About Us . . .

In 2004, Leigh Black and Margaret Smith decided to open their own business. They bought a little old building which had been a small neighborhood grocery store. Helsel's Market opened in 1916 and closed in the 1980's. It was in dire need of repair, but underneath all of the dirt and garbage there was history and charm. Black & Smith both enjoyed collecting and selling antiques, and this little store would be perfect. Renovations took almost two years, and in November 2005, BlackSmith Exchange Antiques opened for business. But almost before the paint was dry, there would be change.

The women of Glenfiddich Wool had a show in a local art gallery which showcased their stunning hand-dyed and handspun yarns. Margaret bought a skein and asked a friend to teach her how to knit. That skein and resulting scarf launched an amazing and exciting adventure into the world of wool. Glenfiddich asked if BlackSmith Exchange would like to put a basket of yarn in the shop. It seemed like a good idea. Wool production and knitting are historical functions so they would dovetail with antiques. Well, put out the yarn and the knitters will come. The basket became a shelf, and in no time at all, the shelves filled with wonderful yarns. Knit 1 @ BlackSmith Exchange, the only yarn shop in Johnstown, PA, was launched.

Knit 1 @ BlackSmith Exchange is now a knitting center; a resource that nurtures the community of knitters; a place for instruction, information, and ideas.

Knit 1 @ BlackSmith Exchange 608 Grove Avenue Johnstown, PA 15902 (814) 361- 2049 Open Tues-Sat 11AM-4PM