Planes, beads and lots and lots of yarn
Ever thought there was nothing to do in Logan? You just might be looking in the wrong spots.
Hidden in the streets of Cache Valley are some hobby and craft stores with something to offer the buyer willing to head somewhere other than Michaels or Wal-Mart.
At Earl’s Hobby Hangar in south Logan, those who are mechanically inclined will find what L.R. Earl, the store’s owner, calls the largest selection of model planes, helicopters, trains, cars and boats in Idaho or Utah.
With more than 30 completed model planes hanging from the ceiling, it’s easy to see Earl has a passion for planes.
“When (my brother and I) were kids, it was airplanes, airplanes, airplanes. He went to the Air Force and flew a jet, and I went to the Army and flew a helicopter,” he said. “Now this is flying for me.”
Earl has been running the Hobby Hangar since he took over the store from his father in 1973, but really expanded the Hobby Hangar into the size and selection it is now after he retired from his full-time job for Logan City.
Students can find a relatively inexpensive way to have fun, Earl said. He said a quality model airplane is around $75 and the better ones run between $150 and $300. Earl said people sometimes think it is an expensive hobby but pointed out that compared to other popular activities like golf, snowboarding and snowmobiling, models are well priced.
People make models for a variety of reasons, but Earl said he enjoys the challenge of building the models. “A full kit might be 50 or 60 hours, but you pick out the paint and all the materials. I lament the loss of builders. For me, half the fun is in the building. It’s a diversion and a joy,” Earl said.
He added that people who don’t want to build their own can get one pre-assembled and have it ready to go in about 30 minutes.
“A lot of guys would love to fly real airplanes, but you can fly these model airplanes for a whole lot less,” he said. “It’s a challenge. Can I improve myself? Getting airplanes that are aerobatic and seeing if you can do the aerobatics or cars pit against each other.”
He said a good thing about models is the social aspect. People get together to race their cars against each other or meet at the airfield the Hobby Hangar uses to get together and fly planes, Earl said.
Overall, what sets the Hobby Hangar apart from other stores is customers “get the products and the atmosphere,” Earl said. He said the store salesmen “not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.” They can help people with problems or make recommendations because the people who work there also make models.
The Hobby Hangar is at 166 W. 1200 South or people can visit its Web site at www.earlshobbyhangar.com.
Those looking for something with a few less hard edges could take a look at Rumplestiltskin.
The store that started out “catering to the handspinning society” has now branched out into a store specializing in fine knitting yarns and related supplies, owner Monica Hall said.
After working for 19 years as a travel agent, Hall said, “There’s a point in life where you capitalize on what you’re good at. (Knitting and spinning) gives me a way to be creative, and I didn’t think I was artistic. I am – just in a different medium.”
Rumplestiltskin carries a wide selection of natural fibers, natural fiber blends and hand-dyed items for people looking at knitting, crocheting or handspinning.
Hall said knitting is a great hobby for students to take up because “it’s very easy” and is useful for something to wear or give as gifts, and she said despite what people think, knitting is “not a guy or girl thing.”
While some people are reluctant to pay the slightly higher cost for natural fibers, Hall said the investment is worth it.
“If you’re knitting with nice yarn, you’re creating an heirloom project,” she said. “And there’s something to be said about working with good tools. Working with nice needles and working with nice yarn contributes to the end product.”
After holding classes for beginners, Hall said those who take her classes understand why she prefers natural fibers to acrylic yarns like those available at other stores.
Those who are students often do smaller projects, Hall said.
She also said she keeps completed projects around her store not only for people to see what they can purchase, but what they could make for themselves for less than they could buy the item.
Service and quality products are what make her store stand out, Hall said. She said she offers help to those who buy knitting supplies from Rumplestiltskin.
She said spinning and knitting provide both a social and therapeutic experience. “Anyone will tell you handspinning is therapy. You can socialize, yet you can also go into yourself and be contemplative,” Hall said.
For those looking to take up the hobby, Rumplestiltskin is at 55 N. Main, Suite 204 or online at www.rumpleknits.com.
Yarn isn’t the only creative outlet in Logan; Beadles Original Beads also offers a way for people to express themselves. Located at 1115 N. 200 East, Suite 210, Beadles is a store jam-packed with beads and beading supplies.
Anyone looking to improve beading skills or wanting to find a new hobby is welcome, said Jenika Perry, owner of Beadles.
The store offers tables for people to work on projects anytime during business hours and often has classes Tuesday and Wednesday nights, she said. The classes cover a range of subjects designed to help the most basic beginner or advanced students, she said.
Perry also said the store hosts birthday parties and specialty groups, such as for church activities.
Beadles opened four years ago after it got too large for Perry and her mother to run out of her Smithfield home.
“We’re a specialty store. We make it our business to know everything about beads,” Perry said. “So when people come in with a question, we have an answer for them.” Perry said if people want to learn to bead, they can learn whatever they set their minds to.
Beads are especially good for students because the supplies are portable and don’t take up much room, Perry said. “It’s also inexpensive. You can have an idea and make it work for a couple of bucks,” she said.
The store also offers premade beaded jewelry.
“We try to do what’s in style. So people can come in and see you can get it at Dillard’s for $50, make it for $15 or buy it from us for $20. And we have jewelry for desperate husbands,” Perry added, laughing.
She said her store offers individualized help and also allows people to buy just a few beads instead of more than they need at a different store.
Beading can also become a good way to socialize, she said.
“People who do this kind of stuff are just an incredibly creative bunch. I love ’em. I feel really lucky to work in this field,” Perry said.
To visit the store online, go to www.beadlesoriginals.com.
-dilewis@cc.usu.edu