If you had an LNS...

A wide selection of embroidery floss, Persian and tapestry wool. Canvas by the yard. Lots of knitting material, if it's in the colder climes.

Space to sit and stitch with scheduled stitch-ins but an ethos that allowed for unscheduled ones to develop as well.

Elizabeth

I would love a shop that offers a lot of different items. It would be okay if they only showed samples to save space and took orders. I'm stuck with only Michaels within reasonable driving distance so I would welcome almost anything.

Lucille

Classes in different finishing techniques--stretching and framing, finishing bellpulls and cushions, making purses and bags from needlepoint/crewel etc.

Dawne

A collection of books with historical references. A good colection of magazines both `How to` and others . Catalogs and samples of threads and wools , background materials etc,, At least one person who understands about various Crafts and textiles techniques etc,,, mirjam

Aren't you in Florida? I can rec a great shop in Ft. Lauderdale - I did my business wiht them by phone, credit card, and they mailed me just what I needed. I can ferret out the name and number if you want. Val - who doesn't even hv a Michaels nearby.

This may sound a bit out there, but a computer set up and ready for customers to look at Hoffmandis or possibly other wholesale sites so they can come in and say "this is what I want". I know sometimes I go in to a shop looking for an idea, or have an idea, but they don't have anything *exactly* right and have wished I could use a compouter (or even a catalog!) to show them "something along this line."

Of course, fabrics, threads, canvas. . .

Linda

Fort Lauderdale is pretty far from me. I'm in Port St. Lucie on the Treasure Coast.

Up until recently we had a lovely shop in Stuart, approximately a 1/2 hour car ride and I got spoiled.

Lucille

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote: if you

I would dearly like a shop that actually acknowledges you when you come in, doesn't treat browsing as an imposition, doesn't talke down to you, and doesn't act as if waiting on you is a chore.

Monique in TX

I would just love a store in the area. We have nothing Our local walmart , it carries nothing. It seems that they do not think fabrics and cross stitch items were not very important. But they sell sewing machines.... The internet is my friend. Also when my daughters come to visit they bring me what I need. I put in a large order sheet. One lives in Raleigh ,NC.Other lives in Fredericks burg, VA .Elizabeth City ,NC is very limited. It seems living in a small area,you do not get big stores or even change stores.(No Michaels,A.C Moore,Hancock,Jo-Anne fabrics. Have to travel to VA for everything. Things I would like in a local craft store. Class,(knitting,Quilting ,even basic sewing,etc) large working area.Were people could help each other with a craft. Shared craft book library. I have craft books I no longer use and would love to share them with others.(But our library sells books ,that you give them). Thank you very much Barbara

One other thought - heretical though it may be - I think any kind of craft shop needs to have a "cheap" corner - basic aida, lower grade basic canvas, inexpensive kits - so people who are intrigued but unwilling to spend the money have something to pick up and try. And I think anyone who is trying to start a store in these times will

*really* need to have such a section or they will price themselves right out of business.

Linda

I like that. How about a periodic doodle day -- no projects, just practise stuff.

In addition to other suggestions, I'd like to see a sign on or near the front door 'Leave your stitching police badge at the door.'

here are a few of mine:

Electronic Mailings to save postage and paper that highlight special events or sales, no recipes, no chatty stuff

involvement and support of local organizations -- EGA, ANG, quilting

Referrals to finishers

Great thought, Linda (and also your handy computer idea)! Rather than a "cheap" corner, how 'bout a "Try it before you buy it" corner? :) It goes along with Barbara's idea, too, "I have craft books I no longer use and would love to share them with others." And Anne's doodle day.

Now, where is this shop going to be located? Somewhere in North Dakota, I hope? :) Joan

Thanks, Louisa

The ability to maintain a "wish list" for regulars - for family and friends who need inspiration for special days. I would be sure to have framing available - and I love the idea of having a referral list for finishers.

The hardest thing for a shopowner to keep sight of - is that there will always be beginners and while we might depend upon the established, more advanced to stay around, we cannot slight those wishing to get started. I would also have a suggestion box and would be sure that I did not try to accommodate too many different skills when getting started. Trying to cover too many bases can lead to not having a complete selection for any.

Missing my just closed shop~ sigh

Kathie in VA

Well, would you still like me to find the info? The woman in the shop was so patient and decent over the phone. I almost wish I needed her again. I am sure I have their business card somewhere. I looked at the DMC site, picked out my color, and she gave me eyeball advice over the phone and shipped it pronto.

There was a wonderful place in the late seventies in Delray called the Apple Shop - had hundreds on completed kits tacked onto the ceiling, ( I used to wonder how many manhours were represented there), vast amounts of knitting yarn, you name it. Unfortunately, they folded long ago.

V

I really can't add to anything that has been said already. I love the sit and stitch when ever from Brat, the computer access and rest of the suggestions.

So, how about near me.... LOL

Cheryl

Monique!!!!!!!!! Where have you been girl? Nice to see you around here again!

Joan

Thanks, I can always use the number of a helpful shop and who knows, some day I might decide to take a longer ride and visit there.

Lucille