Hey guys! I wanted to publish a series of blog posts focusing on small business, in order to help shine a light on all the incredible small businesses I know and love and to encourage others to shop small and local.
I’ve watched over the years as the small upstate towns outside of New York City have begun to thrive thanks to the weekend tourism from city goers. Plus its always good to support your local community, while building friendships along the way.
If you know me you know that I always have an ongoing list of “projects” and I love a good DIY or hobby.
One of my current favourite haunts is The Knitting Room in Windham (& Tannersville), New York.
The Knitting Room
This small but expanding business is run by May Belschner and Zairi Malcolm. May & Zairi are both former fashion/ wardrobe assistants who actually met on a film set over 10 years ago and bonded over their shared love of textile.
The ladies have an awesome knitting shop (meets cafe) that sources all kinds of unique, locally raised and farmed fibers, and a wall of amazing, colorful selection of indie yarns - along with a wide variety of local soaps, lotions, hand-crafted bags and garments as well as handbags and other DIY crafting kits!
Knitting is an amazing creative outlet but is also so therapeutic to me, not just the activity itself but for the ongoing sense of community and lasting connections its created. May’s shop is the most welcoming hang out spaceI
I love going in to visit her, have a cup of tea and chat while checking out her latest yarns. So grateful that a weekend hobby turned into what I expect will be a lifelong friendship!
It’s also a great feeling to support a Slow Fashion business, committed to sustainable, ethical (and local) sourcing from mostly women and BIPOC producers.
Despite having a unique selection of products that are only offered in store (giving me a great excuse to visit every weekend) May and Zairi do offer free shipping for online orders over $175 (easy) and they even have a complimentary yarn winding service!
Ps - From now until October 31st, The Knitting Room is taking part in The New York Fiber Trail, where you can collect “passport” stamps at participating locations and send them in at the end to win fun prizes..
My Top Product Picks:
1. Kim Dyes rainbow yarn -75% BFL/ 25% Tussah Silk Spinning Fiber
3. Noro- Knitting & Crochet Magazine
4. Blue Sky Fibers - Gresham Wrap Kit - Woolstok Worsted
5. Blue Sky Fibers - Elizabeth Cowl Kit - Organic Cotton Worsted
6. Sandnes Garn - Cahla Skirt Pattern
7. Penguin & Fish - Llama 8" Embroidery Kit
8. Sandnes Garn - Rib Singlet Pattern
9. Sandnes Garn - Cherry Striped Sweater Pattern
10. Sandnes Garn - South Sweater Pattern
More About the Knitting Room NY
Opening Hours: (Windham, NY location)
Summer 2025 Hours:
Thursday – Sunday 12-5PM
(Closed Mondays – Wednesdays)
Social Media:
Check her out at @TheKnittingRoomNY
Website:
https://the-knitting-room-ny.square.site/
Let's Discuss!
Are you a fan of knitting? Let me know your favorite items to make in the comments below..
Xo,
Ro
*Disclosure: Please note the following is not a commercial post and no commision is earned from the links provided.
Thank you as always for your continued support, any comments or suggestions for my content are welcomed in the comments :)
