents learning alongside kids
• Adults returning to fiber arts
• Quiet summer projects

Select your color combo kit here.

Online Learning Resources We Love

For knitting, we frequently recommend Tin Can Knits as an excellent online learning resource.

Their tutorials and beginner patterns are:

• Clear and approachable
• Inclusive in sizing
• Skill-building without being overwhelming
• Designed to help knitters grow step by step

We especially love their Simple Collection for new knitters.

Our In-Person Knitting Classes

We currently offer structured Saturday knitting series in small groups.

• Saturdays with Jared — English Style Knitting (Odd Months)
  Jared teaches traditional English-style knitting as a four-Saturday series focused on foundational skills, confidence, and consistency.
• Saturdays with Marni — Continental Style Knitting (Even Months)
  Marni teaches Continental knitting in a similarly structured four-week format with an emphasis on comfort, rhythm, and approachable technique-building.

These classes are intentionally small so students receive meaningful support without the overwhelm of large crowds.

View Calendar and Register Online

Need Individual Help?

If you’d prefer personalized support for:

Beginning knitting
Beginning crochet
Fixing mistakes
Reading patterns
Learning a new technique
Getting unstuck on a project

…we recommend booking a one-on-one session through Marni’s Calendly link.

Private sessions allow for:

• Flexible pacing
• Individual attention
• Reduced sensory overwhelm
• Support tailored to your goals

Why We’ve Shifted Away from Large Meetups

Over time, we realized that large unstructured meetups created a level of overstimulation and stress that wasn’t sustainable for the shop environment we want to cultivate.

The Yarny Way works best as:

• A slower-paced learning space
• A supportive fiber shop
• A place to explore creativity thoughtfully
• A calm environment for makers who may also prefer quieter experiences

That doesn’t mean community disappears. It simply means we’re building it differently: through guided projects, intentional classes, small gatherings, and meaningful conversations.

Extended Summer Hours

To make it easier for summer shoppers, travelers, teachers on break, and project planners to stop by, The Yarny Way will be offering Extended Summer Hours beginning Tuesday, May 26 (the day after Memorial Day).

SUMMER HOURS AT THE YARNY WAY

Open 7 Days a Week
10 AM – 6 PM
May 26 through Labor Day

Whether you’re:

Planning a summer project
Escaping the Texas heat for a little while
Looking for yarn support during vacation season
Picking up supplies for a knit-along
Learning a new skill at your own pace

…we’ll be here more consistently throughout the week to help.

We’re excited to make the shop more accessible during the busy summer months while still keeping the calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes The Yarny Way feel different from a big-box craft store or crowded event space.