Asheville Embraces Holiday Spirit with Local Crafts and Community Resilience

Asheville Welcomes the Holiday Shopping Season with Local Craftsmanship

Asheville, known for its beautiful mountains and vibrant arts scene, is gearing up for what many consider the most wonderful time of the year. With October’s warmth fading and winter knocking on the door, the holiday shopping season is upon us. Locals and visitors alike are starting to think about finding the perfect hats, scarves, and gloves—or maybe even crafting some handmade gifts to share with loved ones.

Explore Asheville NC Home Crafts

One gem that stands out in the heart of Asheville is Asheville NC Home Crafts, a delightful shop co-owned by the creative duo, Marie Hendrix and Judy Quinn. This shop specializes in all things yarn and fibers, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace their crafty side or find a unique gift. The shop’s website proudly states, “We offer specialty yarns made from wool, angora, alpaca, mohair, and llama from locally sourced animal fibers.”

Their selection of yarns is not just varied in texture, but also in color, showcasing shades that you might not find anywhere else. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting, you’ll find an array of tools, including knitting needles, crochet hooks, and DIY craft kits. And if you’re not into crafting, don’t worry—they have plenty of ready-made items as well, such as toboggans, sweaters, and adorable children’s clothing. Some of their shawls have that cozy, homemade look, reminiscent of something your grandmother might craft, while others appear upscale and chic, as if they were plucked straight from a high-end boutique.

Supporting Local Artisans

What makes Asheville NC Home Crafts even more special is its community connection. Most of the items in the store are handmade by local artisans, many of whom rely on this as an additional source of income. Hendrix has over 50 artisans contributing to the store, describing their work as essential—“This usually isn’t their main source of income, but it definitely puts gravy on their potatoes,” she notes with a warm smile.

Among their unique offerings, you can find super-comfortable, hand-painted bamboo socks, perfect for treating yourself or gifting to friends and family during the holidays. And let’s not forget about their “west wing,” better known as the Asheville Hat Store, which opened a few years back. There, you’ll find every style of hat you could dream of, catering to all moods and occasions.

Resilience Amidst Challenges

This year, however, has brought unforeseen challenges. Following Hurricane Helene, foot traffic significantly decreased—Hendrix estimates a staggering 95% drop. With the storm leaving devastation in its wake, many community members were affected and in need of support. As the storm passed and internet service returned, Hendrix and her team jumped into action, building up their website and utilizing social media to alert customers that they were still open for business, ready to ship out products to those who couldn’t visit.

Interestingly, some of the artisans working with Hendrix found solace at their spinning wheels during the storm, crafting yarn as a form of therapy. Hendrix explained, “They sat at their spinning wheel and spun their worries into yarn.” This resilience, reflecting the true spirit of the Appalachian community, has brought forth remarkable acts of kindness, including one of her suppliers donating hats to sell and help boost her business.

Looking Ahead to the Festive Season

As winter approaches, Asheville NC Home Crafts is shining bright with hope and a determination to regain normalcy. The historic Grove Arcade, where the store is located, will soon be adorned with festive decorations and stunning holiday lights, inviting everyone for an elegant shopping experience. Hendrix believes that this annual transformation will make your local Christmas shopping both magical and memorable.

“We went into this business 22 years ago because we like people,” she reflects, emphasizing the essential role of customer interactions in their journey. As the community continues to heal and rebuild, Asheville NC Home Crafts stands as a warm reminder of the power of local craftsmanship and the importance of supporting one another during tough times.