I am very excited for this next stage in my life: bringing an assortment of crafts to my local community!
I have always felt crafting should be enjoyed by all, and there are so many ways to express yourself through the various crafting mediums. One of my earliest memories is using my mom's specially artist markers under her desk at her work. I also have fond memories working with my dad making wooden toys when I was gifted a scroll saw by a neighbor; and in 8th grade my dad helped me make a wooden wreath for a math project. I enjoyed cross stitch at a young age, as well as beading and making little figurines out of clay. In college a fellow student helped me to crochet a scarf. When I joined the Navy I found that creating is a good stress relief, and later found research to support that belief. While in Hawaii I took a Hawaiian Quilted class at the local art store, where they also had painting and wood working classes. My friends and I would craft together on days off, which as you can imagine brought comments of being "old ladies" from the young military guys who just wanted to party on days off. When I got stationed outside of Denver I found an amazing bar that was also a craft space, as well as a funky yarn/fabric store that offered unique patterns, products, and classes. I learned how to knit, sort of. And again, living in Omaha, I found an assortment of paint night and crafting locations where I could socialize with crafty individuals.
After separating from the Navy and moving to Klamath Falls as a new mom, and a new stay-at-home- mom, I found that the only place to socialize and craft together was The Fiber Arts Circle at the library. I realized the University of YouTube only got me so far when I proudly showed off a Christmas stocking I knit for my kiddo and was told, "oh, that is really unique. What stitch is that?" The wealth of knowledge at the Fiber Arts Circle taught me how to actually knit. Plus, I have made some AMAZING friends there, but it didn't really scratch my itch for the other crafts I enjoy... until Ashley came along.
Ashley talked about how she has longed to start a yarn store, or crafter's consignment store, or some kind of venue where people could come together and create. I thought that all of those stores sounded good, and with my knowledge of similar businesses elsewhere in the country, figured why can't all of those ideas be one business. I threw out ideas of adding other crafts to the mix, other than fiber arts, and she liked it. Yes, this may be filling my own selfish desire for a new hangout place where I can do all the things I like to do, but I like to think I am here to help Ashley achieve her dream of owning a yarn/craft lounge and help Klamath Falls with a new venue. ;-)
What started out as just talking about our vision slowly turned in to a reality when I heard an ad on the radio for the Small Business Development Center's classes. But what really lit a fire under us was when I happened upon our location. As a vendor at the N.W. Maker's Market I heard about changes happening to the location; I saw this as our opportunity to partner with a great shop in at a great downtown location. I presented Ashley with the idea and my vision and she was on board. Quickly what was just talk turned in to a solid reality.
This will mean big changes for my family. My husband has been nothing but supportive through this whole development, but he does have a job; I know I will feel guilty about this, but I don't have family in the area, so will need to rely on friends to help with my kiddo while we get this business up and running. But I REALLY think this can be the amazing space that we have envisioned, and I can't wait to be part of the team that brings this craft lounge to Klamath Falls.
-Erin
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