Ypsilanti has welcomed a new yarn craft store, one with a vision rooted in healing and connection. Twin Bird Yarn & Notions opened Nov. 1, 2025, and has since been dedicated to building community through yarn crafts.
Twin Bird Yarn & Notion sells many different types of yarn and yarn crafting tools. The store was inspired by Plum Tree Yarn Shop in Milan, Michigan, which recently closed because the owners moved away. The store was also inspired by the recent closing of Jo-Ann Fabrics locations, said Mary Buescher, owner of Twin Bird Yarn & Notions.
Buescher shared that her twin brother learned macrame when he was diagnosed with cancer. He was not able to do some of the things he used to do, so he picked up the hobby. She said the hobby also helped clear his mind and helped his mental health. After he passed away, Buescher said that she was diagnosed with Cushing syndrome. She felt inspired by her brother’s love of macrame and started crocheting.
“It's so therapeutic; it has helped me a long way. My words are not just words. It has helped not only my life but my twin brother's," Buescher said.
“Why is my shop named Twin Bird Yarn & Notions? Because I’m a twin. And the two birds are me and my brother. They are blue because we are September sapphires. I really feel like he is in my heart every day, so he is still alive," she added.
Buescher wants to use her shop as a catalyst for building community. When the Plum Tree Yarn Shop closed down, they donated a great deal of yarn to her shop. She is not selling that yarn but instead letting people use it to learn how to crochet, knit or do other yarn crafts. Experienced creators are also welcome to come in and use the yarn for any project they choose, but all projects must be donated back to the community.
“The donated yarn, what we’d like to do with it, is have people make stuff for the community — give back. So you can come in and use it to do your own project. You can learn with this yarn; you can crochet or knit whatever comes to mind, but the project has to be donated," Buescher said.
In addition to being a store, Twin Bird hosts events. Each Monday, the store hosts Social Stitches during which people can come in and stitch whatever they like. Each Wednesday, it hosts Washcloth Wednesday, when anyone can come in and make a washcloth or similar creation to be donated to the community, Beuscher said. These events are free, and all materials are provided.
For those who like to crochet but would like to bring a friend who does not, Buescher said, she has space for non-crafters to study or work on other things if they want to participate.
On one Saturday each month, Twin Bird has crocheting lessons, and knitting lessons another week. These lessons are open to anyone and cost $50 for a two-hour session.
Beuscher also offers a selection of board games to keep kids busy if parents want to attend any events.
Twin Bird Yarn & Notion is currently working on an online shop where people can purchase products online, but orders will be handled through a third party, Beuscher said. To purchase online and learn more about and book events, visit the store's website.
Twin Bird Yarn & Notion is at 8965 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti. It is open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
