BUSINESS: Getting down to the Knitty Gritty in Peterborough

Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop founder Laura Clayton assists a customer at the Depot Square location.

Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop founder Laura Clayton assists a customer at the Depot Square location. —STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID ALLEN

Laura Clayton, left, and new Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop owner Ruth Scott.

Laura Clayton, left, and new Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop owner Ruth Scott. —STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID ALLEN

New Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop owner Ruth Scott offers advice to a patron.

New Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop owner Ruth Scott offers advice to a patron. —STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID ALLEN

By DAVID ALLEN

Monadnock Ledger Transcript

Published: 01-27-2025 12:01 PM

“It’s growing. I did it!” was how Laura Clayton reflected on how she has nurtured her business at Depot Square over the last decade.

Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop, as evidenced by traffic in the store on recent single-digit day, is a go-to spot for all things knitting in the heart of Peterborough. After 10 years of building the business, Clayton is selling the operation to Ruth Scott of Francestown, but not going away.

“I’ll still be available online with one-on-one help for people knitting,” said Clayton at her shop.

Prior to Knitty Gritty, Clayton, who lives in Temple, was working with adults with disabilities. One day, she was looking for knitting supplies.

“When I couldn’t find yarn and needles, I knew that if I didn’t open a shop with them, someone else would,” she said.

Her original site was in the Strand Building on Route 202, but then a fellow knitter told her about a space at Depot Square.

“Cy’s been the best landlord,” said Clayton, referring to Cy Gregg of Depot Square. 

Knitty Gritty doesn’t just sell yarn and send people on their way. A visit to the store encountered a knitting circle with a half-dozen individuals in various stages of creating warm things around a table. The business’ website, knittygrittyyarns.com, states that the classes range from Beginner Knitter to Advance Brioche and Two At a Time Toe Up Socks.

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Scott is taking over at Knitty Gritty, but said she has no plans for any big changes. She is retired military and was involved in space operations while in the Air Force, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel.

“I’ve spent so much time here. I want to keep it as a resource for the community,” said Scott.

Scott mentioned that it has been 10 years since she had any involvement in retail.

“Don’t worry. It’s like riding a bike,” said Clayton to reassure her about the road ahead. 

Scott has a keen interest in amigurumi, a method of Japanese crocheting that creates stuffed animals and other items. She produced some samples of this work and a book on the topic.

Asked how things have changed over the years, Clayton answered quickly.

“More and more young people have picked up knitting, especially since COVID,” she said, explaining that they have been seeking a creative outlet and one that didn’t involve technology. As she said this, two youthful patrons walked into the store. Jennifer Scharf was asked how she came to knitting. 

“My sister got me into it,” she said. The Peterborough resident said she started by making sweaters for her dog, and was planning to make hats with the yarn she was picking out, adding that she prefers to shop local. 

Julianne Scharf, Jennifer’s sister, echoed Clayton’s point about doing something that doesn’t require a screen. Another customer came in seeking guidance on one- versus two-point needles. 

Under Scott’s ownership, Clayton’s classes will continue at the store and can be booked online. Clayton is looking forward to spending more time with her granddaughter once she steps back from the business. 

“I’ve tried to make it a welcoming place by having people gather here,” she said.