On Monday, Fort Wayne's News Sentinel, printed a story about the new store! To me, this indicates two things: first, that media is starting to realize that knitting really is a hobby that millions of us are passionate about and that we want to read about regularly, and two, that I chose the right neighborhood and building in which to put my time and money. Opening a storefront, especially one that needs restoration and isn't simply a square unit smack-dab in a strip mall, isn't a cheap endeavor. To put the store in the space I've chosen, it's taken extra time, patience and money to make it happen. The rewards of restoring a vacant space and being a part of that neighborhood are worth it, but ultimately the bills need paid or it doesn't matter where the store's located or what good it has done to restore a building with such history. So it's reassuring that the neighborhood is ready and waiting for me to open, and getting so many nice e-mails from local knitters has been fabulous. I think it's a good omen, don't you?
After all, the newspaper simply could have chosen to devote a tiny paragraph to the store, but instead it received a quarter page and color image (in the print version). I'm quite happy that before the store even opens, it received some press!
Another newsworthy event, Sock Summit, is taking place in July. For those of you in the Portland, OR area, I hope you are planning on taking advantage of all it has to offer. And for those of you who are travelling from all over the world to attend, I envy you. While I am sponsoring the event, like I did for the first one, I won't be able to attend this year. No SSYC booth, and no Allison roaming the conference center. The timing just isn't right with the new building, and it was just really hard for me to leave little James for a week when I attended the last conference. As much as part of me would like a week away to hang out with like minded sock knitters, the mommy in me knows that was much too long for me to be comfortable. So I really hope attendees take great pictures and e-mail me links to your blog entries about the event so I can live vicariously!
To follow up on my call for test knitters earlier this week... Thank you for all the responses! I haven't even had the time to read all of the e-mails yet. I appreciate that so many of you want to show off your talent by knitting a sample for the new store. While I won't have time to respond to everyone, it's nice to know I have so many helpful knitters on hand for when I need assistance in the future. And for those of you who are interested and don't live in the US, you're still welcome to submit your info. As for Canadians, yes, it's worth submitting your info for me to consider you later, but since the Canadian Post is on strike, it doesn't make sense to ask you to knit a sample that can't get to you in a timely manner and can't get back to me within a couple weeks.
All of us are so proud of your work. Suspect that many spread the word about SSYC to anyone who will listen, knitters or not, wherever we happen to go. (My extra of the anniversary patterns went to a friend in Maryland.) Those of us who are "locals" here in Allen County/Fort Wayne are looking forward to the opening of the new space and know that you will keep us updated on the schedule.
Posted by: Judy Whitelock | June 23, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Oh no, I was looking forward to your booth! But I'm also excited about your building. :)
Posted by: Janelle | June 23, 2011 at 03:06 PM
I am still lobbying for a mini "Sock Summit" in Fort Wayne at the new store :)
Posted by: April | June 23, 2011 at 04:29 PM
Congratulations on the great coverage of the new space! I hope you are mobbed the entire first month of opening! Sad not to see you at SS11 but this is your big time at home.
Posted by: blogless grace | June 24, 2011 at 08:37 AM
I join with April in lobbying for a mini Midwestern Sock Summit. Or maybe more of a weekend retreat for sock knitters. My partner & I have already discussed a weekend jaunt to visit your store & the Amish.
Posted by: Donna | June 24, 2011 at 03:49 PM