From star-sprinkled-skies just below your feet to walls lined with colorful yarns and rare finds, it won’t be long before you’re sucked into Wear on Earth Yarns & ReWears. Greeted by funky mannequins, a plethora of globes, and the store’s welcoming owner, shoppers will find themselves feeling right at home.
Wear On Earth has been part of the Whatcom community for just over 15 years now. The first six years of its life were spent on Front Street, until Elva Eisel decided to relocate to the Lynden Towne Plaza. Eisel has put everything she has into the shop and prides herself on having the most yarn-related hardware in Whatcom County; tools for knitters, crocheters (including Tunisian crochet), and loomers are overflowing.
Though she no longer holds public classes, Eisel hosts meetings for the Whatcom Art Guild once a month. If you’re a WAG member it’s free to join in on the fun! Their current get-togethers consist of recycling wool sweaters and making mittens.
New members to the knit and crochet community can feel confident stepping through Wear On Earth’s doors. Eisel looks to provide customers with the encouragement and tools to find exactly what they’re looking for, without breaking the bank.
“I want to just serve people for what their needs are,” explains Eisel. “I’ve myself been in shops where they’ll take you to the most expensive stuff and leave you on your own. My philosophy has always been to be available, but to never push.”
The store’s yarn selection has been hand-picked and purchased over many years, and still includes yarns which have since been discontinued, such as Spud and Chloe from Blue Sky Fibers. One of Eisel’s old favorites in stock right now, from Universal, is a variation of their higher quality yarn— and when it says no pilling, it means it. Those who are brand-new to knitting are encouraged to try another favorite, Sassy Skein, which includes step-by-step tutorials on how to knit. Of course, it doesn’t end there; from a combination of bamboo and cotton (perfect for knitting baby and children’s clothing) to a silk, alpaca, and wool blown mixture that is unbelievably soft to the touch, the options are endless.
If you’re fed up with fiber and ready to shop for fully-formed clothes, make your way to the other side of the store and behold a vintage-enthusiast’s paradise. Have a favorite era? From 60s retro to Y2K boldness, the ReWear at Wear On Earth is a trove of treasures.
Eisel sells her pieces online, but she encourages people to shop in person, as online retail is not truly up to date. Of the 6,000 square feet the store amasses to, two thirds is dedicated to clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more. It’s nearly impossible to keep track of every single piece.
Swimsuits from the 60s, Mary Janes, Levi’s Jeans, and high quality fur, leather, and wool coats are only a small portion of what the store has to offer. Women’s, men’s, plus size, petite, and everything in between is readily available and easy to navigate. As you explore, don’t be afraid to ask to try something off of one of the many mannequins— lavishly styled in eccentric vintage-wear, of course. Eisel even merges vintage items with new creations, collecting and selling vintage buttons that customers can purchase and use for their own craftwork, and every item is thoroughly researched and authenticated before it’s priced.
Wear on Earth is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-5 p.m. every week, and welcomes die-hard thrifters and yarn-lovers with open arms. After all, Eisel’s motto is: “Save on clothes, splurge on yarn!”
8150 WA-539, Lynden, 360.318.8657, wearonearth.com
