Boehmer described Tybout House as much more than a traditional yarn store. The business works closely with local farmers, processes and markets Pennsylvania-grown fiber, produces its own line of hand-dyed yarn, and offers educational programs for both children and adults. Much of the work is done in-house, with Boehmer’s children actively participating in the family business.

“We do everything from the finished product to all the steps in between,” Boehmer told council members. “A lot of people will say we are a yarn store, but we’re doing more than that.”

Tybout House has earned recognition as a Pennsylvania Wilds juried artisan for its hand-dyed yarn products, many of which are inspired by the Warren area. The store’s signature collections include colorways named after local landmarks and scenery, such as “Sunset Over the Allegheny,” as well as seasonal yarn lines celebrating the region.

Beyond her business, Boehmer serves as one of the organizers of Explore Downtown Warren, a merchants’ group focused on increasing tourism, promoting local businesses and creating community events. She highlighted the group’s recently launched Kids Bingo Card program, a summer initiative that encourages families to visit local attractions and businesses throughout Warren and Warren County.

Photos by Delaney Chase Tybout House located at 117 Market Street.

The program, which runs from June through September, was developed through collaboration among the City of Warren, the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, the Warren County Visitors Bureau and local businesses. Participants can complete activities ranging from shopping local businesses to visiting community landmarks for a chance to win prizes.

“We want to get kids and families into our community,” Boehmer said. “There are so many different things that you can do here in Warren.”

Council members also discussed Boehmer’s efforts to support the region’s fiber industry. She explained that most locally produced fiber must currently be shipped to a processing mill in central Pennsylvania. However, she and several partners are working to establish a small-scale fiber mill in northwestern Pennsylvania.

The proposed facility, known as a mini mill, would process fiber from local farms and could create several jobs while helping preserve regional agricultural traditions. Boehmer noted that the project is still in the planning stages, with organizers evaluating potential locations, equipment needs, and environmental considerations.

“We want to keep our farms here,” she said. “Right now, for most of them, I am the outlet.”

In addition to selling locally sourced fiber products, Tybout House features work from approximately 20 local artists and farms and operates an old-fashioned candy counter stocked with products from Gertrude Hawk Chocolates.

Council members praised Boehmer for her contributions to downtown revitalization efforts and her leadership within the merchant community.

“It’s been great to see the momentum that’s been created through the Downtown Merchants Group,” one council member said.

“Thank you for your participation in the Downtown Merchants Group,” said council member Jared Villella. “It’s been great to see that you put out a bunch of awesome events and to see that momentum.”

Tybout House, located at 117 Market Street, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. The business offers classes, private lessons, demonstrations and community programs focused on fiber arts, textiles and traditional craftsmanship.

Boehmer closed her presentation by emphasizing the educational and social benefits of fiber arts, noting that the store has become a gathering place for people of all ages.

“It’s a healthy network for people,” she said. “When you come in, you’ll see people working on projects together of all ages.”