Mt. Hood Yarn and Wool presented an exciting new option for mountain
crafters with the shop’s grand opening on Dec. 5. Jen Andersen’s decidedly
modern store is filled floor to ceiling with colorful and unique hand-dyed
yarns, wool and gifts from local artists around the pacific northwest.
“(It’s) not your grandmother’s knit shop, but she sure is welcome,” Andersen
announces on the shop’s Facebook page.

Mt. Hood Yarn and Wool is located at 24403 East Welches Road, Suite 104
between the U.S. Post Office and Pub 26. Andersen intends for the shop to
become a comfortable place for crafters to gather and work on projects while
enjoying a glass of wine or beverage at the shop’s knit bar, or a sweet from
Seattle Chocolate Company.

“I’m super excited about how many good, crafty people there are on the
mountain,” Andersen said. “I want (my shop) to be part of the community,
where people are able to share and create.”

Andersen’s appreciation for knitting began at a young age by observing the
knitted sweaters her grandmother made. She began knitting 18 years ago
after the birth of her son and has been spinning for 12 years.

In 2005 she began producing hand-dyed, spun and knit yarn and wool under
the label “Hanks in the Hood knits” (HITH). She sold HITH yarn and wool
wholesale to shops and online through Etsy as a work-at-home mother.
Andersen has resided in Rhododendron for 15 years and wanted to have a
shop that offered her HITH wares to the local community as well.

“What’s unique in a sense is that all the yarn is hand-dyed on the mountain,”
Andersen said.

In addition to HITH knits the store stocks hand-made goods by Get Spun,
Wy'East Woolens, Knitted Wit, TSD Bags and Seattle Chocolate Company, as
well as regional pottery and goods bearing the shop’s cheerful logo.
Andersen intends to offer classes at the shop in 2020 and plans on hosting
spin-ins and other community events.

“People have already come in and knit,” Andersen said. “It’s been a great
response.”

Mt. Hood Yarn and Wool is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with hours varying
seasonally. More information about the shop is available online at
www.mthoodyarnandwool.com. The shop can be contacted through the
website or by phone at 503-676-4492.