Our Story

AYM STORY

A Yarn Market opened its doors in January 2024, creating a hub for creativity and community in Carmel, Indiana. Founded by Ali Dillingham, A Yarn Market was born from a passion for making knitting and crochet more accessible to everyone. Ali refers to knitting as "yarn therapy," recognizing its power to strengthen mental health.

More than a shop, A Yarn Market is a warm, welcoming space where individuals of all ages and skill levels come together to learn and create.

Whether you've been creating for years or picking up needles and hooks for the first time, you'll find inspiration and high-quality yarn. Locally dyed selections from Indiana adorn the shelves, sure to inspire makers of all skill levels.

 

AYM TEAM

Ali Dillingham, owner

Ali Dillingham is the founder and owner of A Yarn Market, a welcoming space based on the mission to make knitting and crochet accessible to all. Ali is passionate about sharing the joy and therapeutic benefits of mindful making. She often refers to knitting as her form of 'yarn therapy.' 

As a former speech-language pathologist with experience in educational settings, Ali has a deep understanding of how people learn. This background benefits her inclusive teaching style, making her a patient and effective instructor. Ali is known for her ability to empower students of all skill levels.

At A Yarn Market, along with providing access to local yarn, Ali has created a space where creativity and community flourish. 


Kaleb, events coordinator

Kaleb has been knitting for five years, weaving the same spark of creativity once poured into salon chairs and coffee cups into every loop of yarn. Forever chasing playful ways to blend craft and style, Kaleb gravitates toward bold colorwork sweaters and often draws inspiration from beloved designer Boyland Knitworks - proof that their needles rarely rest for long.

Stitching from afar, Kaleb contributes virtually from the cozy corners of New Hampshire. 


Maggie, in-store experience curator

Maggie is an experienced knitter and crocheter. She specializes in garment-making and enjoys woking with a wide range of techniques including lace, cables, innovative construction, and detailed shaping.

Maggie is committed to helping others succeed in their craft - whether that means offering support with a challenging pattern or recommending the ideal yarn for a project. Outside of her work with fiber arts, Maggie values spending time with her husband watching their two children compete in sports and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Kayla, in-store experience curator

Kayla has a background crocheting and learned to knit though AYM classes. She loves working at A Yarn Market and enjoys crafting when she is not working as a 6th grade teacher. 

You will see her around the shop in the summer and during busy weekends.


Kelly, crochet instructor 

With a passion for Malabrigo yarn, chunky comfort projects, and a talent for making every student feel capable and welcomed, Kelly brings warmth, skill and a touch of Irish-inspired charm to every crochet session she teaches. 

Whether you're picking up a hook for the first time, or leveling up your handmade skills, you'll feel at home learning with Kelly. She enjoys reading, crocheting, knitting and spending time with her family.


Lillian, knitting instructor

Armed with video tutorials, her grandma's needles, and a touch of ambition, Lillian taught herself to knit and hasn't stopped since. Lillian enjoys making sweaters and helping knitters grow in their craft by teaching classes at A Yarn Market.

Lillian's favorite projects include ones where she learns a new technique along the way. She is proficient in colorwork duplicate stitch, short-row shaping, Italian bind off, and other techniques that that improve the look and craftsmanship of knit work.