...along with my sanity.
It's done, kids, it's DONE. And a full month earlier than expected When does that happen with renovation projects? There's nothing left to do but assemble fixtures, bring in the yarn and arrange things just so.
Joe's not necessarily happy that the restoration is complete, because that means that Strebig Construction's fabulous job is over, and his begins. Here he is unloading the 14' box truck of nearly three tons of furniture and fixtures for the store. He's walking through what I call the "warehouse" of the building. Not only does my building have the showroom that you've seen all along, it also has a large rear space with a second floor, a garage door (you know, for all the yarn the UPS guy will haul in daily.... a girl can dream) and plenty of room for things I can't even imagine right now.
As the lucky husband of a yarn store owner, he knows his summer off from teaching will be busy with putting together three dozen shelving units, dozens of slatgrid walls, and affixing samples to the 14' walls, all while trying to tell me to leave him alone and let him do it his way. Which is fine, because I'll still be running the online store as usual and keeping track of a nearly-four year boy whose middle name of Danger certainly has started to fit his personality type in the past month.
It's going to be an awesome summer!
Congratulations! It looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Posted by: Kathy | June 30, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Congratulations on a job well done! This is a classic example of the American dream!
Posted by: Sue Johnson | June 30, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Gorgeous - congratulations!
Posted by: Janelle | June 30, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Congratulations!!! It has to be a good omen that it was done early and well.
Posted by: CyndyC | June 30, 2011 at 10:34 AM
I am so excited for you!!!!! .....and me;) btw....one sock down, second will be started tonight! We will be at firehouse tea at 6ish if you are interested=)
Posted by: Chevas | June 30, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Your yarn will look beautiful in this new space - I can hardly wait until the store is open - I feel a road trip comin'!
Posted by: Jeanne | June 30, 2011 at 11:24 AM
its been such fun watching the progress. Cant wait until the sock yarn starts to come in.
Posted by: mary | June 30, 2011 at 11:31 AM
This looks beautiful! Can't wait to see what it looks like when filled with yarn goodness...
Posted by: nina | June 30, 2011 at 11:39 AM
OMG!!! This place is gorgeous! And it does seem that it was done fast. I wish I lived closer.......
Posted by: Lynn | June 30, 2011 at 12:16 PM
Thanks, all!
Chevas, I won't be able to make it tonight, but peek in the windows if you like, since you're just two doors down!
Posted by: Allison | June 30, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Oh.....we will;)
Posted by: Chevas | June 30, 2011 at 01:36 PM
Good job Allison, congratulations to you. Wish I lived closer so I could visit your store but never mind, we have online shopping.
Posted by: Wendy | June 30, 2011 at 01:42 PM
Wendy, having a storefront now will just make online shopping even better and quicker. Not only will my selection be able to expand quite a bit, but I'll be able to hire more people to keep up with things. It's going to be awesome!
Posted by: Allison | June 30, 2011 at 01:52 PM
It looks fabulous! I feel a road trip coming up!!!!
Posted by: Jean Folkerth | June 30, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Oh it looks gorgeous! Can't wait until we can come for a visit!
Posted by: Donna | June 30, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Hey Allison! Where's my bedroom going to be? You know, the one I'll stay in when I come for the weekend to shop.
Seriously - good job woman! I am proud of you.
Posted by: Vickie | June 30, 2011 at 04:17 PM
Congrats! How exciting...now I'll have to schedule a visit:)
Posted by: rasa | June 30, 2011 at 04:37 PM
When will you be open! Am very interested in coming in!
Posted by: Fern | June 30, 2011 at 04:43 PM
Congratulations! It looks absolutely fabulous! You WILL have an awesome summer! Can't wait to visit!
Posted by: April | June 30, 2011 at 04:43 PM
When is the grand opening?? Road trip from Chicago!!
Posted by: Marilyn | June 30, 2011 at 07:45 PM
Nicely done, Alison and Joe.
Posted by: Susan | June 30, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Beautiful space! Cannot wait to see it filled--or even half-filled! Congratulations
Posted by: blogless grace | June 30, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Absolutely beautiful - what fun to watch the process!!
Posted by: Deirdre | July 01, 2011 at 07:18 AM
The space is wonderful and so full of great light! Your photos and comments are great fun to enjoy. Would offer to help, but doubt that Joe wants another person offering their "suggestions".
Posted by: Judy Whitelock | July 01, 2011 at 01:24 PM
It looks beautiful! Congratulations!
Posted by: NancyN | July 01, 2011 at 03:13 PM
Beautiful building- I wish that I lived closer so I could see it in person! Love the floor- you did a great job picking it out.
Posted by: Elise | July 02, 2011 at 05:19 PM
May the yarn, orders and money pile high my dear! Faith matters and you are an excellent example to me of how much a little faith can do. Your opening this shop also gives me hope...that all in this country is not lost. There are still a few brave souls who will put out into the deep and are not afraid.
Thanks for keeping your dream alive because by living for yours you help me believe that I too, can one day see my dreams come true.
Barb R.
Posted by: Barb R | July 03, 2011 at 09:34 PM
Congratulations! What a wonderful dream that has come to be. Wishing you many happy years..
Posted by: Kath | July 05, 2011 at 04:22 PM
I wish I lived closer so I could visit in person :( Congratulations of the early finish to the reno and good luck in your new space
Posted by: Iren | July 05, 2011 at 04:32 PM
Congratz Allison!!!
Cannot wait so see shop fully stocked.
Truly a labor of love.
God Bless your new shop adventure!
Camilla
Posted by: Camilla Nelson | July 05, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Beautiful building! I sure wish I didn't live on the other side of the country! I will happily continue to order online though. :)
Posted by: Melanie Endres | July 05, 2011 at 05:29 PM
It looks wonderful! I cannot wait til I can come in and see the finished product!
Posted by: Anne | July 05, 2011 at 07:04 PM
I have always loved Simply Sock Yarn for all my yarn needs. Your new space is utterly fantastic. I would love to visit one day!
I have recommended SSYC to all my knitting friends and wish you much success in your new place.
Posted by: Phyllis Oviatt | July 06, 2011 at 02:52 PM
It looks great - good luck to you! Let us know if you need anything. Will definately get over there and check it out. I use to work there when it was the elevator company back in the 80's. Nan
Posted by: Nan DiGangi | July 12, 2011 at 10:30 AM