Joe and I are hoping to open July 17th. We have really been putting in some long hours this week, especially Joe! Yes, we are still ordering and stocking which will continue on now for many months to come. Fall items were ordered a couple of months ago - and it all will start arriving in August and on through the end of the year. There is always something new on the knitting/crochet horizon that everyone wants!
There are a couple of things on the business side that need to be done first thing this morning. Cindy and I will be working today getting merchandise into inventory and onto shelves. I may connect the Dymo printer today and see how it does on barcodes. We have run short of USB ports and a visit to the Apple store for a powered USB is necessary.
We are being heralded as The Woodlands' yarn shop! I really like that.
It IS TexMex Friday! Thank Goodness! And no working on Saturday this weekend either! Everyone relax and enjoy the weekend!
Owning and working in a yarn shop with a bit of my life with Joe and the kids mixed in
Friday, June 29, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Signage
As Joe and I were leaving this evening, I took a quick picture of our sign on the marquee on FM 242/College Park Drive. As many of you will agree, the marquees can be difficult to see as they are kind of tucked into the trees Woodlands-style. (possibly depending on how fast you are going and what you are doing). The sign over the shop will be the same style.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Weekend Update - We Have Not Opened Yet
Friday was Cindy's 1st day working at iPurl. Also, our sign on the marquee on College Park Drive in front of the shopping center is in place. It can be seen if you are coming from I45 on FM 242. It looks very nice.
Still having trouble printing barcodes Thursday evening, we surmised the only thing that could be keeping the darn thing from printing was that the label was too small for it to fit. I made a quick run to Office Depot to get larger labels. Wanting a backup plan, I got a Dymo printer as our software also supports that printer. The larger labels brought success printing barcodes and soon we were hard at work. Going through bag after bag of NORO, we printed barcodes including price; stuck them on each skein and put yarn onto shelves. JoAnne came in to have lunch with us and stayed to help.
At 5PM, we all left to go have TexMex and much-anticipated beeg margaritas.
Early Saturday morning, Joe and I set out for the retail fixture store again. We quickly picked up what we needed and headed on to Ikea. Needing a specific shelf for display, we walked thru the shelving area and made our shelf choice. We also selected two drawer units for much needed storage hoping to use them as a divider between shop area and knitting area.
We drove to the shop and unloaded the truck fairly quickly and headed toward home.
Monday - will be a busy day. Ordering and accepting deliveries are at the top of the list now. I need to call and check on orders to make sure they are on their way. Everything for the shop to function is in place so when deliveries come in, we can quickly and efficiently get merchandise into inventory and onto the shelves. Joe will be stopping in on his way home to start putting together the shelf and cabinets we bought Saturday.
Next Sunday, I am going to pick up Alexis. I am really looking forward to having her with me in the shop every day! She spent two Summers with me at the shop in Lake Charles while her Mom was at work. She helped me stock the shop and knew where everything was. Even though she was only 10 years old, she knew enough to assist customers. She taught several how to knit! Customers always noticed her, wanting to know what she was knitting. The Summer she was 11 years old, she was knitting socks! Customers would come in and see her sitting and knitting and ask, "is she knitting? "Is she knitting socks?!" They figured if a child could knit socks, they could too! It's going to be a great week! The following weekend, her Mom is coming to get her and we are all going to see Rascal Flatts - the concert Alexis wants to see this Summer.
Still having trouble printing barcodes Thursday evening, we surmised the only thing that could be keeping the darn thing from printing was that the label was too small for it to fit. I made a quick run to Office Depot to get larger labels. Wanting a backup plan, I got a Dymo printer as our software also supports that printer. The larger labels brought success printing barcodes and soon we were hard at work. Going through bag after bag of NORO, we printed barcodes including price; stuck them on each skein and put yarn onto shelves. JoAnne came in to have lunch with us and stayed to help.
At 5PM, we all left to go have TexMex and much-anticipated beeg margaritas.
Early Saturday morning, Joe and I set out for the retail fixture store again. We quickly picked up what we needed and headed on to Ikea. Needing a specific shelf for display, we walked thru the shelving area and made our shelf choice. We also selected two drawer units for much needed storage hoping to use them as a divider between shop area and knitting area.
