On 18th St. in Downtown Rock Island, is Bev’s Yarn Barn – a warm, colorful and welcoming space built on creativity and community.
Named for owner Ashley Burroughs’ grandmother, Bev, the new downtown business is more than a just a yarn store. “It’s a tribute to the kind of space Bev would have loved. It’s a place where all are welcomed, whether you're just learning or have been knitting and creating for years,” says Burroughs.
With a thoughtfully curated selection of affordable yarns, fibers, knitting and crochet supplies, Bev’s is a cozy place to sit, stitch and meet up with friends and neighbors. "I saw an opportunity to build something meaningful and local when larger craft stores began closing and options for yarn and other supplies became limited," she said.
Burroughs adds that she believes crafting is better when shared.
“Yes, Bev’s is a fun place to shop for supplies, but it’s also a place where I want people to feel like they belong. I often describe Bev’s as a community center pretending to be a yarn shop,” she added.
That community has happened largely because of Bev’s many classes and activities -- from crochet lessons to beginning sewing to new classes like an Indonesian paper batik class. Burroughs also invites teens to try their hand at knitting at a monthly Teen Stitch night. She’s added vendor days as well, showing off other makers’ products or specialty foods, helping to boost other small, local businesses.
For Burroughs, being part of Downtown Rock Island is a natural fit, and she says she can’t imagine being anywhere else. She says that whether you come to Bev’s to learn or be inspired -- or just need a soft place to land -- everyone is welcome.
“The community in Rock Island is something that is so special and unique to this area. I am thrilled to be a part of that in a small way," she says. “It's truly incredible to see these businesses work together, they're all so supportive. They've all welcomed me immediately. ”