tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post5103961894194460374..comments2024-03-16T21:14:45.033+11:00Comments on little woollie: My creative space...pretty things..littlewoolliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044255857519779930noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-21771886641976774242011-11-23T05:39:00.693+11:002011-11-23T05:39:00.693+11:00Do you buy yarn from your LYS or mostly online? I...Do you buy yarn from your LYS or mostly online? I buy from Hobby Lobby, which is close, or from my LYS, which is far. Almost never online, because I like to feel the texture and see the colors accurately (I work in a company that does graphic design and know colors can distort on a computer screen or when printing).<br /><br /><br />Do you buy luxury yarns for a special treat? Yes, yes, yes. My "treats" for myself are the expensive luxurious yarns from the LYS, books on my kindle, a movie in the theatre, or a dinner out. Note that yarn is #1.<br /><br />Do you think there is still a place for a traditional haberdashery and yarn shop in todays world? Yes, yes, yes. I am poor, but still try to shop local small businesses. My parents are small business owners. I prefer the service and the quality. Hobby Lobby is a great source for cheap cotton yarn (my fav) when I'm doing a project that I don't want to spend a fortune on, but they don't have the color variety or the quality of yarn at an LYS. My LYS has the most delicious organic cotton yarn in the widest variety of colors. <br /><br />Do you think people have time/want to learn new skills like crochet nowadays? I think people are always looking for something creative to do with their hands. Every time someone sees me crocheting in public, they ask me about it and if they know me, ask me to teach them. Yarn crafts are so portable, that they are perfect for even the busiest person. I crochet a project until it gets too large to travel, then relegate that one to work on at home and choose a new one to start for "out". Crazy note, I have taught myself to crochet in the dark by feel (if it a pattern that is very repetitive like a ripple blanket) so I crochet at the movies every time I go.<br /><br />I hope you do it! If you were near me, I'd definitely shop there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-21252721137740072492011-10-26T23:15:06.076+11:002011-10-26T23:15:06.076+11:00YOU GO GIRL!
(sorry, trying to contain the excite...YOU GO GIRL!<br /><br />(sorry, trying to contain the excitement).<br /><br />I do buy yarn online but only when I can no longer resist the colours of (eg) Madlinetosh and the like. I would infinitely prefer to buy all yarn in person. I love to see the colour in natural light, test for squishability and perform the all important Does It Tickle My Neck? Test.<br /><br />The other fabulous thing about a LYS is the on-hand advice and top tips. Priceless!<br /><br />The only concern, how do you get around the 'quiet' of the town?<br /><br />(All the very best of luck with your decisions)...Taniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17520680195281725886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-3576873259984439082011-10-24T23:25:26.471+11:002011-10-24T23:25:26.471+11:00Hello Jules,
what a wonderful idea to open up a s...Hello Jules,<br /><br />what a wonderful idea to open up a shop. With your taste for colors, yarns and patterns it would be the LYS of my dreams. BUT.... please keep in mind, that you will need a lot of money, to compensate the losses of the first year. There will be losses even if the shop is a success. You have to buy new yarns and pay the rent wihout having made any profit yet. And please keep in mind, that you will spend really a lot of time there. When the shop is open, you have to be there, and if there are enough custumers, you won`t have the time to do all the other works like ordering, shipping, keeping the books(sorry,i do not know the suitable expression).<br />I do not want to be a spoilsport, but perhaps it would be a good idea to surch for one or two women, who would like to join you. You could be ceative together and share the time, the work the risk and the fun.<br /><br />Good luck and have a nice day<br />AntjeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-7071785466473192762011-10-24T00:10:51.814+11:002011-10-24T00:10:51.814+11:00I have no yarn shop anywhere near me so all yarn s...I have no yarn shop anywhere near me so all yarn shopping is done online. It's a bit hit and miss but there is a huge range and the prices are good. I would be unlikely to give that up. I would definitely frequent a shop, to get instant gratification and to see, touch and feel the yarns. But the prices need to be good because otherwise I would check out the yarn and buy cheaper on line (if there was a big mark up). The other concern is that no matter what you stocked, it would be unlikely that you would have a full colour range or a wide range of brands because of space. I like different ranges all the time so I would not keep going back if I had exhausted the ranges.<br /><br />I like the idea of knit and natter type things. I'm not interested in 'lessons' as I don't see the point. I got the information from books and learnt while following patterns. How much time will there be anyway for individual attention? Cost would also be prohibitive - I would rather get yarn. Not interested in workshops either. A pattern tells you what to do - so just do it! I'm not one for sharing the process of yarn arts, it doesn't interest me at all.