A new yarn store, Green Arrow Yarns, has opened its doors in downtown Bath, Maine, at 44 Front St., enhancing options for local fiber craft enthusiasts. The store is part of a growing niche of fiber arts businesses in the Midcoast region. Owner Joanie Park expressed her enthusiasm for the vibrant knitting and crocheting community in the area, stating that many welcoming locals have already visited.
Park’s decision to establish her business in Bath stems from challenges in finding a suitable location near her home in Damariscotta, where business turnover is low. She noted, “It all just came together. Bath is a really great downtown. It is centrally located, and I thought it was a perfect fit.”
The new shop offers a diverse selection of fabric and crafting materials for both residents and visitors. Park has made a conscious effort to stock yarns that are not readily available locally, focusing primarily on American-made yarns. However, due to limited availability, she has also sourced brands from countries including Spain, Denmark, Norway, and Uruguay. Park highlighted the scarcity of U.S. yarns, explaining that in the last 25 to 30 years, few fiber-processing mills have operated in the United States.
Green Arrow Yarns carries products from notable American companies such as Kelbourne Woolens in Philadelphia and Green Mountain Spinnery in Putney, Vermont. According to a recent study from the National Endowment of the Arts, approximately a quarter of Mainers are involved in some form of fiber art. This surge in creativity has been attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many individuals to explore new hobbies.
Bath has a well-established crafting community, exemplified by the presence of Halcyon Yarns, a women-owned store that has been operating for two generations. Events like Fiber Day at the Bath Freight Shed further demonstrate the area’s commitment to fiber arts, allowing local artists to showcase their skills in weaving, spinning, and knitting.
Looking ahead, Green Arrow Yarns plans to host skill-sharing events starting in 2026, aiming to foster community engagement among fiber artists. Park is already preparing her inventory for the upcoming holiday season, which will include gift items such as men’s and women’s socks, art prints, knitting and crocheting books, mugs, and gift certificates.
One local resident, Danny Evarts, who serves as the EMS Director for Woolwich, recently visited Green Arrow Yarns to explore its selection. Evarts, who began crocheting six months ago, is currently working on a stuffed animal as a Christmas gift for a family member.
The store operates from Wednesday to Saturday, with hours from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and there are plans to expand its hours in the future. As Amanda McDaniel, Director of Main Street Bath, stated, “We are a thriving arts community in the Midcoast section of Maine,” highlighting the importance of such establishments in fostering local creativity and connection.