We drove to the shop and unloaded the truck fairly quickly and headed toward home.
Monday - will be a busy day. Ordering and accepting deliveries are at the top of the list now. I need to call and check on orders to make sure they are on their way. Everything for the shop to function is in place so when deliveries come in, we can quickly and efficiently get merchandise into inventory and onto the shelves. Joe will be stopping in on his way home to start putting together the shelf and cabinets we bought Saturday.
Next Sunday, I am going to pick up Alexis. I am really looking forward to having her with me in the shop every day! She spent two Summers with me at the shop in Lake Charles while her Mom was at work. She helped me stock the shop and knew where everything was. Even though she was only 10 years old, she knew enough to assist customers. She taught several how to knit! Customers always noticed her, wanting to know what she was knitting. The Summer she was 11 years old, she was knitting socks! Customers would come in and see her sitting and knitting and ask, "is she knitting? "Is she knitting socks?!" They figured if a child could knit socks, they could too! It's going to be a great week! The following weekend, her Mom is coming to get her and we are all going to see Rascal Flatts - the concert Alexis wants to see this Summer.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Occupancy Permit Update
Yesterday afternoon, Joe did everything asked by the Fire Marshal. He took pictures with his iPhone and emailed them to her. So, we have passed inspection and our permit is forthcoming! Hooray!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Fire Marshall Visit
One of the Fire Marshalls from Montgomery County called us at home yesterday morning to make an appointment to come to iPurl to do the inspection for our occupancy permit. We set the time for 4pm as she requested that Joe be present. Normally, the contractor has to be present for the inspection but he said he had done only cosmetic work and did not need to be there.
Joe got to the shop about 3:30 and we visited as I perused sock yarns for an order I am working on. Four o'clock came and went as we chatted. At 5:15pm, we gave up on her and walked 2 doors down to Russo's for pizza. Just as our drinks were served, Joe saw the Fire Marshall's vehicle in the parking lot. He went out, flagged her down and they walked to the shop. After about 30 minutes, he came back to Russo's.
Even though we followed every Instruction from the Fire Marshall's office that was attached to our architect's drawing of the shop; we did not get our permit. Joe has to move 1 fire extinguisher so that you don't have to walk in front of the breaker box in the kitchen/break room to get to it. Both fire extinguishers have to be labeled with PASS (pull, aim, squeeze and spray) - a copy of the sales receipt has to be taped to each extinguisher with room to initial for monthly checks AND a zip tie wrap has to be put on each extinguisher so it can't be accidentally discharged. What? The breaker switches also have to be labeled. She made Joe switch them ALL off because they weren't labeled! She agreed to let him flip the one to the fridge back on because she could SEE that's what the breaker controlled. ALL of the electric wiring and breaker boxes were installed by the property owner long before we leased the the space.
Of course, the alarm company called to report that the electricity was off.
It's crazy to make a shop owner turn off the electricity that controls the phone, lights, computer, Internet, and alarm system. It's not like it all hasn't been on for nearly 2 months! So, when I get to work this morning, I am turning them all back on. I can't work if the breakers are switched off. Joe will be labeling them this afternoon and moving the fire extinguisher. He will email photos of the work/changes and a permit will be issued - soon hopefully.
I know she was probably following rules but a little common sense goes a long way, IMHO. It is easy to see that we are in the shop! It's fully furnished and we are working and stocking there every day. Having the electricity turned off all night has had no purpose except to allow humidity into our shop and merchandise. Maybe it fluffed up all alpaca...
BTW, application for this permit is $500.00 and has to be accompanied by architectural drawings $2,000.00.
Joe got to the shop about 3:30 and we visited as I perused sock yarns for an order I am working on. Four o'clock came and went as we chatted. At 5:15pm, we gave up on her and walked 2 doors down to Russo's for pizza. Just as our drinks were served, Joe saw the Fire Marshall's vehicle in the parking lot. He went out, flagged her down and they walked to the shop. After about 30 minutes, he came back to Russo's.
