Pass me a Kleenex.
Dear, dear City Knitting Yarnies,
This post is not a regular newsletter, but instead is a personal letter from me (Lorilee) to all of you. When you consider all the great relationships we enjoy at City Knitting, you’ll realize what I convey here now will be exceedingly difficult. I am closing the store by the end of this year. I will do my best to convey the closing plan to you next week so there will be no more surprises.
Six years ago, when I began researching locations for this “possible” shop I was planning, the first thing I always did was grab the graph paper and sketch out the area. If there was not enough room for a 10′ x 10′ space for sitting and knitting, that location was off the list. Period. On my graph paper, it was a square of just about an inch and a quarter or so.
Just think of all we have fit into that little square since September of 2005! We’ve learned so much about knitting and met so many new friends. I want to thank you for all you have taught me, most importantly that nearly anyone can enjoy nearly anyone else’s friendship when we just spend the time getting to know one another. You are a welcoming, accepting, joyous bunch I am honored to know.
Indulge me in some stats and walks down memory lane.
950+ =
Number of items you have made for charity. That’s 450 hats for the Red Thread Project, about 220 hats for Knit Michigan cancer patients, about 180 items for the DeVos Children’s Hospital, and 100 Hearts for Haiti.
5,000+ =
number of unique customers, which is why, forgive us, we can’t always remember your names
750 =
number of students in classes
35,000 =
questions answered/ dropped stitches picked up/problems solved, estimated
about 30 =
percentage of questions preceded by, “This is a stupid question, but…”
55 =
highest attendance at a Late Night Yarnie Party
3 =
number of different restaurants we’ve seen on the other side of the needle wall
10 =
number of part time employees since 2005 (K,M,D,R,M,J,K,S,A,S)
180 =
Approximate number of cakes/pans-of-bars/tins-of-cookies Ursula has brought nearly every Tuesday night (picture them lined up for a moment)
42 =
number of states containing CK customers
6 =
number of countries containing CK customers
1 =
number of bathroom keys lost (not bad)
3, out of 3 =
number of times we won the Townie Gold for Best Yarn Shop, out of number of times it was up for voting
1 =
number of marriages resulting from people meeting at CK
90 =
age of our eldest customer, Hank, knitter/cyclist who has a great knitting name. We may have customers older, but they keep it secret.
340,000 =
number of youtube views of the CraftSanity video of Lorilee continental knitting
3 months =
length of time the seating area sat empty until people started believing the space was for them
33,000 =
number of transactions since 2005, which is why we cannot always remember what you bought last week, much less what you bought two years ago
60 =
number of hours commonly worked (by me) during peak season
less than 50 =
number of days in which we did NOT greet a new customer
Maybe an hour, maybe a few times =
Longest length of time the shop was open without customers in it
Tuesdays are
often our busiest and most fun day, due to the fact that we haven’t been open since Saturday
Mondays are
the only day we are not happy to see people knock on our door. We’ve been closed on Mondays for four years, yet people still come. Knock it off!
2+ months ago =
time when I made these closing plans
Why? Well, beside the obvious secondary reasons such as stress, and missing Saturdays, and wanting to say “yes” to things I’ve said “no” to for four years, the main reason is that I’m tired. I am certain that is easy to understand.
What is incredibly difficult is to think about how much I will miss all of you customers, co-workers and friends. I’ve said all along that the yarn is secondary, but I’ll miss that, too. It’s been a real joy to serve you all for four years. Please accept my thanks.
Thanks for being patient and nice to us all of the time. Thanks for clearly expressing your gratitude countless times. Thanks for letting me know what you think of my awesome staff, by saying so often, “Do you know how lucky you are to have such outstanding help?” To which I reply, “Yes, I do, and you are right.” Thanks for buying stuff; you’re all very good at that, good enough to have made it worthwhile. Thanks for the 10# I gained with all the food and treats you bring. Yes, thanks a lot. Thanks for making such cool stuff and sharing it with us. Thanks for respecting your co-knitters, being willing to share in fun and hard times, while respecting privacy and refraining from gossip. Thanks for hopping up to help us help customers when we are swamped. Thanks for making a cool place for us to all be together. Many, many thanks to Kathy, Marilyn, Ruth, Darlene, Margaret, Jessica, Kim, Sophie, Amy, and Sara.
Please understand I’ll be reading but not replying to all e-mails. And, just so you know, I am neither sick nor moving, just, as I said before, tired, and ready for a change.
Before Tuesday, I will post again, laying out some details about the schedule for upcoming “everything must go” sales. Please note that all events posted on our site, including Cat’s visit in September, are all on. There will also be upcoming opportunities to learn, socialize, and retreat in 2010 and beyond. When I next post, I will have some favors to ask regarding ways I want you to help me remember you, so stay tuned.
