Our Employees
Andrea
Andrea is Apple Yarn’s happy proprietor. She loves our friendly atmosphere and welcomes you to Apple Yarns. Her background includes a lot of retail, hospitality design, years of knitting, a little crochet, and weaving. She takes great pride in listening to our customers, taking care of their craft needs, and having an expert staff to help customers and teach classes at every level. She is our resident colorist and always has a plan of action. Please introduce yourself to her when you’re in the shop, on the web, or at Ravelry (our group is Apple Yarns).
Bonnie
Bonnie began crafting after retiring early in the new millennium and moving to Bellingham. She’s been addicted to knitting since the day her sister-in-law, Rita, taught her. She specializes in knitting with beads, felting, and needle felting, but loves it all from knitting new designs and patterns to fulfilling requests from her grandchildren. Most especially, Bonnie loves teaching and says, "There's nothing like seeing someone's reaction when they realize they, too, can do it. "
Claudia
Claudia has been knitting and crocheting for over 40 years. Her first teacher was her mother from whom she learned the pleasures of needlework, sewing, and cooking. She likes to share her experience with others at Apple Yarns where she encourages people to reach beyond their expectations. Claudia doesn't have a favorite technique but enjoys doing cables, lace and Fair Isle. Her newest foray into the world of fiber arts is designing. When not knitting or crocheting, Claudia enjoys reading, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Dee Dee
Dee Dee describes herself as a fearless knitter. She taught herself to knit over a decade ago and two of her first projects were socks and a cabled sweater. She has taught knitting almost from the start of her knitting career and passing on her knowledge to other knitters is a true calling. A passionate sock knitter, she also excels at knitting cables, sweaters, and gloves. She loves designing, and has sold several of her sock patterns. Dee Dee spins, weaves, and does a bit of quilting, and will “talk wine” at any opportunity.
Francine
AKA Andrea’s Mom, Francine learned to knit when Andrea was still in diapers and can’t remember a time when she was not involved in a craft project. She is a knitter of small projects with interesting techniques and her favorite is Fair Isle. Francine started teaching knitting a couple of years ago and most of her students continue to knit. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and finds it exciting to watch her students learn new skills and making friends while having fun. She has a wonderful life with her husband, Craig, two daughters, and six grandchildren.
Tracy
Tracy has been crafting as long as she can remember. Her mom and grandmother, avid fiber artists, encouraged her to pursue creativity. She learned to knit with her mother and daughter—an immediate compulsion for all of them. Tracy is captivated with beaded jewelry, accessories, and bead embroidery and has been for over 20 years. Tracy enjoys teaching students of all ages, but admits a passion for introducing children to personal creativity. She has taught throughout the community for many years and is delighted to be a part of the Apple Yarns team!