Even though we followed every Instruction from the Fire Marshall's office that was attached to our architect's drawing of the shop; we did not get our permit. Joe has to move 1 fire extinguisher so that you don't have to walk in front of the breaker box in the kitchen/break room to get to it. Both fire extinguishers have to be labeled with PASS (pull, aim, squeeze and spray) - a copy of the sales receipt has to be taped to each extinguisher with room to initial for monthly checks AND a zip tie wrap has to be put on each extinguisher so it can't be accidentally discharged. What? The breaker switches also have to be labeled. She made Joe switch them ALL off because they weren't labeled! She agreed to let him flip the one to the fridge back on because she could SEE that's what the breaker controlled. ALL of the electric wiring and breaker boxes were installed by the property owner long before we leased the the space.
Of course, the alarm company called to report that the electricity was off.
It's crazy to make a shop owner turn off the electricity that controls the phone, lights, computer, Internet, and alarm system. It's not like it all hasn't been on for nearly 2 months! So, when I get to work this morning, I am turning them all back on. I can't work if the breakers are switched off. Joe will be labeling them this afternoon and moving the fire extinguisher. He will email photos of the work/changes and a permit will be issued - soon hopefully.
I know she was probably following rules but a little common sense goes a long way, IMHO. It is easy to see that we are in the shop! It's fully furnished and we are working and stocking there every day. Having the electricity turned off all night has had no purpose except to allow humidity into our shop and merchandise. Maybe it fluffed up all alpaca...
BTW, application for this permit is $500.00 and has to be accompanied by architectural drawings $2,000.00.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Starting the Week with Photos
It's starting to feel like the shop is getting it's "look" and coming together now. This is definitely the fun part for me. Joe stopped by this afternoon and loaded up most of his tools and empty boxes that had accumulated last week. This Saturday, we are planning to make our last run to Ikea and Harwin (for awhile, we hope). There is a short list.
We are focusing on crochet as well as knitting at iPurl. Crochet hooks will be in stock alongside knitting needles and crochet cotton will be on the shelves. Cindy will be working Friday and Saturdays; she is an expert crocheter.
Sock yarn will also be a specialty since its a favorite of the shopkeeper who likes variety. It's not just for socks anymore! You can find a pattern to knit anything in sock yarn. There are many absolutely beautiful ones now and some that are just fun!
Wifi is available so bring you laptop, notebook, iPad and/or iPhone for quick access to Ravelry, FaceBook or your favorite craft blog.
Today, work started in the chocolate shop going in next door. Just think, chocolate for a neighbor! MediFast on the other side - so convenient! (I would so LOVE to have Starbucks very very very close)
The Knitting Table
open any time for anyone wanting to knit/crochet with others. If you are wanting to "up" your skills a bit or have a question about a project you are working on; this is the place to be! The only requisite is to be nice, of course!
(there are two more chairs - a blue one and an orange one - we still need two more though)
Things are starting to come together around the little hutch that will be filled with Araucania's Huasco
That is Babette on the left and the little girl knitting is in her place.
An example of my handiwork in Senso - the Japanese crocheted motif that was "everywhere" last Summer - on a table in a sitting area. (a sure sign that Senso will be available in the shop)
Babette found a ruffling scarf!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Babette the French Mannequin
Took a couple of snaps of the dressmakers' form I picked up. She is fun and will enjoy wearing something knitted, I think. She is billed as a French Mannequin and she needs a name. Babette, maybe?
Friday, June 15, 2012
Friday
I am headed out fairly early this morning. (I usually head out late morning since we work late in the shop) Business cards are ready to be picked up. Last week, Pier One had a cute dressmaker's form on display. I looked it over, decided to think about it and left. When Joe stopped to pick it up on his way home; it had been sold! They were happy to order one for us and it should be in.
I have been brainstorming about a good way to showcase a LOT of small-packaged, amazing knitting newness! Maybe an old cosmetic travel case? I'm putting it in my subconscious mind to help me watch for something unusual. They are small and look lost on a shelf but they are definitely worthy of a better look.
Today, I need to figure out printing barcodes for the items that don't have one. I am sure it will be fairly simple. There are a lot more of those items than I thought there would be. I also have barcodes on products from Chile that don't scan - I think I can manually put the numbers in and print the barcode so it will scan. I stocked up on blank labels that are barcode size yesterday.
