Open Source: Loops and Stitches aims to become Mansfield’s crafting hub

MANSFIELD — When Joann Fabrics stores closed across the country, many fiber artists found themselves wondering where they would buy the yarn brands they relied on for years.

For Mansfield resident Renea Gonzalez, the issue became an opportunity.

Gonzalez aims to open Loops and Stitches LLC at 728 Park Avenue East on July 11, creating a space to serve as both a yarn shop and a gathering place for crafters throughout the area.

Loops and Stitches will operate Tuesday through Saturday, with hours still being finalized.

Gonzalez said Joann carried many of the brands fiber artists relied on, leaving a noticeable gap when the stores closed.

“I wasn’t thinking of doing a yarn shop,” Gonzalez said. “But with Joann’s closing, we are all still mourning that loss.

“In the fiber industry, they carried what a lot of us used, and it has been a void since.”

The idea first surfaced on April 15 while she drove to an appointment. Curious whether anyone operated a mobile yarn business, she searched online and discovered yarn trucks did exist.

“I thought that would be so fun.”

What began as a passing thought quickly gained momentum. After discussing the concept with fellow crafters, Gonzalez connected with someone who offered both an unused trailer and a vacant storefront.

“He said, ‘I’ve got this trailer I’m not using,’ and also mentioned a brick-and-mortar space they weren’t using,” Gonzalez said. ” He said he’d love to fill that space.”

The idea stayed with her.

“The creativity was flowing,” Gonzalez said. “I thought, ‘Lord, I know you don’t care about yarn, but this is taking up a lot of space in my brain, so let this go or drop it in my lap.'”

Instead, doors continued to open.

After securing the storefront, Gonzalez said the next hurdle was finding product to fill it. She contacted several major yarn suppliers, including brands many customers previously purchased at Joann Fabrics.

I thought, ‘Lord, I know you don’t care about yarn, but this is taking up a lot of space in my brain, so let this go or drop it in my lap.

Renea Gonzalez, founder of loops and stitches llc

Many suppliers require a large purchasing commitment, which she wasn’t sure would be best to start. One representative from a yarn supplier encouraged her to start small and agreed to help her without worrying about large commitments.

With the location and product now obtained, Gonzalez was ready to set forth on her new crafting journey.

“I said, ‘OK God, I see you, I hear you,'” Gonzalez said. “I’ve got a space and I’ve got a product.”

Building community through crafting

While yarn remains the foundation of the business, Gonzalez wants Loops and Stitches to offer something beyond retail shelves.

She plans to feature products from local entrepreneurs throughout the region, including handmade candles, whipped tallow products, sourdough bread, leather goods, plants, crochet plushies and other artisan creations.

Classes, workshops and community events also will play a major role.

“I want people to have food and just unplug from life,” Gonzalez said.

The store will carry products from major brands including Lion Brand, Bernat, Caron, Red Heart, DMC embroidery supplies and more. Gonzalez also plans to feature specialty yarn from independent dyers, including Zee Zee Textiles.

A place for every fiber artist

Gonzalez learned to crochet from her Aunt Opal at age 10. She set the hobby aside for years before returning to it during her pregnancy in 1996, and embracing it again when grandchildren arrived on the scene beginning in 2008.

Today, crafting remains one of her greatest passions.

“I’m all things crafters,” she said. “It’s something I’ve known for a long time.”

She said she hopes the shop welcomes all, regardless of their preferred craft.

“I’m not a knitter, but I want to learn,” Gonzalez said. “There is a distinct difference between knitting and crocheting, and I want both to feel invited into this space.”

She noted physical stores still offer something online shopping cannot.

“You can absolutely go online and find it [yarn], but is it the right color? Is it the softness you want? The correct texture you’re looking for, for a project you’re making?” she said.

Gonzalez said fiber arts have exploded in popularity in recent years, especially after many people discovered crafting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s not just your grandma’s rocking-chair pastime anymore,” she said. “It’s garments, plushies, bags, baskets, chapstick holders, lanyards, purses and so much more.”

More than anything, Gonzalez said she hopes visitors leave with more than supplies.

“I just want people to feel loved and welcomed,” Gonzalez said. “I want them to walk away with something they can be proud of.”

(Photos of Loops and Stitches LLC location and inventory. Provided by Loops and Stitches LLC)