Thursday, July 10, 2008

Little Miss Ranty-pants

If you are grouchy about the high cost of fabric, or thread, or fun and funky patterns, don't direct it at the woman who dumped out her home's equity, her childrens' college funds, and her husband's sanity to open a shop filled with the best quality quilting cottons and as many fresh, fun sewing patterns as she can afford. Just drive up the road to the nearest JoAnn's or Walmart and see how far your dollar takes you, and notice how not nice the selection is. It's okay. She won't be offended. Also, do not yell at her for not carrying notions... as a quilt shop, she didn't think to stock buttons, snaps, and elastic, nor can she afford it at this time. The yelling isn't going to help, and perhaps your hearing aid should be checked.

If you are embittered about the apparent lack of knitting classes, please note that the shop owner is available at all times during normal business hours to assist you with any project you want to attempt. This being said, you could also note the ongoing sock class, the knitted 'quilt wrap' kits which were designed for a "knit along" (kal), and the infinite varieties of scarves and sweaters laying about the shop. Pick a yarn and get started. Knitting is the shop-keep's passion, it's her reason for getting out of bed in the morning. Otherwise, she would have just pocketed the tens of thousands of dollars and built her own stash with it. And the cozy, comfy chairs would be in her own home, rather than in the very public 'knit pit' for you to use at your whim.

We are all feeling the crush of higher fuel prices. Freight costs have gone up, sales tax is higher, and if you are local, the aftermath of the June flood waters is still being unfurled. The south end of 'old Franklin' will not likely recover, and the houses which withstood nearly a century of ice storms, tornadoes, droughts, and torrential downpours will not be replaced. A big, scary slice of life is missing from our tiny hamlet. Yet, when I drive into town, things seem to be changing. Every day is a chance to be hopeful, every day is another go at making a home for the crafty vixens who come into Clementine's. Every day I hope to convert another color junkie into a fabric designer aficionado, to wean someone off the Red Heart and onto pure merino. Every day I get up and wonder "who will it be today?"

9 comments:

Knitterary said...

Don't let the jerks get you down. They're not worth it!

Unknown said...

I can certainly come by and yell. I'm trying to talk the hubster into taking you up on your vacationing offer - don't know what the hubby would be doing, but you'd have some free/cheap labor :) g

Annalea said...

You go, girl. Whenever you want to rant, I'm all ears. Er, I mean eyes . . . lol

Now, off to nurse BabyB. G'Night!

Anonymous said...

What happened after I left Thursday? I know these people come in occasionally, but you seemed happy with fried rice and Melly's wonderful "cupcake on a stick"...We had a fun time watching LeAnn's hormonal stupor. We need a happy, pleasant & calm fairy to sprinkle some magic dust over you (all of us) so that bad things and thoughts just evaporate into thin air before they even come close to us. What do you think? Maybe a sign on the door to ward off negative happenings - I'll start composing it now.
Hope today is better...love, Rob

Anonymous said...

Seriously??? Someone actually walked into your beautiful, sinfully delectable shop and YELLED? at YOU?? Wow, some people just suck, you know?
Sorry...and yeah, totally get Gaylen to visit, she ROCKS.
And i MUST KNOW about this intriguing "cupcake on a stick"?

Thimbleanna said...

You can't please all the people all the time! Some people can't get out of the traditional mold of a fabric shop. It would be a TOTAL waste of time for you to stock notions -- who buys notions in a quilt shop? People buy notions at JoAnn's because they have coupons and sales and they're much cheaper! YOU, on the other hand, offer a quality product that can't be found at JoAnn's which is the only way to survive in a JoAnn's Eat Dog world.

But I'm preaching to the choir! Melly brought in her COAS??? I'm SO jealous!!! BTW, she answered all my questions to you about a visit, so see ya soon!!! (Oh, except the one about the needles -- save me a 42" (or is that 48??? whatever) size 2 if you have it!

melly~ said...

pick me! pick me!

and you ate the last cupcake before you could get a picture, didn't you? ;) It's ok. I understand.

Lovey you, friend. Sending sloppy wet kisses.

Stephanie said...

Thata girl. Don't let them get you down. People are more than happy to pay a higher price for quality once they understand what it's like to knit with it (or quilt with it..I'm sure) Bring on the wool! Bring on the designer fabrics. You can hold your head up high and know that you are only willing to sell what you would be willing to use. And why on earth would you sell notions? Some people just don't get it do they...

Anonymous said...

I hope the rest of your week was good.

I love your store, btw!