Let's Knit Yarn Shop - Gardena, CA - Knitting and Crochet Supplies

Let's Knit Yarn Shop
16126 S. Western Avenue
Gardena, CA 90247
310-327-4514

Hours:
Closed Monday
10:00AM-5:00PM Tuesday-Saturday
Closed Sunday

Specializing in Japanese Yarns & Crafts Since 1973

At the urging of friends and family, Saeko Oyama opened her yarn shop in 1973. Although she had considered naming the store "Oyama keito-ten," her husband, Kiyoshi, thought that "Let's Knit Yarn Shop" was more to-the-point and easier to remember. With the help of her husband, brothers-in-law, nephews and daughters, counters were built, shelves were assembled and painted, and the yarn shop was born. The name -- and the store -- have endured through the years, and Mrs. Oyama continues to share her words of wisdom and good cheer with customers today.

Her dream of opening a yarn shop began in Japan. As a young girl, she was not only the fastest runner in her school's undookai (track & field day), but she was also the fastest knitter in her neighborhood. While in her teens, she was hospitalized with tuberculosis, and passed the time by crocheting and knitting, creating patterns and perfecting her skills. It was during this time that she started thinking about opening her own store someday.

In 1973, Mrs. Oyama realized her dream, teaching knitting and crocheting to her customers, many of whom began calling her Oyama-sensei. The store became a place where people would share recipes and advice, and find long-lost connections from "way back when," as well as the perfect yarn and pattern. Over the years, Mrs. Oyama began expanding her talents beyond knitting and crocheting. She became a licensed bunka shishu (Japanese embroidery) instructor, and started framing the finished works, as well. In the late 1980s, she started designing and framing origami cranes or tsuru, earning her the nickname of The Tsuru Lady.