14
vernonia’s
voice out and about
june
2008
Worth the Trip
By Evangeline Doyle
The last time I went to Clatskanie it was by motorcycle, the trip seemed a bit longer then,
or perhaps I was just incredibly focused on getting over Clatskanie Mountain in one piece.
Either way, the drive recently was incredibly nice – through the trees, over the mountain
and you’re there – about a thirty-five to forty minute trip.
As the column goes, I found my visit to the Golden Spire Yarn Shop that day “Worth the
Trip.” If you are looking for spinning, knitting, felting or other fiber arts supplies, you
won’t be disappointed.
Golden Spire focuses on natural
and exotic fibers -- Alpaca, wool,
mohair, bamboo, cotton and more.
Many yarns are from locally grown
animals and are hand spun and hand
dyed. In addition to skeins of yarn,
they have roving fiber for spinning,
even felting puffs. I walked around
the shop touching everything! Ver-
nonia has its share of “Llama Ma-
mas,” and I’ve visited their farms,
but I’d never seen the end product
– it’s just beautiful. I also learned
that Alpaca fiber can be three times
warmer than wool; it’s super soft, hy-
poallergenic, lanolin free and comes
in twenty two natural shades.
Since 2004 Steve Simpier and Debo-
rah Taylor have been raising their
seventeen alpacas on a seven acre
farm just East of downtown Clats-
kanie. The Golden Spire is a direct
result of their love for the animals
and desire to find uses for their fiber.
Coming from Vernonia into Clats-
kanie, head East on Hwy 30 and
turn left at the traffic light. The
Golden Spire is on the right-hand
side. Golden Spire 147 N. Nehalem, Clatskanie, Oregon. Open Tuesday
thru Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 11-5. 503-728-9020.
I was also surprised by the variety and
quality of the supplies, everything
from standard knitting and crochet-
ing supplies, with prices competitive
or better than the big box stores, to
hand-blown glass knitting needles.
And those who are in to felting won’t
be disappointed either.
Owner Deborah Taylor conducts
several classes, tutors in spinning,
and hosts a free “fiber support
Arthur Strand Insurance
953 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR, 97064
flood
home
rental
auto
life
health
umbrella
group” every Thursday and Friday
afternoon where you can bring your
projects and enjoy good company,
free coffee and perhaps leave a bit
more inspired.
503.429.2010
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