Our Story
String Theory is committed to helping our customers discover the healing powers of knitting and crocheting, while effecting positive change in the US and worldwide. We proudly support women and Black-owned businesses.
About our Yarns
Our collection is first and foremost, conscientiously-curated. On our (physical and virtual shelves), you’ll find a wide selection of organic, fair trade and artisan yarns, each a delight for knitting and crochet.
By purchasing a yarn from String Theory, you’re lifting up a number of small and female-owned businesses. We help women in Rwanda, who survived the genocide, educate a new generation. We help women in Uruguay find meaningful work without leaving their rural homes. We help a family in New Hampshire maintain a mill, a tradition spanning hundreds of years. We help restore the Patagonia Grasslands by encouraging sustainable farming. Every yarn we stock makes a positive impact.
Read some of the stories here.
Handpun Hope helps women in Rwanda
Currently, 123 women who survived the genocide in Rwanda are part of the Handspun Hope family. Each woman is respected and welcomed as a sister with a unique healing and transformation journey before her. Many of our ladies are caring for four to ten children, all of whom are directly impacted by their mother’s job.
Through the meaningful work provided by Handspun Hope, 527 Rwandans are directly impacted and provided education, healthcare, nutrition, and housing.
Handspun Hope Ornaments
$28.00
The best way to decorate for Christmas is to invest in the lives of the women working for Handspun Hope in northern Rwanda. These 100% organic needle-felted sculptures are one-of-a-kind...
Handspun Hope Nativity
$44.00
These needle-felted sculptures are handcrafted from 100% organic wool from Handpun Hope's own flock of merino sheep. Purchase the complete set or add pieces to what you purchased last year....
Handspun Hope cotton
$32.00
This lovely cotton yarn is laboriously handspun on a drop spindle in Ethiopia by women working for a small cooperative comprised of single mothers. A single skein of yarn requires approximately 736 yards of...
Odette Handwarmer Kit
$65.00
The Odette Cabled Hand Warmers feature a classic single cable in Handpun Hope's new Super Bulky Merino yarn. The hand warmers are knit in the round using double pointed needles. A...
Odette Headband and Handwarmer Kit
$100.00
The Odette Cabled Headband and Hand Warmers feature a classic single cable in Handspun Hope's new Super Bulky Merino yarn. The hand warmers are knit in the round using double-pointed needles. ...
Handspun Hope DK Wool
$32.00
100% merino approximately 173 YDS 100 GR Needle size: US 6-8 Gauge: 4-6 STS = 1" Note: Although this yarn is labeled DK, it knits...
HH Angora blend
$65.00
Humanely-sourced from their own flocks of bunnies and sheep, this 50/50 blended sport weight is Handspun Hope's most luxurious yarn yet! This incredibly indulgent fluffiness has a silky and lightweight texture with a halo...
Our Team
String Theory’s team of Yarnistas + Instructors are dedicated to helping you find just the right yarn for your next project, and teaching you the skills you need to accomplish it! Whether we’re down the street from you or across the country, these are the talented people who will encourage and support you on your crafting journey.
How String Theory Began
After the death of her brother in the World Trade Center on 9/11, Janet instinctually turned to her hobby of knitting as a way of working through her grief. Through this daily practice of handiwork, she found much-needed solace, easing the difficulties of such a painful time.
Having been just laid off from her job on the 10th, Janet grappled not only with her sadness but also yearned for a renewed sense of purpose. Her love of craft, her desire to make the world a better place and a yearning for community combined to become String Theory.
“Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want.”
- Anna Lappe
String Theory’s central mission is to encourage the crafts of knitting and crochet so that each person can reap the health and mental benefits, as well as promoting products from companies that make a positive impact in the world.
In the 15+ years since opening, String Theory has realized this mission. Its charity initiatives have raised $40,000 for local charities. And by carefully curating products from companies that make a difference, the shop actively supports small businesses and social justice causes worldwide.
Visit us
String Theory is a sanctuary for a diverse community of makers who are passionate about yarn and creating a better world. If you’re in the Chicagoland area, we’d love for you to stop by our shop!
We are open
477 N Main St
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Tue - Fri: 10am - 2pm
Saturday, 10am - 5pm
We are 1.5 blocks from the Metra Train Station.
Directions
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About Us
String Theory is committed to helping our customers discover the healing powers of knitting and crocheting, while effecting positive change in the US and worldwide. We proudly support women and Black-owned businesses.
Let’s be Friends
In diversity there is beauty and there is strength - Maya Angelou
Everyone is welcome here!
News & Updates
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