Hidden River Yarns Debuts on Main Street At First Friday Manayunk

Hidden River Yarns is now open on Main Street in Manayunk bringing interactive retail to the eclectic array of stores already in the district.  There will be a grand opening party during Manayunk’s “First Friday” event on October 5.  

The store will not only be selling top-quality yarns, but also offering classes for knitters of all experience levels beginning in early October.  Owner and operator Lisa Kathryn Johnson learned how to knit when she was only 6 years old.  Knitting has always been a part of her life, but took the back burner for some time.  After some major life changes, Lisa decided to pursue her dream and open her own yarn and knitting shop! 

The interior of the building is warm, colorful and inviting with a large wooden table in the center of the room and yarns of every color under the rainbow lining the walls.  Hidden River Yarns is stocked with yarn from all over the world, but they are trying to increase the amount of domestic yarn they carry.  For example, Savannah from The Fibre Company is available at the store and is made here in Philadelphia.  The store focuses largely on all natural fibers that have been hand dyed so each skein of yarn is completely unique.

There is a misconception among non-knitters that it takes a lot of patience to practice and learn how to knit.  To this Lisa says, “You don’t have to be a patient to learn how to knit and if anything, it has taught me to be more patient through practice.”

Classes generally last about one and a half hours and will take place in the peaceful setting of the Hidden River Yarns round table.  “Knitting and crocheting is meditative.  There’s this sort-of tactile experience of the repeated motions of yarn going through your hands.  It stimulates your senses, it’s truly a unique experience.”  Lisa says.

When asked why she names the store “Hidden River” Yarns, Lisa explained that the word “Schuylkill” actually translates to Hidden River. The store will be open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Manayunk is a unique shopping, dining, and service destination with over 50 chic boutiques and 30 restaurant and eateries. The town also has over 20 furniture and home furnishings stores, which is the largest concentration of furniture stores on one street in the entire East Coast.