DETROIT – Parker Avenue Knits, located in Detroit’s Rivertown, stands out as the only knit shop owned by a person of color in the city.
Owner Sally Moore, a professional litigation attorney, offers a unique blend of community and creativity.
On Wednesday (Feb. 19) morning, Moore stepped into what she refers to as the living room of the yarn shop. It feels more like home than work.
“Well, you want to do the thing you love with the people you love in a space where you’re comfortable,” said Moore.
But before you go there, knitting is not just for older women. The entrepreneur said the store’s tagline is, “It’s a vibe.”
It’s a community for knitters and crocheters, spanning generations like one mother-and-daughter duo.
“We started coming on Saturdays and it just became an activity we do and then go get some lunch,” said Lina Stephens while knitting next to her mom, Marian Stephens. “Sometimes, dinner.”
A Safe Space for Dialogue
Parker Avenue Knits is more than just a shop; it’s a safe space where women gather to discuss current events and historical issues.
“There’s nothing more unassuming than a little bunch of old ladies just stitching away,” Moore said.
In the past, women learned about issues within knitting circles where, stitch by stitch, they weaved ideas and solutions – from the anti-slavery movement to the suffragist movement.
Preserving History Through Stitching
Sometimes, people used stitching as a means to keep track of one’s lineage.
Enslaved African Americans would stitch the names of relatives onto sacks, passing them down through generations. This act of preservation was both dangerous and powerful since it would reveal the stitcher had the ability to read and write.
Join the Community
If you’re interested in learning how to knit and crochet, the yarn store does offer classes from Wednesday through Saturday. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a curious beginner, Parker Avenue Knits provides a space to create, connect, and carry on the legacy of stitching.