206d
1
November 14th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Lorilee,
First, I completely understand the tiredness, and you have to take care of yourself. That said… like everyone else is going to be, I’m bummed about the store closing. I’ve never been a prolific knitter so I’m not your best customer but boy did my yarn selections improve because of your store.
I’m really grateful to you and the staff there. Thanks for all your help and tons of pretty fiber!
2
November 14th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I understand, yet this makes me so sad for all of who love City Knitting and more so, the talented, patient and kind folks who help us fumbling knitters succeed! There is a definite reason your store has been voted the favorite yarn shop in GR. I wish you well in your future endevours but will truly miss the shop.
3
November 14th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Wow. I am going to miss City Knitting so very much. I have only knitted for a little over a year and it has been wonderful. I am sure that I never would have made it without you all. Lorilee, I wish you much happiness and success in whatever you decide to do next.
4
November 14th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I’m speechless. That doesn’t happen often. I don’t live in GR and I’m feeling loss anyway.
5
November 14th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
(hugs) lorilee, Whoa! is all i can say right now. I understand and I am very sad. I am lucky to have had a lot of great times at City Knitting, and will truly miss it. Thanks for many happy memories!
6
November 14th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
OH, NO!!!!! That is my selfish reaction…I will sincerely miss your encouragement to try new things, the friendly support from all your staff, and a wonderful selection of yarns only 20 minutes from home. On the other hand, you need to look after yourself, and I wish you well. Mary Jo B
7
November 15th, 2009 at 1:55 am
So sorry to hear you are closing but totally understand. I recently moved away from Michigan and on my last visit home I stopped by your shop to pick up a few things. I am so glad I got my “Know Your Cuts of Lamb” shirt!! I will have to stop by to pick up another one for the owner of my new yarn shop! She loved it and asked me to get her one on my next visit. You will truly be missed. Your staff always took good care of me. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.
8
November 15th, 2009 at 6:59 am
I’m so sorry to hear this news. City Knitting has been a wonderful place to admire and buy, and you have all been very helpful to experienced and beginning knitters alike. You will be missed.
9
November 15th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Lorilee, I will miss CK more than I can say. You created a wonderfully welcoming, supportive environment in the shop that I have found nowhere else. GR’s knitting community is losing a real gem. Best wishes to you and your incredible staff!
10
November 15th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Lorilee and Gang- Since returning to work a year ago the thing I have missed the most are my Wednesday mornings at your shop. I will miss all of you but hope to stay in contact through other events. You have created something special, and it will be missed.
11
November 15th, 2009 at 9:43 am
I am so sad that CK is closing. Thank you for all your hard work and great memories. I love coming into the shop and getting inspiration for my next project. You will be truly missed!!!
12
November 15th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Lorilee, So sorry to hear you are closing. I understand being tired and wanting to change. I don”t live in your city, but from the looks of the website- you have a great shop. Good luck to you! Lulynn
13
November 15th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Yesterday I was in my FAVORITE knitting store, standing next to Lorilee and I said to her how much I LOVE City Knitting and what a wonderful place it is!!! NEVER did I imagine that it wasn’t going to be around in another year!!!! My heart is sad . . . . my heart is heavy!!!! In the past year, ever since I found City Knitting, I have falling IN LOVE with the store, the staff and the fellow knitters!!! I have never been in a knitting store that I have loved as much as this store . . . . . and it’s all because of the leadership that Lorilee gives it!!!!! I don’t even want to think what I am going to do without it . . . . without Lorilee!!! And yet . . . . . I wish you the best Lorilee!! Thank you for giving me my favorite store . . . . and my favorite activity on a Saturday morning!!!!!! I am going to enjoy you GREATLY for the rest of the time you are open and be thankful for the wonderful time I’ve had at your shop!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU . . . . love your shop!!!!!!!!
14
November 15th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Lorilee - I really did get teary about your email - One of my upcoming retirement plans was to spend more time at CK-to find new knitter friends there, pick staff’s brains more and just enjoy the yarn and ideas you always provided. You must do what is best for you, and I wish you well. I will miss you and all you and your staff have given to the community - you have made my life as a knitter more fun. See you in the store - Connie
15
November 15th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Saddened to hear of the closing of your shop. I was visiting my daughter in East Grand Rapids Saturday and stopped into the shop as I always do on my visits. I did not know of your plans at the time and I am sorry I did not convey by saddness and happiness for you personally. You have helped me enjoy my life, now it is your turn. Enjoy.
16
November 15th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Oh my! I am so sad, but my heart is full for you! What a special place with special people, you all will be sorely missed! My heartfelt thanks for all the great times, fun projects and “lift” to my day whenever I popped in. My best to all of you, Lorilee you are a peach!
