Moe’s Record Shop in downtown Gainesville is set to host a unique estate sale event, offering thousands of skeins of high-end yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and other fiber art supplies—all in memory of Claudia Purgason, the late owner of Yarn Rhapsody. The sale, taking place Saturday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., will benefit a college fund for Claudia’s son, Gunnar, who turns 11 next month.

**Thousands of yarns. One great cause.**

Friends of the late Yarn Rhapsody owner Claudia Purgason are organizing a yarn estate sale at Moe's Record Shop in downtown Gainesville. Profits from the sale will go toward a college fund for Purgason's 10-year-old son.

Honoring a Fiber Arts Legacy

Claudia Purgason was a beloved figure in the local fiber arts community, running Yarn Rhapsody on Dawsonville Highway until her passing from cancer in 2018 at the age of 51. Known for her warmth, generosity, and expertise as a master knitter, her shop was more than just a retail space—it was a haven for crafters, a place of community and comfort where customers became friends.

The sale is being co-organized by Candace Bailey, a personal friend of Claudia’s and a regular at Yarn Rhapsody. Bailey describes the event as an opportunity not just to preserve Claudia’s passion for fiber arts, but also to provide affordable, high-quality materials to crafters of all levels.

What to Expect at the Sale

The yarn inventory is massive—spanning thousands of skeins, some of which could easily stock a new store. Unlike standard craft store brands, the collection consists of luxury fibers, including cashmere blends and other high-end materials that are usually priced too steeply for casual buyers.

Pricing: Yarn will be sold in grab bags, categorized by brand and weight, with prices starting at $5. Individual and unlabeled skeins will range from $1 to $5.
Payment Methods: Cash, Venmo, and Zelle will be accepted.
Who Should Attend? The sale welcomes experienced fiber artists as well as beginners looking to start knitting or crocheting without a huge upfront investment.

More Than Just a Sale

For many, this event is about more than just great deals—it’s about honoring Claudia’s memory and the sense of community she built. Bailey recalls how Claudia’s shop was a safe space where people could decompress, connect, and find solace through crafting.

“She absolutely was an enabler,” Bailey said with a laugh, referring to Claudia’s ability to ignite a love for fiber arts in others. “I try to be that same person in the community now.”

Now, thanks to this special sale at Moe’s Record Shop, Claudia’s legacy will live on—not only in the hands of local fiber artists but also in the future education of her son.

For the latest updates and announcements, follow Moe’s Record Shop on Facebook or Instagram. Interested in hosting a market or selling your art at Moe’s Record Shop, click here.

To read the full Gainesville Times article and learn more, click here.