We believe in supporting local businesses and small independent sellers. Thus, we carry a few small locally produced products and a few from independent sellers who we've met online or found at shows. Most of these we only carry in the shop and don't sell online; but if you are interested in any of these please give us a call at the shop (352-338-7222) and we'll be happy to describe to you what we currently have in stock and ring you up over the phone should you wish to make a purchase.
Brown Dynasty Alpaca Fiber
Crippen Works
How to Use Art
Mind's Eye Yarn
Politically Incorrect Fibers
Rocket Roving
Rocket Yarn
Scott's Mountain Crafts
Stephanie's Stitch Markers
Speaking of locally owned businesses; if you're traveling to our area and want some recommendations, here are some of our favorite shopping and eating spots!
Alachua County Farmer's Market
Besides getting fresh fruit, veggies, and plants, we think their website gives you the best reason to shop here:
Everything sold at our market is grown within 50 miles of the Market, by the local farmers you see selling the produce.
It's hard to get more local than that! The Market is way down on 13th Street near the Sheriff's department, and is the place to be on a Saturday morning.
Alternatives
Alternatives is right down "the hall" from us, and is where the adorable sheep finger puppets in our shop are from! They are a fantastic shop filled with clothing and handcrafted items from around the world. Jewelry, tea pots, soaps, incense, baskets (oh, the baskets!), and more... if you like our shop, you'll like Alternatives!
Artisans Guild Gallery
The Artisans Guild Gallery offers a fine selection of handmade art and crafts. Since 1970, the gallery has exclusively featured local artists in a variety of media. Paintings, ceramics, wood turned bowls, handwoven shawls and scarves. Basically, it's like Etsy, in person!
Book Gallery West
This is a lovely little bookstore directly across the parking lot from Hanks. They have mostly used, some new, and they also carry a great selection of cards and gift-like items. There's a rumor going around that they're putting in a coffee bar, which will certainly up the traffic between our two shops!
Gifts of Avalon
The perfect compliment to any yarn store-- a bead store! They're just a few doors down from us and they are a must-see if you are into making your own jewelry or need beads to dress up your project.
Leonardo's Millhopper
Okay, yes; we are partial to them because they are our next-door neighbors. So bear with us for a moment while we gush about how wonderful everyone who works there is (completely wonderful!). They also have the best deep-dish pizza ever, good lunch specials, and games on the booth walls!
Maudes
A great spot downtown to get a cup of coffee and a slice of cake (Annie Lennox carrot cake, anyone?) before or after seeing a show at The Hippodrome.
Satchels Pizza
Many of our customers can't say enough about Satchels. The atmosphere is like nothing you've ever seen (unless you remember Kesl's Coney Island here in G'ville about 15 years ago), and the list of toppings you can get on your pizza will make your head spin!
Sweet Dreams
If you like ice cream and you've never been here, get off your computer right this second and get over there! I mean, come on. Who can resist chocolate chip cake flavored ice cream? I can't even finish this post now, I have to go get ice cream.
Uppercrust Bakery
This artisan bakery is right across the street from us, and usually sell out of the goodies that they make every day. Breads and pastries are made on the premises every day, and they've recently started carrying some wines as well.
Wild Birds Unlimited
Located just down the sidewalk from us, WBU is filled with absolutely anything you need to attract birds to your garden. They've also got a lot of other things bird and garden related; it's the perfect spot for anyone who loves nature.