Partner Spotlight: Rebel Woolworks

​In 2021, Tara Sager was the winner of a competition hosted by LGMSD, the City of La Grande Urban Renewal Agency, and NEOEDD.  For the competition, participants created a business plan for a store that would be able to move into a physical location.  Part of the winning prize was funding to launch the business and provide technical assistance.  Thus, in July of 2021, Rebel Woolworks opened in its current location at 1113 Adams Avenue in La Grande.
 
Eleven years ago, Tara Sager was living on a remote island in Alaska and, because she did not have access to yarn, she taught herself how to spin and dye yarn.  She fell in love with the creative process and started an Etsy shop, which was open for about a year. Over the ensuing years, she has moved to the Mainland, grew a family, took up a previous career, and did the RV-ing life.  However, she missed the creativity and community of dyeing yarn.
 
In February of 2020, Tara opened up Rebel Woolworks while exploring in the RV. She and her family were headed to Pendleton when they passed through La Grande and fell in love.  The business grew to a point where she and her family moved into a home that could accommodate both her family and the expanding business.  However, Rebel Woolworks soon outgrew her home studio space as well.  That is when she entered the La Grande Business Plan Competition in 2021 and Rebel Woolworks had a brick and mortar home!
 
Over the ensuing years, indie-dyed yarn or independently-made yarn has become extremely trendy.  Not only does the Rebel Woolworks store offer sublime hand-dyed yarn and fiber, a myriad of gifts, including crafted snacks, tea and beverages, chocolates and sweets, and cards and stationary are on offer.  Rebel Woolworks also has an expansive internet presence, where Tara sells her wares nationally and internationally through a well-curated website.
 
Eventually, Tara hopes to branch out even more with an addition offering food and liquid refreshment.  With Tara’s drive, creativity, and determination, Rebel Woolworks will become a destination for artistic souls around the region and contribute greatly to the growth and development of La Grande.