YARN FOR EWE is a specialty yarn boutique located at Foye's Corner in Rye, NH. From the outside, one might never guess what lies beyond the front door. Once inside, you are met by a cozy knitting area and the sounds of clicking needles and knitters' banter. Every Thursday at 10 a.m., the coffee is on. The sessions used to end at 11 a.m., but now they often run until 2 p.m., owner Cathy Leger says. It is an indication of just how warm and welcoming she has made the store — with its children's area and comfy chairs often occupied by husbands waiting for their wives to finish shopping. "Customers can grab a book from our bookshelves or the latest copy of Vogue Knitting magazine, see what's new and start that next project," she said. "I love to see people happy because they're doing what they love."

YARN FOR EWE has an unusual array of fibers such as yak, baby camel, llama, bamboo and soy silk for those who have an aversion to wool. For those who crave hand-dyed or even undyed natural yarns, choices abound from the beautiful array of colors. The store also carries a yarn made of recycled silk sarongs and sari yarn that benefits women in Nepal. YFE offers a line of accessories and bags produced through an education and income-generation project. It's a family owned enterprise aimed at reviving the traditional cultural handicrafts of Vietnam.

YARN FOR EWE also offers a repair service and a year-round schedule of beginner to advanced-level classes. Knitting is not just a hobby to pursue during those cold, snowy New Hampshire winters, Leger said. She urged knitters to try working with a "cool" fiber this summer. Leger said being located on a major roadway to the beaches and close to the Wentworth Marina means the store gets a lot of tourist business during the summer months. She has even come up with a little slogan for those headed to the coast. "Going to the beach? Don't just sit, knit!" she said.