Spring Pop-Up with Alexandra, The Art of Yarn
April 7 - April 23
Pop-Up Shop with Alexandra, The Art of Yarn: Friday, April 7- Sunday, April 23
Join us for First Friday Sip & Stitch with Special Guest Alexandra Baldwin
Alexandra Baldwin, the creative energy behind Alexandra, The Art of Yarn, is a remarkable individual that we are thrilled to be hosting at Fancywork in April. Hers is a true rags to riches story – one of salvation by way of yarn. Once upon a time, Alexandra was living on the streets in California, addicted and looking for a way out. Early in her recovery, California passed a law banning cigarette smoking in all public places. Left without a habit to keep her hands busy and recognizing the dangers of smoking, Alexandra knew she needed to find a new, healthier habit if she was to succeed. Her sponsor suggested she give crocheting a try. Soon enough, Alexandra was making blanket and beanies for crack-addicted babies.
Crocheting for babies turned out to be the craft that broke a bad habit, but in her heart, Alexandra wanted to knit socks – an essential piece of clothing for anyone experiencing homelessness. She tried to learn how to create a this clutch piece of footwear with two sticks and some painted string on her own, but it just didn’t click. After five long years, she summoned the courage to walk into the local yarn store and was welcomed with open arms by the friendly staff and encouraging customers. She signed up for a sock class and finally cracked the code. Three years later, she was teaching others to knit socks in that same store.
Trish, a woman in Alexandra’s knitting group, was dyeing her own yarn and this next level of fiber arts intrigued Alexandra. Trish encouraged her to give it a shot, and a new addiction was born. Alexandra is much healthier today and celebrating 32 years of sobriety. Her yarn is sold in yarn stores all over the US, including Puerto Rico. She travels to events nationwide with her trusty side-kick service dog, Little Man.
Shop the Pop-Up featuring some of Alexandra’s most popular yarns, Friday, April 7 through Sunday, April 23. Plus, pick up a very special exclusive mini-skein set she’s dyed just for us!
Join us First Friday, April 7 from 5-7pm for a very special Sip & Stitch with Alexandra!