Joe finished painting the knit group table in old white. Looks really good! It needs about 3 coats of wax and it's ready! I'm going to pick up the drop cloth and put some of the painted chairs in place and see how it looks.
This coming week, I will be going over some backorders and calling to see if they will be able to deliver in the next 2 weeks. If not, those orders will be cancelled and replaced with orders from yarn companies that can deliver sooner. These are orders for basic yarns such as baby yarns and cotton. There are many new yarns on order that will be coming in all the way thru October and November but we still have to have the basics.
Everybody make it a Great Friday!
I have been brainstorming about a good way to showcase a LOT of small-packaged, amazing knitting newness! Maybe an old cosmetic travel case? I'm putting it in my subconscious mind to help me watch for something unusual. They are small and look lost on a shelf but they are definitely worthy of a better look.
Today, I need to figure out printing barcodes for the items that don't have one. I am sure it will be fairly simple. There are a lot more of those items than I thought there would be. I also have barcodes on products from Chile that don't scan - I think I can manually put the numbers in and print the barcode so it will scan. I stocked up on blank labels that are barcode size yesterday.
Joe finished painting the knit group table in old white. Looks really good! It needs about 3 coats of wax and it's ready! I'm going to pick up the drop cloth and put some of the painted chairs in place and see how it looks.
This coming week, I will be going over some backorders and calling to see if they will be able to deliver in the next 2 weeks. If not, those orders will be cancelled and replaced with orders from yarn companies that can deliver sooner. These are orders for basic yarns such as baby yarns and cotton. There are many new yarns on order that will be coming in all the way thru October and November but we still have to have the basics.
Everybody make it a Great Friday!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Merchandising
The shelving in the shop was almost doubled this week. It's hard to know how much shelving you will need until you get it all in place. We measured wall space, checked shelving width and bought accordingly. Yet, after it all was in place, we still felt we were going to be considerably short!
We hauled a few things from home to the shop this morning - a bookshelf, a small oak table and two wicker chairs. Since we were out and about, we went to pick up more Annie Sloan paint - Old White this time time! Joe is still painting the table. When he turned the table upside down to paint the pedestal, he noticed that the pedestal is dragon's feet! How cool! I hadn't noticed. (the dragon toes will probably be sporting red nails)
While at the Antique Mall, we searched for a few interesting merchandising and staging items. You can have ideas in mind, for certain products that need creative display, but you never know what you will find! We did found some neat things today. Joe found the "TREASURE" of the day though! I have pictures!
This is a Harry Roseland signed print of a little girl knitting. The detail is amazing and I love everything about her. She exemplifies every child knitting! She will have a special place in the shop. I don't know how Joe spotted her! She was not easy to see.
Below, is a vintage child's folding beach chair. It is really neat looking - after a coat of bright paint; it will be used for display. It's a good piece for the "look" we are trying to achieve.
The next two items were stacked together for a quick picture. They both are great shades of green. One is a tall wire basket with handles and the other piece is a small filing box of some sort. Both will be used somewhere in the shop.
In the Knit N Needle, I used a beautiful, small drawer from my antique sideboard (lost to Hurricane Rita) as a "sock drawer" display. It was perfect! I threw it away when we moved, of course. You don't usually find single drawers for sale.... But I still look.
We hauled a few things from home to the shop this morning - a bookshelf, a small oak table and two wicker chairs. Since we were out and about, we went to pick up more Annie Sloan paint - Old White this time time! Joe is still painting the table. When he turned the table upside down to paint the pedestal, he noticed that the pedestal is dragon's feet! How cool! I hadn't noticed. (the dragon toes will probably be sporting red nails)
While at the Antique Mall, we searched for a few interesting merchandising and staging items. You can have ideas in mind, for certain products that need creative display, but you never know what you will find! We did found some neat things today. Joe found the "TREASURE" of the day though! I have pictures!
This is a Harry Roseland signed print of a little girl knitting. The detail is amazing and I love everything about her. She exemplifies every child knitting! She will have a special place in the shop. I don't know how Joe spotted her! She was not easy to see.
Below, is a vintage child's folding beach chair. It is really neat looking - after a coat of bright paint; it will be used for display. It's a good piece for the "look" we are trying to achieve.