<br /><br />Yarn snobbery is vile but many people exhibit it. No one starting out needs top range stuff and no one needs to be made to feel bad for their choices. We can't all have what we want, money is in short supply. I'm not going to pay hundred of pounds for a blanket for goodness sake the way some do. It's a blanket for goodness sake, it has a purpose, it's not a luxory item. Some people like to make people feel bad about their choices. That's not nice. I have used stuff from the pound shop and stuff that cost $50 for one 100g ball (it was a present)from the USA. I get pleasure from it all. If you only cater for the high end market you will scare people and frighten them away. Likewise if you don't provide across the board, other people will see the shop as for 'cheap' only and they won't come either. Be kind to people who buy acrylic, it's not a crime. Most purchased stuff is made from it and it's fine. Do we want knitting and crochet to belong only to the wealthy? Skill is skill.<br /><br />Please let people alone as they make their choices. Much dithering is involved by necessity. Please don't keep your wool behind the counter, I don't know what I want until I see it. I can't ask for what I don't know about! I find it unhelpful and condescending for the shop owner to only show me what they want to show me. It is unhelpful and time wasting. I will never go there again. (The last shop I found was like this, I have moved since in any case).<br /><br />So all in all yes, there is room for a shop, most of us would love one but it needs to be packed with wool, preferably we can order from you what you haven't got and it will be a laid back and happy experience.<br /><br />I would sell on line. It will be time consuming but you will reach customers who are miles away and you could probably store yarn in a garage or something packed tight and not on display, meaning you could offer more of a range. Customers are tricky people though and you may have to deal with returns and grumpy people who don't like what they saw on their computer monitor when compared to the real thing.<br /><br />The location worries me though, noone is just going to meander into your shop while passing by if it is off the beaten track. I've seen many a lovely crafty type shop disappear because of this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-5651522195576663632011-10-23T05:41:54.040+11:002011-10-23T05:41:54.040+11:00Hello! I love going to the LYS where the people a...Hello! I love going to the LYS where the people are welcoming and happy. The other LYS, closer to me, always feels like I am crashing a private party when I enter. I've stopped going there. I buy sock yarn locally so that I can touch it, but some other yarns online. I like to shop locally for the instant gratification :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-86732895110168633712011-10-23T04:08:18.366+11:002011-10-23T04:08:18.366+11:00Go for it !! You might not get chance to open your...Go for it !! You might not get chance to open your own wool/craft shop again. You might as well get paid to do something you really enjoy, and the possibilites are endless xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-21322019936984587222011-10-23T01:18:04.116+11:002011-10-23T01:18:04.116+11:00Hi, I have worked for many years in a LYS which ha...Hi, I have worked for many years in a LYS which has a full cafe attatched, and so i say the coffee machine is a great idea (keeps them in the shop longer)! But one bit of advice i would give you is specialise in good quality yarn and dont go the haberdashery, crafty supplies way. Just concentrate on yarn and buttons to match, when you start adding all the extras it gets $$$ and there is not as much profit, invest it in yarn instead.. feel free to contact me to chat about what works for us and what hasn't, im happy to shareanissahttp://www.creativeniss.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-48128270056345599612011-10-22T20:41:46.747+11:002011-10-22T20:41:46.747+11:00Can you seek out the woman who used to have the sh...Can you seek out the woman who used to have the shop to get some feedback from her? Have you looked into other stores (worldwide) who perhaps operate in the way you envisage? I think this endeavour sounds lovely, and I certainly think you should complement it with an online shop. Personally, I love to crochet, but am such a poor purchaser of yarn (I’m just never quite that happy). I would love to turn to a shop like yours and gather the advice and product I would need. One online shop that I like that seems to have a lot going for it is Calico and Ivy in Sydney Australia. They are at www.calicoandivy.com. Keep us posted on your progress! (BTW love the colourful doilies)Margarethttp://toffeeapplemama.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-74604598581646622972011-10-21T19:07:44.210+11:002011-10-21T19:07:44.210+11:00I tend to buy in person rather than online as I li...I tend to buy in person rather than online as I like to see, feel and ponder what I am about to buy. I invariably end up in the dept store John Lewis where I buy Rowan yarn but I am very fortunate to live quite close to a lovely inde shop (mrsmoon.co.uk) which was started by two sisters about two years ago. They also sell online now, run lessons in the shop, have visits from authors (Jane Brockett recently) and have a more varied stock to J Lewis. Beautiful layout, a bit quirky, with props such as an old toy pram. It appears to be doing very well. I always much prefer spending my money in a one-off, well thought-out shop than the big boys, much more rewarding. Good luck!Anita at Bishtyhttp://bishtyblog.