July 06, 2020 2 min read 19 Comments

Before Covid, I used to go to quite a few networking events – graying men in blue suits drinking cheap red wine from plastic tumblers standing around in a group laughing about something.  All the big businesses and all the important people, with all the fancy titles.  Eventually one of them notices the blond woman in the sweater looking at the wine in her plastic glass and wishing she hadn’t come.  It goes like this:

“So, what do you do?” he asks. 

“I own a yarn store," I tell him, "Crazy for Ewe, in downtown Leonardtown.”

If this were a cartoon strip, you would see the thought bubble above his head fill with images of little old ladies making unfortunate sweaters with too-long arms. The thought bubble isn’t actually there, but his weak smile and quick glance over my shoulder says it all.  He’s looking for someone interesting who can actually help him along his networking quest. In a flash, I’m back in 7th grade feeling stupid and just trying to fit in. Funny how long middle school PTSD can last, isn't it.

Now that I’m a grown up, I know that other people’s opinions of me are none of my business, and I’m perfectly happy not trying to explain what I do to an unreceptive audience. It’s not just men, either – I’ve had the same response from women professionals.  They don't get it. they’ll never get it, and that’s fine. Their loss. 

Knitting is a secret little club--kind of like a speakeasy. Mild-mannered yarn store on the outside--a thriving community of bright, accomplished women (usually) on the inside.  Only when you step inside can you see the super powers knitters keep hidden away.  Mr. blue suit would be shocked to see how vibrant and creative – intelligent and engaged the community of knitters is. It’s fantastic and an honor to be part of it.

So, just how do you become part of this amazing community? It’s pretty easy, really: You get some yarn, and you start creating something beautiful. And by beautiful, I mean something that makes you happy. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to bring you joy.  It’s about creating a beautiful space in your life with knitting--a beautiful moment in your day.  Creating a beautiful place where it’s just you and the rhythm of your needles, or you and your community of knitters around the table, or now, in our Facebook Group, or you and your knitting and me on Facebook Live, or YouTube or whatever.  You see?

The bottom line is that I’m really proud of what I do, and of the community we’ve created together. I’m proud of you, and I’m proud to have you as my friend. If you’ve ever felt like nobody understood your passion for knitting, it’s totally okay. They don’t need to understand, because we do. We are your people and this is your place. This is where you belong, and you are always welcome here.

Back to the 7 July 2020 newsletter

19 Responses

Mary Wood
Mary Wood

February 25, 2023

I am new to this group. I learned some basic knitting in high school……long time ago.I picked it up and put it down many times. Then I found weaving. I have been doing complex weaving for many years. Now I am back to weaving for real and inherited lotsof yarn from a dear friend. I am now learning everything I can from whoever is teaching. I love it.

Rosann
Rosann

March 10, 2021

I am delighted to be a part of this knitting circle, our “secret little club” is growing! I knit, crochet and sew.
Thank you for sharing your love of knitting and fiber arts with us, Ellen.

sarah houde
sarah houde

February 18, 2021

I am thankful for the welcoming and helpful knitting community you foster. Since Covid, I have made time nearly everyday to unwind with a knitting project. I find knitting calming and meditative in these turbulent times. The future is looking better on all fronts. I just need to keep knitting.

Cindy Michael
Cindy Michael

January 23, 2021

I am also an LYS owner and can relate 100%! So many times our fellow business owners discount us as an irrelevant little hobby shop and not the incredible community-building, vibrant business that we actually are! If they only knew how much joy, happiness & friendship are fostered within our walls they would all be jealous. And that’s what keeps me smiling while I’m drinking my plastic cup of wine alone in the corner.

Cheers to you sister!

Ellen
Ellen

July 16, 2020

Can I just say how much I love you guys – you are what makes it worthwhile.

Ellen

Cathy Blackwood
Cathy Blackwood

July 12, 2020

I love reading your posts. This one is so right on the money. I’ve had people (men and women) roll their eyes, snicker, tell me it’s easier to buy what I want, etc. When people see me knitting, you can tell they’re curious, and I like to think jealous, when they realize that this takes talent. I love all my projects, even the failures. I wish your shop were closer to me.

Tami Entzian
Tami Entzian

July 08, 2020

I love everything you write and they always hit home! This one in particular is probably my favorite! Thank you! I needed this!

Joyce Falkenhan
Joyce Falkenhan

July 07, 2020

This has to be one of my most favorite posts. Keep them coming, Ellen!!!!

Christine
Christine

July 07, 2020

Silly Man (in the suit) everyone knows a room full of women is the BEST networking/promotion – word of mouth community there is! HA! His mistake!

Shelly
Shelly

July 07, 2020

Ellen you are an inspiration to our community in so many ways!! Love crazyforewe

Eveline Marquardt
Eveline Marquardt

July 07, 2020

I really admire you! To teach yourself to knit in college, start such a great business, become so knowledgeable about yarns, patterns and techniques, and now expand on line, while all the while keeping your joy and enthusiasm and surrounding yourself with wonderful associates, what a blessing for all of us!

Terry Wood
Terry Wood

July 07, 2020

Very thought provoking. Crazy for ewe Is my feel good place. You and all those I see at the store give me inspiration.
Thank you, Terry

Sue Davis
Sue Davis

July 07, 2020

You are always so thought provoking; and your stories make me smile. You’re right it is a “secret little club.” I’m proud to be a member. It’s a fascinating group made up of people from all walks of life with different experiences and talents. And when we all converge…it’s always a fabulous experience. Thank you for creating such a wonderful opportunity for all of us!

Susan
Susan

July 07, 2020

Your story will make me smile all day! Creative people make the world a more interesting and beautiful place. Not only is your store great and this lively, vivid group of knitters a thriving community, you epitomize the best in business practices as you have adapted to this new pandemic normal through creative, techno-savvy, innovative online offerings that continue to give your customers a sense of community. Mr. Blue Suit could take a few lessons!

Jo Ellen Nutter
Jo Ellen Nutter

July 07, 2020

Lovely post. I enjoy your writing. Keep on being you brave warrior.

Jill
Jill

July 07, 2020

How blessed we are to have this circle of creative expression through our hearts and hands thanks to YOU dear one!

Theresa Spinnenweber
Theresa Spinnenweber

July 07, 2020

Love the store, the talent and the community you foster! ❤

Theresa Spinnenweber
Theresa Spinnenweber

July 07, 2020

Love the store, the talent and the community you foster! ❤

Mindy
Mindy

July 07, 2020

I’m so proud of you and so proud to be apart of your circle. You have created an amazing place for those who want to learn and those who are already well seasoned. It’s not “just a yarn store” it’s a place to meet new friends, learn new techniques, challenge yourself, learn about life and support each other.
Thank you for sharing your love of knitting with us. I love challenging myself and learning new things.
Mindy

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