Lovelyarns opened in 2006 with the goal of creating an environment where knitters of all skill levels would feel welcome.

Prior to opening, Owner Sue Caldwell visited yarn stores along the East Coast and strove to found a shop with superior customer service. It has since grown to be a vibrant community of local crafters. 

Specializing in locally hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns, the Hampden shop offers a wide selection of natural fibers. Classes range from “Learn to Knit” to knitted jewelry-making.

Winners of Baltimore Magazine's "Best Knitting Shop" and CityPaper's "Best Yarn Store," Lovelyarns loves to encourage “yarn bombing’” (knitted graffiti.)  A distinctive row of knitted parking-meter-cozies graces Falls Road in front of the shop. Their latest project, two porta- potties wearing knitted “cozies”, will be on display at ArtScape 2012.

The shop is actively involved in several charity projects. Free yarn and patterns are provided for customers to knit or crochet hats, which are collected and sorted by size. 

The business has expanded and moved twice, and now occupies a 2,000-square-foot two-story space with classrooms upstairs and retail downstairs. Future plans include partnering with hand-dyers to further develop the Lovelyarns house brand, hiring an IT person and a bookkeeper.

Lovelyarns is competing for a small business grant from Mission: Small Business and is soliciting votes from Facebook members to reach the 250 minimum for consideration.