Andersen Fiber Works

Hi I’m Sue Drauch. I dropped off my fiber for cleaning and to be carded. I can’t find you and you don’t return my calls. I’m glad I didn’t bring 30lbs. in like I had planned.
Can you please call me so I can at least get my fleece back. 503−704−3506.
Good luck with your new place. All I want is my Fleece back.
Best Regards,
Margaret Sue Drauch

I found out from a friend that there was a new fiber/​yarn store right in downtown Gresham that had just opened last Friday. So did I go to the gym as planned? Heck no! I zoomed over to Andersen Fiber Works instead. I figure I got my workout going up the stairs to the second level when Jen generously gave me the grand tour. Not that the stairs were bad, mind you, but hey, I’m trying to justify my diversion.
The store used to be a bridal shop for years and years, and it’s huge, well lighted, and spacious. Jen is still unloaded stock and supplies, but what I saw was very impressive. What I like the best is that her goal is to stock yarns and fibers from independent dyers, thus not competing directly with other yarn stores in the area. I think that’s really commendable. Jen want to create her own unique market by supporting the indie dyers.
Downstairs the walls will be filled with all kinds of yarn and fiber; some yarn is already up. Jen, the creator of «Hanks in the Hood» yarn and fiber, has brought her business down to Gresham from up in the Mount Hood area, and from what I saw, her colorways are going to be hard to resist.
There are a number of spinning wheels sitting around as well as the fiber, some of which are gigantic, and I mean gigantic (think two feet in diameter at least!) balls of fiber from Dicentra Designs. It’s a lot of fun to see all of them sitting around the store.
Upstairs there’s a huge room for knitting and/​or spinning that’s perfect for groups. There are large windows that look out over downtown Gresham and make for excellent lighting. There are more spinning wheels up there as well.
Ultimately, the back room, also with large windows, will be used for workshops; it’s already all set up with a 16″ electric Duncan drum carder. And off this room is a private workshop where Jen will work her magic creating wonderful colorways for us consumers.
Jen was extremely welcoming and friendly, and I can see myself getting together with other handspinners and knitters outside on Main Street on a nice summer day. I can’t see myself lugging my spinning wheel up all the stairs inside, but downstairs and outside, absolutely!
I think this new fiber shop is a great addition to downtown Gresham! The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is that I’m waiting for the rest of the stock to come in. Will update when it does.