Step inside, and the world slows down. Rae Odom’s new Morro Bay Yarn Shop is filled with soft yarns, vibrant colors, and the promise of quiet afternoons spent creating. It’s a place to make, to learn, and to share in the joy of fiber arts.
Odom’s journey to opening her own yarn shop began with a lifelong love of trying new hobbies and a desire to find something that truly stuck. Knitting became her anchor, a way to relax and focus her thoughts while creating something tangible and beautiful.
“I wanted to build a place where people can slow down, try something new, and enjoy the process of making with their hands,” Odom said. “Fiber arts are not just about the finished project—they’re about connection, creativity, and finding a little calm in a busy world. I can’t wait to share that with the Morro Bay community.”
That philosophy shapes everything about Morro Bay Yarn Shop.
Shelves are lined with thoughtfully chosen yarns from around the world—soft Danish merinos, rustic Portuguese wool, rich Spanish blends, and beautifully dyed American fibers.
Rae has curated her collection with intention, choosing brands known for quality, traceability, and humane production. Whether someone wants lace-weight delicacy or super bulky coziness, there’s something to spark inspiration.
Many of the shop’s color selections are inspired by Odom’s family and friends.
“I basically only wear chartreuse and maybe some brown,” she said. “But there’s other people in my life, like my mother-in-law, she loves teal and purple. So I kind of had a couple of people in mind that have different color palettes for when I was choosing the colors.”
This personal touch creates a selection that feels intentional and joyful.
But as beautiful as the yarn is, Odom is most excited about the people who will gather around it.
The shop will offer group classes, private lessons, and plenty of opportunities for both seasoned makers and beginners to come together and share in the joy of fiber arts. Odom hopes to let the offerings evolve organically as she gets to know the community.
“I want to leave room for once I meet people in the community, to see where the need is and where people’s excitement lies and to cater the classes to what people want to be doing,” she said.
Alongside yarn, the shop carries handmade knits by Odom and books, tools, kits, and accessories for a plethora of fiber projects.
Odom is particularly excited to carry local fibers from Outlaw Valley Ranch, which works with Navajo-Churro sheep raised in Santa Maria, as well as international brands like Retrosaria Rosa Pomar from Portugal and Knitting for Olive from Denmark. And even Kelbourne Woolens, a U.S. brand focused on reviving American wool through locally sourced, traceable fibers.
Morro Bay Yarn Shop is now open at 739 Napa Ave., welcoming makers Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Follow along at @morrobay.yarnshop on Instagram.
Fast facts
• A new website, SLO Pet Hub, recently launched to serve San Luis Obispo County’s animal community. The free platform brings together more than 350 local pet businesses, from veterinarians and groomers to boarding facilities, alongside community events, lost-and-found pet listings, breed groups, and service dog resources. Users can rate businesses, share pet-friendly spots, and even earn rewards for participating. Designed to connect pet owners, animal lovers, and local businesses, SLO Pet Hub aims to be the go-to site for everything pet-related in the county. Learn more at slopethub.com.
• The Basin Street Regulars will host their annual holiday concert and party on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Pismo Beach Veterans Building, featuring the Riptide Big Band playing Hot Swingin’ Jazz and an opening set by Brad Lusk. A holiday jam session kicks off at 11 a.m., and guests can enjoy catered lunch from Burgers and More. Tickets range from $10 to $25, with the meal and Champagne included only at the $25 level. Dinner reservations are due by Dec. 9 through My805Tix, and more details are available at basinstreetregulars.com. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Dec 4-14, 2025.