Yarn Garage Gears Up for 'Yarn Around the World'

If you see an influx of knitting needles on the streets of Rosemount this weekend, don't panic. They're headed to .

Local knit and crochet enthusiasts will celebrate the Twin Cities yarn community while also helping the hungry, by participating in Yarn Around the World 2012 this weekend.

14 of the metro area’s approximately 30 yarn retailers will partake in the annual shop hop. The event is structured to encourage customers to explore the many yarn shops across the Twin Cities.

“It’s nice to get people into your store that maybe haven’t been there before,” said Laura Rasmussen, co-owner of , in Mendota Heights.

Jessie France, general manager of says her shop got involved this year because of the overwhelming success of previous Yarn Around the World events.

"This is our first year," said France. "Our other shop, StevenBe in Minneapolis, participated last year and it was very successful. It's a great way to gain exposure to knitters who may not be from the immediate area."

Participating shoppers have access to limited edition yarns, complimentary patterns and the chance to win several door prizes. Customers who visit every shop hop location and record their visits on the event’s attendance punch card are entered to win a grand prize, totaling more than $2,000.

Each participating business is collecting donations for the food shelf of their choice. Shoppers who give a nonperishable item or a suggested donation of $5 will receive a free charm at each location to which they donate. Last year, the shop hop collected 3,300 pounds of nonperishable items and $1,329.

Yarn Around the World began in 2006, when seven shops came together to host the event. The Twin Cities metro area is home to a vibrant yarn community and has more yarn stores per capita than anywhere else is the U.S., according to the Craft Yarn Council of America.

The event’s organizers anticipate that approximately 1,000 people will participate in the 2012 hop.

The hop will take place April 12-15. For more information, visit minnesotayarnshophop.com.

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