Blue Point-Backed Local Crafts Acquires Jimmy Beans Wool, Weaving a Stronger Future for Crafters

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blue Point Capital Partners, together with its portfolio company Local Crafts Group (formerly Premier Needle Arts), is excited to announce the acquisition of Jimmy Beans Wool, a leading retailer and distributor of high-quality yarn, knitting patterns, crochet tools and accessories. Jimmy Beans will join Local Crafts’ brands — including Berroco Yarn, Knit Picks, Crochet.com, Connecting Threads and Superior Threads — offering quality boutique yarn lines, crafting products and patterns to consumers.

Founded in 2002 by Laura and Doug Zander, Jimmy Beans Wool was built from their passion for fiber arts and knitting. While yarn remains the company’s flagship product, Jimmy Beans has broadened its offerings to include crafting tools and accessories, hand-dyed and specialty yarn through key acquisitions of leading prestige brands such as della Q, Madelinetosh, Dream in Color and the North American distribution of Jamieson’s of Shetland. This growth reflects the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products to crafting enthusiasts.

“Crafting, its heritage and overall positive benefits have never felt more important than in today’s ever-changing digital world,” shares Local Crafts CEO Veronica Collins. “Our brands have always been rooted in the community of crafters we serve, and for decades, our goal has been to design, manufacture and source yarns, tools, fabrics and accessories our crafters truly love. We’re thrilled to welcome Jimmy Beans into the Local Crafts family — its passionate customer base, diverse offerings and long-standing commitment to the crafting community make it an ideal fit. We’re equally excited to welcome Laura Zander to our executive team as Chief Brand Officer, whose love for the fiber arts and visionary leadership will help us grow while honoring what makes this industry so special.”

“Joining the Local Crafts platform marks an amazing new chapter for Jimmy Beans Wool and the incredible community of knitters and makers we’re honored to serve,” said Jimmy Beans Wool CEO Laura Zander. “This partnership brings together our shared passion for creativity and innovation in the fiber arts. We’re truly excited to grow together and continue inspiring and supporting makers everywhere.”

This acquisition expands Local Crafts’ product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities, strengthening operations and supporting future growth. The acquisition also reinforces its commitment to being a trusted partner to local yarn stores across the U.S. and Canada. Madelinetosh, della Q, Dream in Color and Jamieson’s of Shetland will join distributed brands like Berroco, Lang, West Yorkshire Spinners, Amano, Lopi and Wool Addicts. Together, these brands form a comprehensive platform of beloved yarns, helping Local Crafts expand its distribution network and better support the critical retailers who make up the fabric of the crafting community. This growth also allows Local Crafts to offer an even wider collection of unique, proprietary knitting and crocheting products to customers.

“This is a transformative moment for the business — we’re excited to support Local Crafts and Jimmy Beans in their next phase of growth, delivering even more value to those who craft and create,” said Blue Point Partner Sean Ward.

Local Crafts is actively seeking additional partnerships with like-minded founders and owners of businesses that specialize in enthusiast product distribution. Business owners interested in learning more may contact Blue Point Managing Director, Business Development Megan Kneipp at mkneipp@bluepointcapital.com.

Jimmy Beans Wool, based in Reno, NV., is a retailer and distributor of yarn, patterns, tools and accessories dedicated to the knitting and crochet markets. In addition to its retail and distribution facility in Reno, the business has a production facility in Fort Worth, TX. Over the past 22 years, Jimmy Beans has acquired leading brands like Madelinetosh, della Q, Dream in Color, Jamieson’s of Shetland yarn and founded the Yarn Citizen brand of eco-friendly wool products and designs.

Local Crafts Group is a family of leading brands dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and delivering sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and fiber art supplies to a global network of independent retailers, distributors and millions of passionate creators. Our companies include Knit Picks, Crochet.com, Connecting Threads, Superior Threads and Berroco Yarn. With a talented team based across the United States, we’re committed to supporting the crafting enthusiasts and inspiring creativity in every stitch.

Blue Point Capital Partners is a private equity firm managing over $1.8 billion in committed capital. With nationwide resources, Blue Point’s geographical footprint allows it to establish relationships with local and regional entrepreneurs and advisors while providing the perspectives and resources of a global organization. Blue Point has over a two-decade history of partnering with lower middle-market businesses to build processes and capabilities to achieve growth. Blue Point’s portfolio is supported by its unique capabilities — which include an integrative team focused on innovative global supply chain, data and digital and human capital strategies — as well as its extensive experience, network of industry resources and focused M&A efforts. Blue Point typically invests in businesses that generate between $30 million and $300 million in revenue.

Note: Certain statements about Blue Point Capital Partners made by portfolio company executives herein are intended to illustrate Blue Point Capital Partners’ business relationship with such persons, including with respect to Blue Point Capital Partners’ facilities as a business partner, rather than Blue Point Capital Partners’ capabilities or expertise with respect to investment advisory services. Portfolio company executives were not compensated in connection with their participation, although they generally receive compensation and investment opportunities in connection with their portfolio company roles, and in certain cases are also owners of portfolio company securities and/or investors in Blue Point Capital Partners-sponsored vehicles.