Many of you already know me from my business, A River of Yarn, www.ariverofyarn.ca. Check out my online store if you are not already familiar with it. But, who is Tracy Minnema, the person behind the business? Here is a brief bio that will help answer this question: Tracy Minnema’s lifelong journey with fibre arts began when she was just five years old, with early explorations in crocheting and knitting. Over time, her creative interests expanded to encompass sewing, dressmaking, needlework, and quilting. After high school, Tracy pursued a Fashion Merchandising diploma at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario, and then spent several years working in Toronto’s fashion industry. Eventually, she shifted paths and entered Queen’s University’s Faculty of Education in Kingston, where she earned a teaching certification in Technological Studies with specialization in Clothing & Fashion. Following her graduation, Tracy enjoyed a thirty‑year career teaching at the secondary school level. She taught Family Studies courses, specializing in clothing and fashion, in Brampton, Cobourg, and Peterborough, Ontario. In 2021, she retired from formal education — but her passion for textiles and fibre arts never waned. In 2015 she founded A River of Yarn to continue nurturing creativity, community, and connection through the craft she’s loved since childhood. A River of Yarn is a studio and an online business specializing in luxury and affordable hand knitting/crochet yarns, patterns and accessories. Tracy celebrated 10 years as the Founder, Owner and CYO of A River of Yarn, in 2025. Teaching workshops and classes makes up a large part of the business. Tracy offers lessons from beginner to advanced techniques in the studio. She travels Ontario taking part in various fibre festivals. You can find Tracy as a guest speaker at various guilds and trade shows, presenting seminars and hands-on workshops. Designing patterns while working with fibres and textiles has always been a part of both her personal and professional life. In her free time, Tracy loves to explore various cultures by traveling the world and spending time with family and friends.

Beginning Wednesday January 21st at 10:30am I will be hosting a Coffee Hour Meet & Greet. You can find the link in the Calendar tab at the top of the page. I am hoping to make this a weekly event. So if you can, grab a coffee, a project that you are working on, and join me for an online get-together. There is no official agenda, just be prepared to introduce yourself and tell us why you joined A River of Yarn Skool.

Welcome to A River of Yarn on Skool This is a learning and community space created for knitters, crocheters, and fibre lovers who want to grow their skills, confidence, and creativity—one stitch at a time. Led by Tracy, founder and owner of A River of Yarn, these lessons will combine clear instruction, practical techniques, and real-world fibre knowledge gained from years in the education, textile & yarn industry. Whether you’re building strong foundations or refining advanced skills, you’ll find guidance you can trust and projects you’ll love. Inside this group, you’ll find: - Step-by-step lessons you can follow at your own pace - Tips and techniques to improve your knitting and crochet results - Yarn education to help you choose the right fibres with confidence - Encouragement, inspiration, and support from a like-minded community This is a judgment-free space where questions are welcome, mistakes are part of learning, and progress is celebrated—no matter your skill level. If yarn is your happy place and you’re ready to learn, connect, and create with purpose, you’re in the right place. Pull up a chair, grab your needles or hook, and let’s make something beautiful together. — Tracy A River of Yarn