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-79426238779539069682011-10-21T18:51:00.189+11:002011-10-21T18:51:00.189+11:00What a lovely coloury "things" you are m...What a lovely coloury "things" you are making from your japanese books!<br /><br />If you've got some money to spare, take a change on your own shop! It's great fun (i have a little fabric webshop and I just love it)!Zitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14911159076381482058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-80695135876302304532011-10-21T18:45:29.296+11:002011-10-21T18:45:29.296+11:00I think it's a fabulous idea! Of course, I hav...I think it's a fabulous idea! Of course, I have no business experience at all, but I'll answer your questions: I definitely prefer to buy from a LYS, but since there are no real yarn shops in Brussels where I live, and the LYS in my hometown is so expensive, I end up buying a lot of yarn online (at Deramores). I love the service, but I can't touch the yarn and pictures aren't always representative of the true colours (Stylecraft DK colours looking nice online, but then appear to be bright neon when delivered - ouch!) There is definitely a place, if not a need, for traditional yarn shops! I think the cozy-factor is very important too, a couch (with crochet blanket on top :-)), a coffee machine... I wish you the best of luck in making your decision! xNanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04528905706616025535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-45001371259834635462011-10-21T17:33:29.210+11:002011-10-21T17:33:29.210+11:00What a fabulous idea, why not start with an online...What a fabulous idea, why not start with an online shop first, then maybe a stall. but if you have the time maybe a shop is the best thing for you, you certainly have the talent. I like the idea of a coffee area, it would make me stay longer in my LYSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-50208736152006105202011-10-21T10:17:24.968+11:002011-10-21T10:17:24.968+11:00Well I don't have a LYS( which stands for?), b...Well I don't have a LYS( which stands for?), but I can't really buy "luxury" yarn, because I don't have the mula:), but if I did I so would! I think opening a shop would be great, but I also think opening an online shop is wise...I'm thinking both open a shop in your town and do an online shop. Let's face it this time and generation is all about internet and technology...so I think you would have a great success in an online shop. If the prices were good I would buy from you:) Good luck with everything. I love your color choices very pretty.Jessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-83671658375688249882011-10-21T09:52:44.300+11:002011-10-21T09:52:44.300+11:00Firstly, love the doily's they are awesome!
S...Firstly, love the doily's they are awesome!<br /><br />Secondly, yes I love LYS.. but there aren't any near me. The great thing about the LYS's is the support they give - and if you host 'learn to' groups and maybe start a couple of clubs "beginners crochet club, advanced crochet club" etc then more people might join as it won't be so daunting! <br />Good luck, can't wait to see what you decide!Riehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00787875556216073643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-84681362483815686362011-10-21T07:35:24.439+11:002011-10-21T07:35:24.439+11:00Sounds like a great idea to me! Some weeks ago, I ...Sounds like a great idea to me! Some weeks ago, I discovered that there's a little LYS in a village just 10 minutes away from me, the owner is a lovely elderly lady and the shop looks more like a chaotic craft room than a shop :) I've become a frequent visitor now, and the pleasure to simply go there, talk to the old lady and browse through the different yarns - it's just something you don't have when you're buying online. Go for it, Jules! :)Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08939726700422436289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-69264368669284093932011-10-21T05:26:53.586+11:002011-10-21T05:26:53.586+11:00I like your ideas funny as I've been thinking ...I like your ideas funny as I've been thinking some of the same thoughts. My father in law owns and rents out a village shop which has just come empty. I can't take it on as my family are younger than yours, but I would love to be part of a community thing. My idea was to set up a craft space for people to learn and make that they could then hav a place to sell. The idea being that they can sell their works and work on a volunteer basis. I did read an excellent article in a magazine about some women had got together to make a cooperative as they all brought different skills to the table, making their customer base wider appealing. <br /><br />I reckon you should run an online shop alongside, but hopefully in time your reputation would build to be able to get more income from your real shop. I probably sound pushy, sorry, but I find the idea so appealing as I've thought it thru myself. <br /><br />Your crocheted things are so lovely, you have a great eye for colour and style....you go girl! I'm sure with the right marketing and products it could be really successful!*https://www.blogger.com/profile/10821840185143701654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-12855202128436694212011-10-21T02:24:31.452+11:002011-10-21T02:24:31.452+11:00Hi Jules,