The next two items were stacked together for a quick picture. They both are great shades of green. One is a tall wire basket with handles and the other piece is a small filing box of some sort. Both will be used somewhere in the shop.
Friday, June 8, 2012
TGIF!
Fridays come around so quickly, it seems.
Today is not a good day to wear your favorite shoes unless they are waterproof! Joe and I were caught in a downpour coming out of Lupe's yesterday evening! Water was standing in the parking lot. Today is supposed to be the same weather wise. When all else fails, in order to save a great pair of shoes; take them off and barefoot it! Channel 2 gives "hair day" alerts. I think "shoe day" alerts are much more valuable to the ladies.
Expecting a large delivery today - that's always fun! Joe is painting the knit group table and it is coming along very well. I got one coat of red (Emperor's Silk) Annie Sloan paint on a chair this morning. As furnishings go into place, I can get an idea of where a fun knitting poster or print might go. I also have some fun pictures from the Knit N Needle that will be on the walls.
Today is not a good day to wear your favorite shoes unless they are waterproof! Joe and I were caught in a downpour coming out of Lupe's yesterday evening! Water was standing in the parking lot. Today is supposed to be the same weather wise. When all else fails, in order to save a great pair of shoes; take them off and barefoot it! Channel 2 gives "hair day" alerts. I think "shoe day" alerts are much more valuable to the ladies.
Expecting a large delivery today - that's always fun! Joe is painting the knit group table and it is coming along very well. I got one coat of red (Emperor's Silk) Annie Sloan paint on a chair this morning. As furnishings go into place, I can get an idea of where a fun knitting poster or print might go. I also have some fun pictures from the Knit N Needle that will be on the walls.
Have a GREAT Friday!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
It's already Wednesday!
I can't believe it is Wednesday already. Not just days, but whole weeks are flying by! I am trying to remember who used to say, " time flies when you're having fun".
I am sipping a fragrant green tea from Teavana this morning as I enjoy a slower, quiet morning. Thinking about the possibility of the coming rain, I feel a quiet joy that is centering. Today's To Do List is on hold for the next hour or so. Little brown wrens are playing in the shade on the back porch. The back yard is so pretty and green!
Okay, my Zen time is over. Joe called - we had a few things to discuss. I have to stop at Walmart on the way to the shop - there is no Zen at Walmart! A few pics from yesterday -
I think I may need TexMex tonight...
I am sipping a fragrant green tea from Teavana this morning as I enjoy a slower, quiet morning. Thinking about the possibility of the coming rain, I feel a quiet joy that is centering. Today's To Do List is on hold for the next hour or so. Little brown wrens are playing in the shade on the back porch. The back yard is so pretty and green!
Okay, my Zen time is over. Joe called - we had a few things to discuss. I have to stop at Walmart on the way to the shop - there is no Zen at Walmart! A few pics from yesterday -
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
Today's Realization
I spent the afternoon working in the shop - very enjoyable afternoon! (finally) Joe came in about 3:30pm. We had talked earlier in the afternoon about one of our largest orders from back in April getting lost. (how does that happen) As he is looking about, I tell him we don't have enough shelves! He agreed with me.
So, we are off to Ikea again early tomorrow morning.
Proofs of sign came via email late this afternoon! Neither of us have looked at them yet! Tomorrow is soon enough although the sign going up is quite exciting. By Fridays, we both are looking for our "quiet happy place." I am looking forward to a movie on Sunday afternoon - MIB3 or Snow White?
Have a great weekend everyone!
P.S. The UPS guy came in this afternoon with another delivery. As I signed off, he is looking around, and he says, "So, do you knit?" I started laughing, "not lately!"
So, we are off to Ikea again early tomorrow morning.
Proofs of sign came via email late this afternoon! Neither of us have looked at them yet! Tomorrow is soon enough although the sign going up is quite exciting. By Fridays, we both are looking for our "quiet happy place." I am looking forward to a movie on Sunday afternoon - MIB3 or Snow White?
Have a great weekend everyone!
P.S. The UPS guy came in this afternoon with another delivery. As I signed off, he is looking around, and he says, "So, do you knit?" I started laughing, "not lately!"
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