15. The Wolly Roger story: From a personal journey to a knitting community in Colmar

Ahoy, knitters, and raise the anchor!

Nine years ago, in September 2016, I didn't know that knitting was about to change my life. At the time, I was simply looking for a pair of mittens. I searched through shops, but I couldn't find what I wanted. Then one day, quite by chance, I walked into Tricot Passion. I left with some yarn, needles... and the firm intention of making myself the pair of mittens I couldn't find anywhere else.

That day, I didn't just give myself a creative project. Without knowing it, I had just embarked on an adventure that would bring me so much more than skeins and stitches: knitting helped me quit smoking, right from the start that September of 2016. Since then, stitch by stitch, I’ve discovered a rich and welcoming world, made of new friendships, patience, creativity... and so much softness.

 

Colmar, a City Close to Wolly Roger's Heart

 

I arrived in Colmar a bit by chance, but I believe it was meant to be. It was the fall of 2010, and I was still living in Moselle, in Sarreguemines. My goal at the time was to go to a job interview in Basel, Switzerland, after having just earned my BTS degree.

On the way, I decided to take a break in Colmar. I parked, took some time to eat an ice cream, to walk around a bit... and that was it, I was in love. The charm of the streets, the atmosphere, the colors... something resonated within me. In the end, I never went to work in Basel. I chose to stay in Colmar. And I have never regretted it. The city pleased me immediately, and above all, the people of Colmar were incredibly warm toward me. I was able to rebuild my life here, full of beautiful encounters and precious moments. So today, by opening this shop, I simply want to give back a little of all the love I was given when I first arrived.

 

Wolly Roger: More Than a Shop, a Place to Share

 

I imagined Wolly Roger as being much more than just a shop. I wanted to create a place for sharing, a place where passionate knitters and crocheters, whether beginners or experts, could get together. A warm place where people come not only to buy, but also to chat, exchange, show off their projects, and share tips and ideas... and sometimes, just to enjoy a moment together over a coffee or tea. I truly believe that knitting and crochet are much more than creative hobbies. They are activities that bring people together, that create connections, that foster sincere friendships and exchanges.

 

A Selection of Natural and Quality Yarns at Wolly Roger

 

My Wolly Roger yarn store is a place where you can come to find inspiration, discover new materials, new patterns... or simply have a good time with other enthusiasts. When I imagined Wolly Roger, I didn't want to simply open a shop where people come to buy responsible skeins of yarn. My desire was to create a lively place, a space for sharing, discovery, and most of all... a true world tour of fibers. I have selected ethical knitting yarns from different countries, each carrying its own history, its own expertise, its own artisanal tradition. Materials from South America, Asia, Europe, sometimes from small farms, sometimes from cooperatives... Organic yarn, recycled yarn, or yarn made in France, each fiber tells a story.

But more than that, I wanted to give meaning to my product choices. I am committed to working only with suppliers who respect the values that are important to me:

- Animal welfare,

- Respect for the environment,

- Just and humane working conditions.

Because for me, a yarn is not just an object. It is the result of hard work, ethics, and a connection with nature and people. The same goes for the carefully selected knitting accessories. I see my creative haberdashery in Colmar as a place where you can find beautiful and respectful materials, as well as advice, ideas, a bit of inspiration... and perhaps even a place to build connections.

 

Welcome to Wolly Roger in Colmar!

 

Today, with Wolly Roger, I want to share with you a little of all that knitting and crochet have brought me over the years. A place where you can find carefully chosen yarns, respectful materials, great ideas... but also a place where you can simply feel good, exchange, learn, and meet other enthusiasts. I invite you to come through the door and discover this world in Colmar, at 12 rue Mathias Grünewald. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, looking for a responsible yarn, or simply curious to discover a cozy knitting shop in Alsace: you are very welcome at Wolly Roger.

Hopla, bis bàll!

Jessica