I've just dropped in via the Creativ...Hi Jules,<br />I've just dropped in via the Creative Space post, but having been close to some people who've done something similar, I thought some of their experiences could be useful. You probably know most of this, so apologies - it's just stuff I've really noticed recently.<br /><br />Suzi's spot on about time to make things yourself - at first, there's no time for it, but over time, as you settle in and get everything under control, there's a chance to snatch some hours here and there.<br /><br />The things I've noticed about my friends who are successful are that they really, really know their local market, and that they have a very strong, clear identity for their shop. I'd suggest looking around at the other shops on the street and seeing what's thriving and what's not. If 'luxury' or non-essential products are doing well, then that could be a good market to go for. If they're more basic shops, then cheaper products could sell well.<br /><br />Tapping into the local crafters for teachers can work, but it can also leave you with someone unsuitable for teaching - not everyone can pass their skills on clearly and patiently, so be sure about people before taking them on. I'd known the owner for months before she asked me to teach a crochet class, and that was because the teacher she had wasn't working out.<br /><br />Personally, I buy from my LYS and LYSs wherever I go, mostly on principle that I think it's important to support them. Similarly with fabric. There is definitely a place for haberdasheries nowadays, if you're distinctive and modern. The more old-fashioned ones around my way aren't doing so well, but my local charity shop can't buy in enough reasonably priced (not stupid-cheap, but not luxury) yarn to keep their shelves stocked!<br /><br />Good luck with whatever you decide to do :) I'm now following your blog, both for the gorgeous crochet (what amazing colours!) and look forward to hearing how you're doing xxLaurahttp://madeinoxford.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-58096154734082136322011-10-21T01:56:15.881+11:002011-10-21T01:56:15.881+11:00Knitting and crochet are big business in the UK. W...Knitting and crochet are big business in the UK. What I think would be fabulous is to have a venue where you can buy yarn etc. and sit and have a coffee and crochet with other like-minded souls. I know they do this is larger towns and cities here. It would be hard work but there is certainly a market for all things crafty.Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01529555477542458602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-6386695062283413132011-10-21T00:39:51.318+11:002011-10-21T00:39:51.318+11:00Whow, thay look so nice. I actually have that book...Whow, thay look so nice. I actually have that book and had not even thought of making them, now I will have to give one a go. Would look great as a table cloth.<br />As to the yarn shop idea, well it is some thing that I have been thinking of for.... years. Originaly it was a craft shop, now more yarn and cloth doll suplies. Unfortunatly I still think I'm years of having enough time to commit to the idea/ plan, yet, or the finances needed.<br />Over here on the west coast we only have a limited few yarn shop (we lost one in the last year). I try to suport them and love being able to work out my colours in real life (much to my boy's bordom) but they rearly seem to have what I'm looking for. A shop is also good, as I have got them to hold yarn for me, so that it could be picked up as I could afford it and needed it.<br />Have heaps more to say but boys need me, give us a call if you want and we can exchange ideas, email me and I'll give you my phone numbers<br />Hugs Audra<br />kym.roth@bigpond.net.auAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-5660071322421698082011-10-20T23:51:44.375+11:002011-10-20T23:51:44.375+11:00You have wonderful plans, but I will answer your q...You have wonderful plans, but I will answer your questions first: I am buying most of my yarn online, but this is just because I don´t have a real LYS here. Only a shop which sells acrylic and sock yarns, but when I need something else I always have to do it online. And luxury yarns I love to use for presents or even sometimes for myself. I really think that there is a place for a haberdashery and yarn shop, the crafting community is growing fast and it is 'in style' now again to learn or do knitting and sewing and crochet. So, I really think that a shop like you are planning to open will surely be a success, maybe not right from the start, words have to be spread, but then, yes it will surely be a haven for all the crafting people in your surrounding.<br />But having had a shop of my own some years ago (no, not a yarn shop) and having talked with many shop owner I also have to tell you that it takes a lot of time to be there every day from monday till saturday, from 9am till 6pm. there is no much time left for a real private life, for your family, and there are still the housework things you will have to do at the evenings, like ironing and cooking and cleaning. Of course, your family could give a helping hand but still most of this things are done by the woman of the family. And having the shop opened only just a few hours or a few days per week is also not so good, your customers will be disappointed when they stand before a closed door and maybe they will come back later, but maybe not. Even on your evenings or on your weekends you have to work for your shop, do the office work or visit fairs. The crochet classes you intend to give will be best at evenings, too, because if you held them during your shop hours they may disturb your regular shop hours when customers