In the spring of 2006, our store, like many others was experiencing flat sales.

The entrance of the big box stores and the Internet into yarn sales was beginning to take its toll on independent yarn shops.  In addition, our severely depressed economy in the Midwest created pressure on retail growth.  For 19 years, Fine Points grew steadily.  Suddenly, our our 20th year, we saw a shift.

And then, Richard moved out.  So let me explain.

My store is located in an eclectic neighborhood with retail and antique stores peppered among little restaurants and private homes.  In fact, Fine Points operates out of a converted 2-story house.  Behind the store is a small but charming "carriage" house with a dilapidated garden and grape arbor in the front.  Richard had lived there for several years, and suddenly he moved out.

My landloard approached me about adding the annex to my lease.  What do do?  Things did not look promising.  Under the circumstances, it didn't make sense to increase expenses for rent and renovation.  Somehow this felt like an opportunity, but I couldn't see how to make it work.

I spent some hard thought time assessing my options and intentions.  I knew that knitters look for a sense of community and a place for skill development.  Knitters love to share ideas and build technique.  We are all looking for a getaway and a place to nourish our spirits . . .

I was aware of "coffee shop knitting" cropping up everywhere and "Stitch and Bitch" groups.  I recalled our "Knit for her Cure" event held last August under the grape arbor.  My customers are still talking about it and I wanted to preserve this venue.

So when Sue (a past employee and dear friend) called me from North Carolina to say that her husband was transferring back to Cleveland, the opportunity became clear.  We would establish a teaching center to develop skills, a gathering place for conversation and networking, and an oasis to nurture our spirits.  I was this lateral expansion as a way of rekindling the excitement and to genuinely give back to our community of Knitters.

The pieces began falling into place.  Sue committed to organizing classes and "Sit & Knits," and our TNNA intern (from PiPN - Pathways into Professional Needlearts) established "Urban Outknitters:  a knitting club for young adults."

Our patrons are excited, our staff is re-engaged, and my neighbors are buzzing with anticipation.

The paint has long dried and the grapes have ripened.  Little by little, our customers have become comfortable in our garden.  We're looking forward to this summer . . .