So much news! First off we want to congratulate Paula Losasso, from Keller, Texas. She was our Small Business Promotion winner for the month of September! We know she had a rather relaxing weekend, and I am sure enjoyed that bottle of chocolate wine. You too can be a winner.... our next drawing will be Oct. 16th. We are running it two weeks into October as it has taken me a little longer to get this newsletter out. So let me tell you about the awesome basket on the counter now! Yarn Heaven's contribution is 10 skeins of Soft Kid and a Rebecca Home Magazine, make something scrumptious for your home or yourself! Our secret wine contributor has contributed another bottle of wine (sorry not chocolate), two wine glasses, different than the last two, one says KNIT, one says PURL! There is a gorgeous purse inside of this basket kindly donated by Angel Roc. Angel Roc is a tiny little business at the corner of Broad St. and Main St. in Mansfield, which just happens to be in the historic district and also happens to be not too far from where I live. I pass this little gem on the way back and forth to work, so one day I just had to stop in. If you love purses and jewelry, this place is for you. The owner is a very nice lady and she does have a facebook page, please stop by her page and say hello or better yet stop in and see what she has to offer. My sister has received several purses and other items from this little store, she loves the stuff I buy her from Angel Roc. Their link on facebook is here https://www.facebook.com/w.php?h=AeRc3IBlur0oxqX4#!/angelrocjewelry. Please let them know that Yarn Heaven sent you their way and we appreciate their contribution!
Next in our Small Business Promotion Basket is a zany little place called Swankyville Boutique! Yes, you have read correctly. Swankyville Boutique is located South of the bridge on Main St. in Mansfield, on the East Side. Never in a million years did I expect to find the treasures I did in this awesome little business. Don't let my description fool you. This store might be small, but there is not one inch of wasted space on the inside and there was sooooooo much to see! Everywhere I looked there was something of interest. There was so much that I had to go back a second time and of course, purchased something both times. They have unique clothing, shoes, blinged out t -shirts and sandals, jewelry and so much more. I was amazed at how much they had in their space and yet comfortable enough to shop in. I had been in that space when it was another store that had nowhere near the amount this store has and I couldn't turn around, not the case in Swankyville Boutique. The owners were very generous and donated a Papaya Art insulated bag. And if you think Sparkle is spoiled rotten, well she has nothing on that Swankyville puppy! Next to Sparkle one of the cutest puppies I have ever seen. Here is the facebook link to Swankyville Boutique https://www.facebook.com/w.php?h=AeRc3IBlur0oxqX4#!/pages/Swankyville-Boutique/125830544124623 and Swankyville Boutique's website is http://shopsatswankyville.com/
Again, please let these businesses know how you heard about them or found them thru Yarn Heaven. That way they know when they donate we are telling customers about their businesses.
These are two great little businesses and both women owned and operated. With the economy still as soft as it is, all of us Mom and Pop businesses need all the help we can get. I just had a great discussion with my landlord about the downfall of small businesses. If we work together and keep the 3/50 project in mind, (pick three of your favorite small businesses that you would hate to see go out of business and try to spend $50.00 a month in those stores), it will help to keep their doors open.
disappointment that I have to report that as of now, Lana Grossa Yarns will no longer be imported into the United States. As small stores, we used to have minimum opening orders with companies, and then I believe the industry got greedy. The further up the ladder you go the more you have to spend. So our wholesalers have to spend more than 20 times what I have to spend and unlike a million retail stores, the number of wholesalers is much smaller. If the customers are not buying, the retailers are not buying, if the retailers are not buying the wholesalers are not buying, if the wholesalers are not buying, the product usually ends up no longer being made. How sad this situation is. I can only speak for my industry but I can see it happening in many other industrys, except we won't get the bail out the car industrys and banks got, the only way small businesses get bailed out is if people spend their money in our businesses. So please, when you are thinking of making a purchase at Wal Mart, or Target or other big name stores, take a minute and ask youself if this is something you can purchase from a privately owned business and know much it would help them to keep their doors open.
Just like y'all we are looking for ways to cut back expenses as much as we can. One way this small business has found to cut expenses was by switching from a Land Line to a Cell Phone, saving over $170 per month. When we got rid of our land line we still needed a way to take credit cards. There are many ways to take cards now on our Ipads and smart phones. Doing this we have gone from being charged up 2.02 % up to 4% on those credit cards that give y'all rewards when you use them to a flat rate of being charged 1.7% whether I key in the transaction or swipe, so far, we are saving over $200 a month. If you are a small business owner, I hope this tip helps you as much as it has helped me. Ok, I am off of the small business soapbox and on to other things.
The new Touch Me Lux, is just incrediable! Sometimes, I just pick up a skein and walk around the store.......touching it! Time to make a nice scarf out of it for the cruise!!
Sea Silk order is expected to arrive any day now. I cannot wait!! 250 skeins of Sea Silk, 60 skeins of Silk Maiden, Maiden Hair, Sea Sock and some undyed so we can dye some more for you!!
We have quite a surprise in the store. In my travels to California, I came across a couple of really cute vests. They are comfortable and loose fitting. Everytime I have worn these, y'all have wanted to know where to buy them, well guess what.....they are here in the store, with some lovely long, elastic waistband skirts that go from light to dark and are extremely comfortable. Come check them out! We sold out of the black vests the first day, but received our order yesterday and as of right now there are still a few skirts left.
It was with much excitement that I registered for Stitch and Sail today, my roommate is Andie!! She will really appreciate the Bahama's in October, especially after her first year back in the snow. Here is the registration link and I hope to see lots of you on the cruise! http://www.stitchandsail.com/
And one last reminder about some of the great classes coming up; Cabled Vest, Amelie Jacket (knit or crochet it) Socks!! http://yhclasses.blogspot.com/
With our Christmas Knitting Count Down started Joan has prepared our Wish List Book again and it is now on the counter, take a sheet, put your name on it and make a list of your hearts desires! Send your friends and family in and we will show them the book, get what you really want for Christmas, my husband wishes it was so easy for him! Speaking of Christimas, as of 2:20pm today, there are 72 days, 1738 hours, 104319 minutes of knitting and crocheting time left!!
One last item, my landlord has a space for lease in our strip center, it is 2000sq ft and he is asking from $1900 to $2400 a month, depending on credentials. It is a great little spot, and I for one would love to see it filled!
