Change is GOOD!

One of the things I that I didn’t expect and wasn’t prepared for when I opened this little shop was how much I would enjoy the business end of the business.  I know that sounds a little dense, but it’s true.

I LOVE yarn and I LOVE knitting but who knew I would LOVE marketing and LOVE merchandising?  Not I.  But I do.  I LOVE thinking about how to improve this business.  I LOVE recreating Unwind with a new look, new products, new ideas.  I LOVE getting a group of women together and talking about fun things to do with the store.  It’s the best thing ever.

So, over the summer you are going to see some…changes.  Mauhaha!!!  (That’s an evil yet giddy laugh in case it’s not coming across as such. Add hunched shoulders and fingers tapping together for the full picture.)

The first change I will be making will be a change in PRICING!  I’m sure you’ll all agree that good prices are one component to a good business. Agreed?

For the past 3 years I’ve given everyone a Customer Appreciation Card.  We keep it here, we add up what you spend, then…magically (or after you have spent $250–but a magician never gives away her tricks)…we give you a $25 gift certificate for the store.

Some of you are…ahem….very familiar with this program.

Well…it’s done.  But don’t be sad!  The new program is even better…WAY!

This next section is bolded because it’s very important….

From now on EVERYTHING in the front room is ALWAYS 10% off.  That means all the fancy stuff–your MadTosh, your Koigu, your Hand Maiden.  All the really special artisan stuff.

From now on EVERYTHING in the back room is ALWAYS 15% off.  That means all your baby yarn, your sweater yarn, your ‘meat and potatoes’ knitting yarn.  Making a full sweater and tons of baby clothes is expensive!  Why not make it a little bit less so….

Now I said the yarn is always either 10% or 15% off–but what I meant was that the yarn is AT LEAST that amount off.

You will always find little surprises that are more discounted when you visit.  Fun!

My commitment to you is to ALWAYS give you the best price.  I could go all crazy bob’s waterbed warehouse commercial on you–but I’ll spare you the humiliation.  You’re welcome.

So that’s the first of a few changes being made here at your LYS.

But one thing has not changed…more new and FABULOUS yarn is arriving all the time.  And amazing new samples are here for you to check out, try on, squeeze…whatever you like.

Have you heard of Alchemy?  Yarn, that is.

Alchemy Yarns are some of the most beautiful and unique yarns you’ll ever find.  One of their most unique is called Silken Straw.  It’s silk that feels like straw.  In case the name didn’t make sense.

The yarn is an amazing hand dyed silken ribbon with a light yet stiff quality to it.  Sounds weird, right?  Once it’s knit and blocked the fabric becomes amazingly drapey and softness of the silk is revealed.

Seriously–come and check it out.  Austin and Gina are an amazing couple who have a stunning sense of colour.  You won’t see colour combos like these anywhere….and with colour names like Screamin’ Mimi and Cambodian Blue, who can resist?? A perfect treat for spring knitting.

We made this amazing design from Cocoknits in it…called Paulina. Sorry for the terrible photo…

And speaking of Cocoknits, check out this design called Gretel! We made it out of one ball of Sedoso by Americo.

Sedoso a miraculous blend of Royal Alpaca, Cashmere and Silk.  It’s a lace weight and there is nothing more pillow-like.  Check me out…One ball at $35 each.  Nutso good. LOTS left for bigger sizes.

Another super cute sample came in–Linda loaned me this one.  Thanks Lin!!  It’s called Garden Party by Carol Sunday. Only 3 balls of MadTosh Merino Light. Cute eh? It’s perfect in this yarn.

And one more Sweet November Shawl.  I swear I can’t get enough of this pattern.  Have you signed up for the Sweet November Class yet??

It’s  Tuesday the 22nd–and 3 other times this summer, so don’t sweat it if you can’t make this one. But it’s worth it.  This shawl is dreamy.  This one is 3 balls of Malabrigo Silky Wool.

And speaking of classes…you DO NOT wanna miss the Hand Dyeing Class this summer.

Let me explain….

Our guest instructor is PHENOMENAL.  She’s a fibre artist so, of course, she couldn’t just talk about dyeing yarn.  Oh no!

As she’s dyeing yarn she’s been using the left over dye to make amazing dyed silk scarves, dyed Japanese paper, cool aid dyed wool, over-dyed yarn she has in her stash.  The list goes on and on.

This is not just a yarn dyeing class but a totally creative dyeing workshop. LOVE IT!!

She’s also got some wildly coloured hair–she may give you some hair dyeing tips while she’s at it! This is going to be so cool.

She has booked 2 days this summer–2 classes per day.  Sign up for any of the 4 classes being offered.  (except the first cause it’s full already)  Email me.

Alrighty peeps.  See you on the flip side.

Wendy