By GENA JOHNSON
Special to The Oakland Press

Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Gail’s Darn Yarn is an oasis of brilliantly colored yarns from all over the world. It’s a place for knitters and other crafters to relax and enjoy a friendly environment. The store, described as a “staycation,” is nestled in the back of the District Lofts Complex in Birmingham’s railroad district. Owner Gail Niemi is the sole proprietor of this knitters’ retreat. A San Francisco native with a career in finance, she was relocated to Michigan in 2005 to manage the commercial aviation portfolio of one of the Detroit Three.

“Fourteen months later, I was a casualty of the automotive industry,” she said.

A crafter her entire life, Niemi said, “I had always knit, crocheted and done needle point anything to do with textiles.”

It was from this favorite pastime that Gail’s Darn Yarn evolved. The store opened its doors September 2008.

Customers said they are drawn to the warm, cozy atmosphere.

“It is like a living room,” Birmingham resident and frequent customer Rebecca Jaglois said. “People stop in all the time and just hang out.”

Troy resident Sally Baughman agrees.

“I can’t stress how warm and friendly it is,” said Baughman, who has been to the shop dozens of time since it has opened. “Gail will always introduce you to the other customers. It’s like we’re family but we’re not. I guess we’re knitting sisters.”

Niemi said she is proud of the fact that Gail’s Darn Yarn “is a happy, fun, cozy environment and I have so many repeat customers.”

In addition to Niemi, the shop has three part-time employees — Sales Associates Karen Shaw and Sylvia Paddy and Instructor Phyllis Foresman. Instructional classes include “Sock Making,” “Baby Sweaters” and “Project,” where the customer can bring in their own projects to work on. Niemi also teaches private and semiprivate classes for two hours at $12.50. Four sessions of  two-hour-group-classes are $50.

“My intention is to get people to knit,” Niemi said. According to Niemi, in the midst of Michigan’s current economic conditions, more people are staying home instead of heading South for the winter, which can be an ideal time for knitting or creating other textile crafts.

Niemi welcomes all yarn crafters.

“They can get their needles and patterns anywhere but they have to purchase the yarn here,” she said.

Gail’s Darn Yarn carries yarn from throughout Michigan and the world, including France, India and South America. Fabrics range from 100 percent cotton to reconstituted silk. Prices for a skein range from$6.50 to $60, with an average price of $12. In addition to yarn, the shop also carries felted purses, purse handles and patterns.

FYI

   Gail’s Darn Yarn is open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. To learn more about yarn or knitting classes, call (248) 593-9288 or visit www. gailsdarnyarn.com. Gail’s Darn Yard is located at 2028 Hazel St.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/02/24/business/doc49a3d0164fabe804028058.txt