August 2009

Positively Heather

Stash for Clunkers, Anyone?

Heather Gooch

Shortly after learning of the government's Car Allowance Rebate System (CARs, formerly known as "Cash for Clunkers") program — and shortly before they depleted all the funds with its popularity, although as I write this, Congress is hammering out a deal to let it continue — I wondered of the viability of "Stash for Clunkers."

In my mind's eye, I saw a chance for shop owners to allow customers to enhance their respective stashes of yarn, thread, beads or other supplies by bringing in their orphan skeins, their kits "they never got around to" doing, their odd-sized needles that are otherwise just taking space in their homes. What they bring in could give them a discount to replenish their supply with new stuff at the shop, or if they feel so empowered by being clutter-free they don't want new stash, they could use it toward a class to use up even more materials.

I'm pleased to say that at least one yarn shop was thinking on a similar wavelength.

For Heather's full article, click here.

Spotlight on:

Pathways into Professional NeedleArts

The National NeedleArts Association's (TNNA's) PiPN program is accredited through the University of Akron, Akron, OH. PiPN is comprised of two sessions, the first being hands-on classroom instruction. For most of these college students, whose interests lie in fashion design, fashion merchandising and similar pursuits, the classwork is then followed by an internship with one of several TNNA member hosts. Many of these students have never picked up a needle before — crochet, knitting or otherwise — and the projects they design and create as a result of the classroom portion have been invaluable in opening the eyes of a new generation to the possibilities of fiber arts.

This summer, 10 students are participating, and blogging about their respective experiences. The program ends in mid-August and then picks up again in spring for the 2010 season. Check out how this year's participants spent their summer "vacations" right here.

If you'd like the spotlight shone on your business, just drop Heather a line at positiveyarn@goochandgooch.com.

Links I Love

ToyDesigningVashti

Crochet designer Vashti Braha has a lovely, "grown-up" blog here, but I'm particularly taken by her other blog, the projects of which her son, craftily known as Toy-Tester Bob, has given his 9-year-old seal of approval. Given that my own 9-year-old has made, shall we say, interesting creations with a crochet hook and some yarn ("It's a bookmark! No, a headband! No, an American Girl scarf! Sort of!"), the content piques my interest greatly. It's not updated as often as Braha's other blog, but plenty of photos and good ideas for kids abound. My daughters are already clamoring for me to buy some Jelly Yarn and help them make bungee bookmarks.

Got a link you love? Tell me!

Let us spin a Positive Yarn for your company

Heather is available for marketing and editorial services for the needlearts and handmade crafts industries.

Email positiveyarn@goochandgooch.com or call (330) 723-3539.

The Knitty Gritty

X "Uncommonly" savvy Licia Parrella-Britton was recently profiled in her local newspaper, the Newburyport (MA) Current, as proof that one can quit the rat race and make a go of your dreams. In this case, Britton is the proud owner of a new needlework shop, UnCommon Threads. The article got across several points, including needlework is art, handcrafted gifts are meaningful, and summer is a great time to get started on holiday stockings and gifts.

Tip: Get local. The above points are helpful not only to Britton, but to the industry at large. However, the ending of the article is where she really got across her unique selling point, or USP: "Customers soon will be able to buy her creations: Christmas ornaments with a special design for Newburyport, Amesbury, Plum Island and Rowley." What local flavor are you adding to your shop's mix that can bring the community (and tourists) to your door?

X From Do It For Me (DIFM) to Do It Yourself (DIY) could summarize a business focus shift done by Country Accents in Brantford, Ontario. According to an article in the Brantford Expositor, Owner Brenda Sirkia has dropped the home decor aspect of her shop to concentrate solely on cross-stitch, hardanger and other needlework supplies and accessories. On her site, it looks like she's beefing up her class schedule accordingly.

Tip: Get reacquainted with your market at large. "I've had this store for years and I used to have home decor in it as well," Sirkia said in the article. "But there are a lot of home decor shops out there now." By contrast, there are no longer a lot of specialty needlework shops nearby — and she's bringing in new customers from throughout the area. If you're one of the last ones standing in your market, make sure it's known throughout the community and its surrounding areas. Even in this economy, many people are still willing to make the drive for hands-on service and inventory they just can't get at the big box stores.

X A list of cool local yarn shops has made an appearance on The Oregonian's knitting blog, K2TOG. They're cool because they're air-conditioned! Sound silly? Spend some time in your home with the air conditioning and fans off, and see how quickly you want to get the heck out of there and head for someplace with a more welcoming climate.

Tip: Advertise your A/C status and see what happens. In the dog days of summer, especially when many residents are trying to save a little on their utility bills, why not spread the word that they can come in and stitch a spell in the coolness of your shop, free of mosquitoes or noisy fans? Some folks may equate "small business" with "no air conditioning" and head straight for the mall or bigger stores to beat the heat. Set them straight — perhaps enticing them with the promise of lemonade and a "cool" atmosphere in every sense of the word.