come and want to buy yarn and need your advice and full service. <br />I have talked to some yarn shop owners here, too, and it was very intersting for me to hear that they all now have no time to make things for themselves, everything they crochet or knit now is for the shop to show or customer orders, and that there is a big difference to knit or crochet for only your own pleasure than 'having' to do it. During the first time, maybe during the first years, you also will need all the money you make for the shop itself, to order new yarns, to pile up the stock you want to offer, to invest in advertising, to pay the rent, electricity, heat and above all the taxes. <br />I am sorry for having written now also kind of negativ points, but I have seen too many women here openings little shops with big enthusiasm (be it children clothes or natural cosmetics or small yarn shops) only to see this shops being closed again soon after. It is a serious business and only a success if you really plan the rest of your life around your shop, in any case and especially during the first years. You really need the help and understanding of your whole family, but if I had understood you right then your family is already on your side and that´s fantastic. <br />I am, speaking for myself, more than glad now, and my family loves it, too, that I am staying at home now, that I have all the time I want or need for my family and my home and garden, as much as I loved my shop for more than 20 years, I feel so very 'free' now, although, of course, I miss having my very own self earned and good money. <br />Oh my, I can understand how difficulty this decision may be for you, but I am also sure that if you have your plan for it already, that you will make it with all your power and enthusiasm and with your great and gorgeous sense for colours and style and patterns and designs it will be a success, yes, I am really sure.<br />With all my best wishes,<br />Suzi<br />http://krawuggl.blogspot.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-2780792812497252962011-10-20T22:48:59.690+11:002011-10-20T22:48:59.690+11:00i love your crochet! I like to touch the yarn &am...i love your crochet! I like to touch the yarn & fabric, do a thorough business plan and have a great accountant and that should give you an answer too.rockmelonhttp://itstartswithme.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-19158273636125183022011-10-20T22:18:23.995+11:002011-10-20T22:18:23.995+11:00I think this is a fantastic idea. I am quite new t...I think this is a fantastic idea. I am quite new to this crochet thing but did recently do some classes to learn how. The classes ran over 3 Saturday mornings for 3 hours each and the total cost including 4 balls of lovely pure wool and a crochet hook was $120 which I was happy to pay. They also had times during the week when you could just drop in and join a group and get advice from a more experienced crocheter. I would have preferred classes at night once a week and would also paid a small amount to be able to come back and get specific advice. They had a cafe within the shop which is also a great idea. I think the most important thing is to create a friendly creative hub that people want to come to for inspiration, company and to buy more yarns etc. I have bought most of my wool since from Spotlight as they are closer and cheaper and also as I am a very new beginner but as I get more confident I would spend more for lovely colours/pure wool etc. Hope this helps. melxBungalowgirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06939060073606910950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-30107917159674534052011-10-20T21:51:43.046+11:002011-10-20T21:51:43.046+11:00Oh you are (almost) living my dream, I live in the...Oh you are (almost) living my dream, I live in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne and it is a dream that I run a yarn shop, with the squishy sofas for knit and natter and crochet cosy nights. I had to teach myself to crochet and have no where to go to crochet/knit along and have a cuppa and a natter with like minded people. I buy yarn on line and in LYS, but local is 20 mins away.<br />x Sandisandiarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06395329327447746029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-73174968838985544342011-10-20T21:17:14.683+11:002011-10-20T21:17:14.683+11:00Wow, I thought you might be heading in that direct...Wow, I thought you might be heading in that direction, and I can only say, what a great idea, and go for it!! I truly believe that any thing in the retail enviroment should be backed up with an online shop, that way you are giiving your customers and easy way to be repeat customers, and you are also opening yourself up to sales from everywhere, 24 hours a day. That of course, comes with a fair commitment, especially if it goes well for you, but if it's what you want to do, then this is what tends to make us happy!<br />All the very best, I think you are on a winner, you only have to look, the trend is going back to small specialised shops, back to basics etc. Keep us all posted. I am a big fan of your work, you have a real individual touch, and i think you will be great!PurpleMumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17912621181609589638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-985070342249816622.post-47972507043018011292011-10-20T20:21:48.236+11:002011-10-20T20:21:48.236+11:00Yes,Yes,Yesand Yes!!!Yes,Yes,Yesand Yes!!!susanhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8001559766230602877noreply@blogger.com