By Don Nelson
Looney Creek, a combined retail store and working studio for hand-produced clothing, accessories, fiber arts and other items, opened last weekend in downtown Winthrop.
The store is operated by Taera Jones, who has had booths at both the Winthrop Market and the Methow Valley Farmers Market for the past several years. It is located in the former Aspen Grove studio next to Nordic Ultratune on Riverside Avenue.
The store will have an official grand opening on Saturday (Oct. 26) during its regular operating hours of 10 a.m.-6 p.m. It will be open Thursdays through Mondays.
Looney Creek will carry Methow-designed and -produced clothing and other products, as well as yarn, knitting supplies, sewing supplies and gift items for adults and children. Jones, an accomplished musician, said she plans to offer flute lessons and possibly live music in the store. A selection of glass items by Terry Olson will also be on display.
Jones, who lives near Mazama, said she uses repurposed clothing and materials from the Methow Valley Senior Center for many of her designs. She is assisted in the shop by her husband, Warren, as well as her daughter Kaliope Creighton, who is a weaver and has a loom in the store.
Jones said Looney Creek will occupy the Riverside Avenue space until next spring but then may have to relocate. She can be reached at (509) 341-4764.
