Are you interested in owning a yarn shop? Neither were the current owners.
The Comfort of Something Handmade
There is something about yarn that immediately brings me back to childhood.
I think of the homemade afghans draped across the back of a couch, the scarves wrapped around my neck before heading outside, and the mittens my grandmother made to keep little hands warm through a Maine winter. I remember the texture, the weight, and the unmistakable feeling that comes from something made by hand.
Each piece carried a sense of comfort and care that could never be replicated by something pulled from a store shelf.
I do not knit myself, at least not yet, but visiting Happyknits made me want to learn.
Building Relationships With Skowhegan Businesses
As the new Director of Business Engagement for Main Street Skowhegan, one of my goals is to build relationships with as many local businesses as possible.
I want to learn their stories, understand their goals and challenges, and make sure they know they have someone they can reach out to when they need support, information, or a connection.
That goal recently led me to Happyknits, Skowhegan’s local yarn shop.
A Unique Home for a Local Yarn Shop
Happyknits is located inside the former Somerset County Jail building, alongside Maine Grains, Crooked Face Creamery, and HooSkow Radio.
It is one of the most interesting collections of local businesses in Skowhegan, bringing together food, creativity, media, and entrepreneurship within a historic space.
I stopped in to introduce myself to the owners and explain my new role. During our conversation, I learned something unexpected: Happyknits is for sale.
The current owners never set out to own a yarn shop.
When the previous owner announced plans to close the business, they stepped in because they did not want to see it disappear. They understood that Happyknits was more than a retail store.
It was a place where people could find quality materials, seek advice, share ideas, and connect with others who appreciate the time and creativity involved in making something by hand.
Now, they are hoping to find someone who will carry the business forward so they can return to being customers once again.
Could You Be the Next Owner?
Are you interested in buying a yarn shop? Neither were the current owners, until the opportunity presented itself.
Perhaps the next owner is an experienced knitter who has always dreamed of owning a creative business. Perhaps it is someone who sees the value of preserving a unique local shop and growing the community around it.
Or perhaps, like the current owners, it is someone who has never considered the possibility before.
A Message From The Owners
“As we look ahead to the shop’s next chapter, we’re filled with both gratitude and excitement. While it’s bittersweet to step away from something that has meant so much to us, we know the shop has a bright future.
Our hope for the next owner is simple: continue building on the wonderful relationships that already exist and help the shop grow while preserving the welcoming community resource it has become. This is a well-established business with tremendous potential, and we’re excited to see where the next chapter leads.
Were also happy to help make the transition as smooth as possible. We’d love the opportunity to sit down for a conversation, answer questions, and share everything we’ve learned over the years. We encourage prospective owners to stop by the shop or reach out by email – we’d be delighted to meet you and help you envision what comes next.”
– Sarah, Marylou, Amanda
Carrying Happyknits Forward
Happyknits offers more than shelves of colorful yarn. It carries traditions, memories, skills, and connections from one generation to the next.
Every local business has a story, and sometimes the next chapter begins with a conversation, an introduction, or an opportunity you never expected to consider.
Maybe Happyknits’ next chapter could begin with you.
Please contact Happyknits with questions or interest.
peacelovehappyknits@gmail.com
