Reba Maisel has owned and run the Fiber Loft, a knitting, spinning, and weaving shop here in town for 35 years. Each day she has the privilege of being surrounded by the most sumptuous colored yarns in every hue and texture imaginable. Her shop is an effective cure for the winter doldrums. Here you'll find Reba behind the desk, knitting or teaching one of her weaving or knitting classes to adults or children. Her shop also offers workshops on spinning and dyeing. Reba also does custom knitting and weaving for 'patient customers' as she has lots of work that keeps her busy.

Reba learned to knit from her aunt when she was around eight years old. At Wheelock College, where she majored in elementary school education, she remembers always making and selling crafts. Then later, when she wanted a studio for her crafts, she found space above what was then the old post office. Reba feels grateful for being able to combine her work with her passion as well as her fondness for teaching. She also enjoys keeping abreast of trends and selecting a wide array of materials for her clients which she also sells through mail order.

Natural fibers and ruffles are two popular trends in the yarn industry now. Reba explains, "Fortunately I have always specialized in natural fibers, so I was well stocked when this new eco-friendly trend began. This season's hit seems to be ruffles as trim on garments. Also small projects seem to be popular right now like fingerless mittens, cowels, scarves, and socks. Felting is also a favorite among kids and adults. It's fun to have the kids come up and make a stash of colorful rovings for felting." It is hard to resist the gorgeous colors of raw wool in the bags that line the shelves upstairs in her shop. The wool, tools for felting, and books Reba carries make wonderful gifts for people of all ages.

Reba loves to work with cotton, silk and wool. Natural fibers are her favorite because they are warmer, last longer, and have a wonderful feel to them. The Fiber loft is known as being a natural fiber yarn shop. Reba says that she does not stock any 100% acrylic yarns. "Now that many natural fibers are machine washable, it is easy to find yarns for all projects. We do carry some machine wash blends. I personally prefer the feel of natural fibers. Since part of the joy of doing these crafts is the tactile feeling of the yarns, this is important to me."

That may be why people may do their research on-line, but seem to like coming into the store to buy their yarn. People also travel from afar to come to her shop because of the fine selection she offers, and no doubt because of her expertise and helpful advice. Though Reba doesn't pursue mail orders, her shop still receives phone orders regularly as well and sends out many packages by request.

Every Super Bowl Sunday, her shop has a sweater sale. She explains, "Many of the yarn companies send me their sample sweaters which go into the sale. After the sale, many of the remaining garments are donated to Loaves and Fishes. The shop also has two big yarn sales a year, in September and mid-March, which include many closeouts and discontinued yarns."

Reba founded both the Nashoba Valley Weavers' Guild and Knitters' Guild because she felt there was a need for a forum to share ideas and expertise. Weavers meet at her shop the fourth Tuesday of the month and the knitters meet at the old library the first Wednesday of the month. Reba also hosts workshops through the guild. One of her favorites is the dyeing workshop she runs every summer. She explains, "We act like chemists for a day, mix colors using specific formulas. We bring white yarns and proceed to 'paint' them. Later, we knit or weave a project with our new colorways."

Reba's newest endeavor is custom weaving tallits, prayer shawls for children's/bat mitzvahs. She encourages her customers to help her choose the size, pattern and fiber for the tallit so that the end-product will be personalized and always have a special meaning for the one who wears it.

To commission a piece or to find out more about her work, visit www.thefiberloft.com or stop in at the store.