Swaran Dhaliwal is from the north of India where she spent her childhood and formative years growing up on a farm. Her mom was the matriarch of a farming family. Here she spent her time raising the children while spinning, weaving, dyeing and knitting. These are the special memories Swaran carries from her childhood and the inspiration for Michigan Fine Yarns.

Tricia teaches several courses at Michigan Fine Yarns, and also curates many of our online and special events. As a professor, Tricia has been instructing students for more than twenty years. At Michigan Fine Yarns, she combines that in-person and online instructional experience with her passion for yarn and knitting, which she’s been using as her mindfulness practice since grad school. Her favorite projects are ones that teach a new skill, or introduce a new “must have” knitting notion for that occasional retail therapy. Find her in store or online, and she’ll help you show off your knits so others can see the joy and peace they bring you!

Kristyna grew up in a passionately creative household! Her best friend and mother Miriam always had an art or cooking project in the works and always involved Kristyna. Taught how to knit by her mother at a young age, Kristyna dabbled in knitting as a kid. Nearly 20 years ago in college she discovered the book which reignited her interest in knitting, “Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook” by Debbie Stoller. This edgy and exciting book made knitting look so cool and trendy. The book inspired Kristyna to make garments for herself. She dabbled throughout college, making fun, simple, projects.... but after college she got busy with marriage...and kids...and graduate school...and work...so she forgot about knitting for a few years. When Kristyna turned 30 her mom surprised her with a sweater’s quantity of Malabrigo Rios (in the color “cloud sunshine”) and encouraged her to pick up her needles again. Kristyna fell in love with the yarn and hasn’t stopped knitting sweaters since. Kristyna now considers herself a “Lifestyle Knitter”, knitting has become her creative outlet and favorite method of stress relief. As a trained marriage and family therapist, devoted wife and proud mother of three, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Kristyna’s specialty is helping you fix your **knitting** mistakes (in person and online). Have any questions or need someone to help with recommendations of what to buy, Kristyna is your go-to person!

Becky is the face behind most of MFY's blog and social media posts. Before finding herself a stay-at-home mom, Becky worked in event management and customer service so she loves the chance to interact with everyone, even if it's virtual! Born and raised in Wisconsin, Becky is currently living in North Carolina with her husband, young son and rescue pup, Augie. She taught herself to knit in high school, but took a refresher course when she moved to North Carolina that reignited her passion for the fiber arts. Knitting - and occasionally crochet! - combines her love of organization and need for creativity into a stress relieving and practical hobby. A few fast facts. Becky always has to have a pair of socks on the needles. She loves twisted rib, seed stitch and neutral colors. Her favorite projects are those that have a story and teach her something new. She is (still) working on Level 2 of the Master Hand Knitter program through The Knitting Guild Association, and considers herself a life-long learner who loves to share her knowledge and experience!

Denise has been crocheting since 1969, finding it to be relaxing and worth the time she puts into it. She’s been our crochet expert here at Michigan Fine Yarns for many years and has been sharing the joys of crocheting with many students. If you’re new to this craft, you’re definitely in good hands. Denise’s teaching style is through books, giving students a chance to not only learn techniques, but to really learn how to follow patterns and instructions. Teaching is much more than just learning techniques, it’s about guidance and community that helps you learn the craft along the way. By the time you leave Denise’s beginner crochet class, you’ll be wanting to come back and show off your new skills!

Marta has been interested in fiber arts since a young age, thanks to a mother who was an amazing seamstress. She was inspired to learn weaving several years ago through trips to Central and South American countries where women still weave complex patterns using simple backstrap looms. She is passionate about exploring color and texture on the rigid heddle. She is a member of the Michigan Handweavers Guild and was mentored by Nancy Peck. The class is designed for those who want to learn more about rigid heddle weaving, whether as a beginner or someone who has learned the basics and wants to move forward to explore other possibilities. You will work on your own portable loom using yarns of your choice and learn to plan and create your own project.

Bruno found himself adopted into the Dhaliwal family and our shop family as well. His role was the most important one of all - Bruno greeted friends new and old and provides joyful inspiration with just a wag of his tail.