Roger and Kathy Johansen celebrated nine years of marriage in July 2020! They’ve enjoyed every single moment that you “cranked” along  with them at their own yarn shop, The Sock Peddlers, in Lakewood, WA.  They had amazing  yarn, fun classes (knitting, crotchet, and circular sock machines), and many other activities to keep you learning and interested in fiber arts.

It all started a few years ago. Using traditional knitting needles, this side-by-side pair began teaching children and adults of all ages to knit by hand. All of these activities led them to an antique circular sock machine (CSM), purchased from Pat Fly of Angora Valley. This knitting machine proved to be faster fun, allowing more pairs of socks to be knitted and was the inspiration for their sock adventure as The Sock Peddlers. Kathy and Roger’s passion for family, friends, fiber, knitting, history, and community come together full cylinder  with the cranking of their sock machines and their yarn shop. It was located in the oldest commercial building in Lakewood, The Lakewood Colonial Center.

During the school year, Kathy teaches 2nd grade and Roger managed the yarn shop full-time with one other employee. When they are not working/volunteering/making socks, or at church, they enjoy walking (their dogs too), riding bikes, entertaining, and volunteering at the Steilacoom Historical Museum. 

Together, Roger and Kathy have four adult children and nine grandchildren. Their two dogs complete their family. The Labrador on the left has now gone to heaven but she is just too cute to take her picture down.  Stay tuned for a picture of the new Boxer!  He was adopted out of Lytle Animal Control Shelter in Lytle, TX.  

In November of 2020, we closed or doors, but we walked away with so many memories!! A big thank you to each and every one of you that was a part of our journey!

Thank you so very much, Kathy & Roger