About Me

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My name is Lana and I devote my time to promoting the values and benefits of knitting and crocheting.

I learned to knit when I was five years old from my grandmother who taught me my first knit and purl stitches. I then learned to crochet on my own and taught her! 

It wasn't long until I was designing and making my own sweaters and dresses which allowed me to express myself through colors, patterns, and textures. I was hooked and my unending passion for knitting and crochet was born.  

I believe knitting and crocheting can change your life because they have certainly changed mine. They have brought me refuge and creativity, joy and relief, and community and relaxation through even the most difficult times of my life.

Knitting is a social craft.  I love how we can knit and talk about whatever is on our minds, and when we go home after, we all feel a bit better and lighter for having shared our problems and some laughs. I have designed my store with a table and chairs at the front because I value the social aspect of knitting and crocheting immensely. You are always welcome to come in to knit and crochet. 

Knitting is relaxing.  It is meditative and therapeutic, giving your hands something to do while your mind ponders, remembers, or rests. The rhythm of the stitches eases the mind, all while creating something beautiful, useful, and uniquely yours.

Knitting is a way of expressing creativity and originality.  I know everything I make is an original work because it is one-of-a -kind and nobody else has it. Knitting and crochet projects are endlessly customizable, and you do not need to be an experienced knitter or crochet artist to achieve great results. 

You possess the power of giving! We all enjoy making things for ourselves, but knitting gifts and donations can fill your heart with joy. Gifting your knitting to your loved ones or your community is a great way to practice your craft and provide love and care to others, which they will cherish forever.  

Over twelve years ago my husband took one look at my yarn stash and said, 'You have so much yarn you could start your own yarn shop." 

"You know what?" I said, "You're absolutely right!"

And the rest is (almost) history.

We decided to name the shop SO Original because back when I used to sew, knit, and crochet custom garments for people, I always put in a tag that said the garment was an original created by me, but I eventually abbreviated the label to include just my initials: SO Original.

Because I believe every creation of ours, even if we follow a pattern stitch for stich, is our own original work, I knew the name SO Original would be perfect. And it stuck!

We began with a beautiful shop in Olney, MD, and over time, by offering exciting classes, the finest yarns, and opportunities for connection in the fiber community, we have built something truly special and unique for the fiber lovers of Maryland.

We relocated to Columbia, MD, in Summer 2021 and are looking forward to continuing to build community, knowledge, and yarn stashes through interesting Sunday classes, trunk shows, private lessons, Knit Nights, and offering the softest, warmest, most luxurious yarns for your hooks and needles.

We know firsthand that knitting and crocheting bring joy, refuge, creativity, and relief to our busy lives, and we are excited to supply all your needs as your local yarn shop.

So swing by this afternoon to ooh and ahh over some gorgeous skeins of yarn with us. We are so excited for you to be part of our story!