Just beyond downtown, a little maroon building welcomes knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners, felters, and anyone who appreciates handmade craftsmanship. Whether you're spending a few days or just a few hours in Ketchikan, Untangled Yarn & Fiber is an easy stop, just a two-minute ride on the free downtown shuttle from the cruise berths or a short walk from downtown. Inside, Eric and Deborah Simon have created more than a yarn shop. It's a place to browse, ask questions, learn something new, and maybe even discover a new hobby.
Little Treasures, Made by Hand
Friendly Know How:
Since opening in 2022, Untangled has specialized in hand-dyed and handmade treasures, but what visitors often remember most is the warm welcome. Deborah describes it as offering "friendly know-how," whether that's helping someone pick out the perfect yarn, answering a question, or rescuing a dropped stitch.
One of the shop's most distinctive features happens right before your eyes. Under the label A Gentle Whisper, Deborah hand-dyes the shop's exclusive Made in Alaska yarn and fiber in the front room of the store, creating one-of-a-kind colorways inspired by Alaska. It's a chance to take home something that's not only locally made, but created right here in Ketchikan.
From Hand-Dyed to Handpicked
Walk through the shop and you'll quickly notice it's designed to invite conversation as much as shopping. Visitors are encouraged to sign the guest book, add their hometown to the world map, or simply spend time exploring shelves filled with yarn, fiber, books, patterns, tools, and handmade treasures. Even if you've never picked up knitting needles or a crochet hook, it's an inspiring place to browse and discover the artistry behind fiber crafts.
For Deborah, the shop has always been about more than selling yarn.
"From the very beginning, this business has been a God-thing. He's at the helm."
Whether you're an experienced fiber artist searching for your next project, looking for a uniquely Alaskan gift, or simply curious about a creative corner of Ketchikan, Untangled Yarn & Fiber is worth the trip beyond downtown. And if you discover a favorite yarn or project after you've returned home, you can continue exploring through their online shop.
As Deborah likes to say, "Come find quality, handmade treasures alongside unlimited inspiration and friendly know-how."
Visit Untangledyarnandfiber.com to find a little treasure, a memorable keepsake, or the perfect inspiration for your next handmade creation.
