About Us

Since 1978, Ball & Skein has been in the town of Cambria and I'm delighted to continue bringing you the best values and highest quality products from the US and around the world that reflect our shared values. I'm delighted to continue this tradition for fiber fans everywhere.


My story is a bit of serendipity and fate. After working for ~30 years in tech. I was looking for something new. I had already fallen in love with the Central Coast during a visit in 2021 and returned in February 2023 on a “retirement recon trip.” I was looking for someplace with lots of sunshine and walked into Ball & Skein in Cambria where there was a sign in the window, “Do you want to buy a yarn shop?” And the answer in my mind was loud and clear “Yes, I do want to buy a yarn shop!" All the pieces fell into place and I took ownership of the shop in October 2023. I am living my life-long dream to be a local yarn shop owner!

I am focusing on female/family owned small businesses and fair-trade vendors in my product offerings. This includes Manos del Uruguay, Trendsetter, Urth Yarns, Smirligans, Sea Change Fibers, JUL, Fibres of Life, Binkwaffle, Katrinkes, Allstitch Studio, and Cocoknits...to name just a few! As a small, female-owned business, it just seems natural to support other similar businesses.

Beverly, my Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, is part of the staff in this pet-friendly shop. Beverly is a working dog who greets customers and accompanies me to the post office to ship orders.

Thank you for supporting my local yarn shop.

Annie