17
November 15th, 2009 at 3:51 pm - blog author
I’ve been out of town raking leaves today. To whomever stopped by, thanks for the gorgeous bouquet.
18
November 15th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
WAHHHH!!!! Lorilee- you (and your staff) have always, always, been so patients with me. I am such a novice knitter but you always made me feel like YES YOU CAN! It was SO relaxing to come to the shop and look and touch all the different fibers and to sit and meet new friends. They classes were so fun and helpful. You were such a unique and loving (and SUPPORTIVE) shop and there WILL be a hole where City Knitting was. Thank you for all of your dedication — to you and your staff — for caring and for teaching. Blessings on your next endeavor.
19
November 16th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Lorilee, I don’t know what I can say that hasn’t already been expressed by others. I’m very sad that City Knitting will be closing. I haven’t ever been in a yarn shop where the staff was so helpful and where I enjoyed just looking and touching all the beautiful yarns and thinking of soooo many project possibilities. You are a great teacher with an infectious love for knitting and we will all miss you very much! (Excuse me, I need to grab a tissue…)
20
November 16th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Lorilee, I grew up in a family owned retail business, and understand how demandin and tiring it can be. You have created more than just a wonderful business you have blessed a community. Thank you for the gift of time, guidence, warmth and friendship. CK was a great oasis every visit was like a vacation. And as such, the community mourns with you. God Bless.
21
November 16th, 2009 at 8:27 am
I am going to miss CK sooooo much! Your shop will always be remembered as a haven by those of us who learned to knit there and came in with our “stupid” questions (I’m sure I’ve asked a few). Wishing you (Lorilee) and your staff grace and peace in the coming weeks as this door closes and the next door swings open.
22
November 16th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Oh Lorilee, I am so sad. I also have come from a family deeply invested in retail. I do understand. Wish there was some way we could all pitch in and buy it from you. I have always loathed knitting. I now know why? 5 years ago I discovered fiber, real fibers. That was it for me, now I love knitting. I really do owe it all to you. I will miss you all so much.
23
November 16th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
So, once you have rested up, you’ll want to let us know when you reopen. Do you have any idea how many days/weeks the shop will be closed? Maybe you could set up a K2P2 knitting help hotline for people who need help while you are resting….
24
November 16th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
No! Say it isn’t so! I can feel myself going into withdrawl already. I was in another yarn shop the other day and I compared in my mind how it wasn’t as nice as City Knitting. You will all be deeply missed.
25
November 16th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Lorilee, 100 = the number of customers I send to CK a year. You and CK will be sorely missed in Eastown! In a short time you have becomes a pearl in the Eastown Business District and Neighborhood. Sorry to hear of your decision, and of course I wish you all the best!
Jaye Van Lenten Co-Owner, Spirit Dreams
26
November 16th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Dear Lorilee It seems so appropriate that I am knitting hearts for the orphanage in Haiti, as I read the news of City Knitting closing. The news just broke my heart, but I also send you good wishes from the bottom of my heart! You will remain my favorite knitting store. You created such a great community in addition to supplying such a wonderful selection of yarn. You were also so generous with your knowledge. While I loved the yarn I purchased I think sometimes I asked more questions than there was yarn. You always gave such good guidance, tips and advice. So it is from the bottom of my heart (and the additional hearts I hope to drop by before your last day) that I wish you all the best in your next endeavor as well as the relaxation you are seeking. I do hope our paths cross again and it would be nice if it was over a skein of yarn. All the best to you and THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
204427
November 17th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Dear Lorilee City Knitting has been a wonderful haven of friendship and comfort to so many people. What has been special about the place is not so much the beautiful yarn, but the love and patience and good humor you so freely shared with everybody. You have given so much of yourself. I wish you all the best–many happy times, relaxing times, love-filled times.
28
November 19th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
You created such a unique knitting experience for everyone who entered City Knitting! Thank you so very much. No matter where I go or how many shops I visit, I always feel that yours was the most special for reasons big and small! I am so glad I got to shop there whenever I visited my daughter in GR. As a loyal fan I will follow the website, and hopefully see you on Ravelry, too! Only the best to you and CK’s amazing staff members in your creative futures! Everyone is a better, more confident and relaxed knitter for having known you–I know I certainly am!
29
November 25th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Lorilee - I am sad for the knitters of Grand Rapids but thrilled for you and your family! I loved stopping in your beautiful shop and catching up with you. I’ll have to get back to my knitting projects so I can enjoy your company in your cozy home - back to those fun afternoons how many years ago? Congratulations on all your CK success - you and your staff touched many in a wonderful way!
30
December 4th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Poop!
and best of luck in all your future endeavors.
Swack