I have started calling myself the “Jill of all trades and master of none.” And honestly, I am perfectly fine with that.
First, I want to thank my supportive husband for encouraging my interests. He is so good to me. I have said it before, and I will gladly say it again, if it were not for my husband, my angel investor of Yarn Store Boutique, I would never have had a yarn store in the first place. Although it's called a "yarn store," it has always meant much more.
When I first opened the store, I brought in pottery pieces I had made to sell, partly because I loved them, and partly because I needed to fill the empty spaces until yarn took over. And well… that didn’t take long. Yarn has a way of settling in and making itself right at home.
Before Yarn Store Boutique, I was teaching pottery out of my garage; children, adults, anyone who wanted to come play in the clay. I also taught knitting out of my home. It was such a sweet season. But then we downsized, and along with that went the kiln, the wheel, the slab roller… all the things that take up space but give so much joy.
Fast forward a bit, and we realized we may have downsized just a little too much. So now we’ve upsized into a home with a three-car garage, and this amazing husband of mine said I could build out a space and have my pottery studio back. Not for teaching this time, just for me. Just to play. And let me tell you, it is almost complete, and my heart is so happy.
Now, beyond yarn and pottery, I have a few other passions—and yes, I prefer that word over hobbies. “Hobbies” sounds a little too casual for something that brings this much joy.
Jewelry has always been one of those loves. I carried it in the early days of the store, and it didn’t quite stick. But now I’m trying again with a line my friend Alice introduced me to: Tova. It is beautiful, affordable, and just feels right. Sometimes things come back around when the timing is better.
And then… oh my… fountain pens.
I am completely hooked.
There is something about them; the weight in your hand, the smoothness of the ink, the way writing suddenly feels like an experience instead of a task. And yes, they have now found their way into the store too.
Now why do I bring all these things into Yarn Store Boutique? Well… if I am being honest, it is because I love them. I am probably the best customer in my own store. If something brings me joy, I can’t help but want to share it with you all.
And somehow, Julie and I always manage to make room. We shift things, tuck things, rethink things. No, we are not hanging anything from the ceiling… yet. But give us time. Ha, ha.
Here’s the truth though: I may call myself a “Jill of all trades,” but really… I am just a squirrel.
Always a little distracted.
Always spotting the next beautiful thing.
Always gathering bits and pieces of creativity to tuck away and enjoy.
And you know what? I think many of you are, too.
That is what makes this place feel the way it does.
Yarn Store Boutique has never just been about yarn. It is about creating, exploring, trying something new, circling back to something old, and sharing all of it together. It is about the conversations, the laughter, the “look what I found,” and the “you have to try this.”
Every passion, every new idea, every little squirrel moment—it all somehow leads back to community.
Whether you're here for yarn, jewelry, pens, or simply a creative space with like-minded people, you're welcome.
You belong here.
And I have a feeling… we are just getting started.
