Yarn has always had a way of tying people together. From “spinning yarns” to passing down patterns, it creates close-knit communities, provides warmth in sweaters and blankets, and brings people together around a shared passion. That is especially true in places where knitters and crocheters can gather, learn, share ideas and find whatever supplies they need. Beyond the Rainforest Yarn Shop in Durand is one of those welcoming places, open to fiber artists of all ages and skill levels.
Into the Forest
Beyond the Rainforest is a small yarn shop in Durand that caters to a variety of knitting and crocheting needs, offering everything from yarn and needles to classes where customers can learn new and creative projects.
According to shop owner and instructor Mary DeRuiter, the store prides itself on its unique yarns and fibers, accessories, classes and friendly atmosphere. With a strong local history, it has created a close-knit community that is difficult to top.
Beyond the Rainforest weaves together a warm community
Beyond the Rainforest began 33 years ago on Beecher Road in Flint. It soon moved to Grand Blanc, where it remained for most of those years. Mary worked with the original owner as a store instructor, helping customers and teaching classes until 2020. When the original owner retired, Mary decided to purchase the shop herself and has operated it ever since.
She continued to run the business in Grand Blanc until moving the shop to Durand earlier this year, marking the beginning of another chapter. Through every move, Beyond the Rainforest has remained an important part of the local yarn and fiber arts community.
What You Can Discover
Of course, what would a yarn shop be without yarn?
Beyond the Rainforest carries an extensive variety of brands, including Malabrigo, Cascade and HiKoo, among others. There is also a wide range of yarn weights and fibers, whether you need a thinner yarn for socks or shawls or a chunkier yarn for warm blankets and sweaters.
“We also have our own in-house brand of hand-dyed yarn,” Mary says. Because it is available in limited quantities, shoppers may want to stop in regularly to see what is new.
But yarn isn’t the only thing needed for fiber arts. From double-pointed and circular knitting needles to crochet hooks in various sizes, patterns and accessories such as stitch markers and pom-poms, Beyond the Rainforest offers the tools needed to bring a project together and add those finishing touches.
It’s also perfectly fine if you don’t know how to work with the materials or don’t feel confident in your skills. The staff are happy to answer questions, offer suggestions and help customers work through techniques they may be struggling to master.
One-on-one lessons are available, as are group classes. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are especially good opportunities to learn. Call the shop for more information about current classes and availability.
Yarn, needles, hooks and guidance are all important components of knitting and crocheting. However, there is one thing that truly stands out about the craft: community.
There are few things warmer than the bonds shared by a group of people who knit and crochet together. Beyond the Rainforest is no exception, providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where people can gather, work on their projects and share their experiences.
One of the ways the shop encourages that sense of community is through its weekly social sessions.
“Our Thursday social group is open to people with all types of yarn and fiber projects and all skill levels,” Mary explains. “Just drop in anytime from 2-6 PM and hang out with us! We have water, coffee and snacks available, and sometimes people bring snacks to share as well.”
It doesn’t matter what you bring to the table, as long as you bring yourself. Everyone is welcome to explore their skills, enjoy their craft and make connections with others.
Warm Welcome
Beyond the Rainforest has given people in Flint, Grand Blanc, Durand and surrounding communities a place to gather. Much like a rainforest, it offers a warm getaway from the stresses of everyday life and invites people to come together and create their own tightly woven pattern through a shared interest.
Whether you have been knitting or crocheting for years or are picking up a hook or needles for the first time, there is a place for you. The supplies, guidance and welcoming community are there, and a new adventure may be waiting just beyond the rainforest.
To learn more about Beyond the Rainforest, visit the shop at 4555 S. Reed Road in Durand or call 989-541-1027. You can also visit beyondtherainforest.com, find the shop on Facebook under “Beyond the Rainforest Yarn Shop,” or follow @beyondtherainforest on Instagram.
