'Woolyn' Brings Colors, Crafting, Yarn and Spinning Wheels to BoCoCa

BOCOCA, BROOKLYN — Rachel Maurer, a self-described "life-long yarn crafter," said she's always loved to knit and crochet because it's "extremely meditating and relaxing." What's more, "being able to use your hands and produce something is amazing."

This week, Maurer opened the kind of business she said everyone who shares her passion at one point dreams of owning.

Woolyn, which opened this week at 105 Atlantic Ave., is a knitting boutique overflowing with colorful fiber and yarn, as well as any relevant DIY equipment you'd need.

The space also hosts knitting and crocheting classes, Maurer said, as well as lessons in related skills, such as how to use a spinning wheel to produce yarn from fiber. (At this point, the classes and lessons can most easily be booked in person or over the phone, the owner suggested.)

A cafe inside Woolyn is also close to opening, Maurer continued, which will allow visitors to grab a snack and a drink and work on their projects at a shared work table.

Inside Woolyn

Maurer said she grew up two blocks from the store, and studied fashion in San Francisco before returning to New York City to work in the industry.

She said she's striving to source what she sells — from the cafe's tea to the yarn in stock — to other independent producers, with the goal of tying into a larger network of "local crafters and local businesses."

A background in the arts or design isn't necessary to knit and crochet, she said. Rather, all that's needed is a desire to learn.

"You wind up with a garment that looks unique, and it gives you that sense of self-expression and creativity," said Sahara Briscoe, a fellow knitter who works at Woolyn, explaining her love of the craft.

"When you make something," she continued, "you develop and appreciation for the process. It changes your ideas about consuming."

"It's not that hard," Maurer said encouragingly. "People have been doing it for tens of thousands of years."

Pictured at top: Rachel Maurer, left, and Sahara Briscoe. Photos by John V. Santore