I left my hometown over twenty years ago when I attended college and subsequently got married. When does our new town become our hometown? It is my kids’ hometown.

In our part of Pennsylvania where the roads meander through the hills and around farmers’ fields, it is hard to know every nook and cranny like I do with my hometown.

So discovering the hidden gems around here feels extra special.

Introducing ChickenKnitz–a quaint yarnshop on Route 68 in New Brighton, Pa. (If I was from around here, I would probably know that it was in ______ Township with just a New Brighton mailing address, but I have a hard time keeping all of the little towns straight.)

This mom and pop yarn shop is run by a couple who hand-dye quality yarn in beautiful colorways. While they carry some yarn that does not have their lable, most of what they sell is their own. When they are not away at different fiber festivals, they are hosting classes and knitting/crochet hang outs. There is even a place to spin your own yarn if that is a skill you possess (that’s one I don’t).

One full wall is filled with a variety of crochet hooks and knitting needles that were unique but still affordable.

This shop sells sock sets (for around $35), which look like little voodoo dolls on the shelf, but are actually a full-skein of yarn with two coordingating small skeins perfect for making a pair of socks. This is the type of thoughtfulness and creativity that sets a shop apart.

It’s nice to have a yarn shop in my neck of the woods. If you find yourself in Beaver County, check out ChickenKnitz. (For more information and directions, check out their website.)

Did I mention they have chickens?