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Monday, March 3, 2014

The End of Everything Old

Hey guys, I'm closing the shop.

Not today though. About a month from now.


This is a hard post to write. I don't like disappointing people, and I'd much rather be telling you about some really awesome new things on the horizon that I'd love you to be a part of! I'll get to that, and to reasons and such, but first I wanted to share a shutdown timeline, for those of you who need the quick and dirty.

Timeline

Right now: No worries! The etsy shop is still open. I won't be adding any more items, but even were the shutdown not happening that would be the case because Fibres West is coming and I have to reserve stock.

  • If you have been craving a sweater lot of one of my colourways, now is the time to see if it's in the budget and make a custom order. I will be taking custom orders up until Saturday, March 22. The next day I'll order the yarn, and dye it up as soon as it arrives.
  • Custom order rules, limits, etc: Must be for three or more skeins of the same base, though they don't have to be the same colour. If you want less than that, try getting together with a knitterly friend to make your order! There is no extra charge for custom orders. I will be keeping the order options to a few select bases: Paragon, Kashmir, Lively, Sublime, and Squish. I might be convinced on others if folks can get together orders for 6 or more skeins.
March 21 and 22: Fibres West! This is my very favourite show, and I didn't want to miss out on vending one last time. I'll be bringing my entire stock, which includes some surprises, some awesome new colourways, sweater lots, and more! I'll be taking custom orders (same rules apply) there too. Please come see me!

March 23: Last yarn order. I'll be getting ready to fill all of your lovely custom orders. I'll keep you updated as they progress and ship them asap.

March 26 (ish): THE SALE BEGINS. Everything still in stock will go on sale, with the discount percentage going up as time goes on. It's gonna be madness! If there's something you love, buy it now, at Fibres West, or early in the sale because once things are gone there's no turning back.

Now that's out of the way, my reasons for quitting. In short, it's best for me, and for my family. The indie yarn market is full of wonderful dyers who can pick up the slack, and I need to seek out the more consistent paycheque of traditional employment. My kiddo would love preschool and I need to get my butt in gear so I can reliably pay for it. I've been a great boss (and so modest!) and I love working for myself, but I am also looking forward to the stress reduction and defined work hours. Dyeing is a creative process, and it needs to be filled with inspiration and love. I've been having a harder time dredging those up, and so it's time to pass the torch to people who are feeling it as strongly as I was when I started.

Things I am feeling inspired by, however, are pattern design and podcasting! I'll be introducing you to a new website very soon, and (yay!) I plan to have my first podcast episode out sometime shortly after Fibres West. I'm super excited! I'll post more on that later.

Thanks for bearing with me, my dear friends. 

11 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear that you're shutting down, Em. I bought my first skein of Everything Old at the first Knit City and I bought some more at the second. I hope really wonderful things happen for you as you move forward :)

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  2. Em I am sorry that you are shutting down but completely understand. I bought my first skein of Everything Old at FibresWest a couple of years ago. Wishing you only the best for your future. I will see you at FibresWest. ~Marilyn

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  3. Good for you taking care of yourself and your family! But I will miss you-I've loved the Everything Old yarns I've purchased at Fibrations, and Knit City. Luckily I'm sitting on a sweater quantity of Paragon, but I may be tempted to give up my cold sheep vow to stock up on True Blue while I can :)

    Also, the right preschool is totally worth it!

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    1. Cold sheep is so tough to keep by. I tend to aim for more of a lukewarm sheep. Maybe even tepid ;)

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  4. I'm sorry to hear that you'll be closing up shop, because your yarns and fibers are SO beautiful, but glad you're doing what's right for you and your family! Thanks for making such lovely things!

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  5. All the wonderful experience gained as your own boss will serve you well on your new quest. I remember the great help and advice you gave me when I was setting up my business and will always be greatful. All the best Em.

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    1. I wish everyone could try risk-free self employment just once. It's a wild ride, but such a learning experience.

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  6. Hi Em - while I'm sorry to hear that you are closing down the dyeworks I totally understand why. I've been on a run of knitting with your beautiful yarns for the past month or so - guess I'd better stock up to keep the fun going! Best of luck with your new adventures - I look forward to seeing what you get up to!

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