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This Story Was Originally Released On January 18, 2024
Churchmouse Yarns & Teas, the once iconic knitting store in Downtown Winslow, is on the move again, adding a new off-island address and adopting an innovative business concept to serve its loyal customer base, says the 24-year-old store’s chief operations officer and co-founder John Koval.
Come March, Churchmouse will open its new home in Kingston, at 6810 NE State Hwy 101, in a former nursery now occupied by Storie HG.
“We’re currently working to turn this lovely former nursery into a ‘working studio,’ where our talented staff can excel in sourcing beautiful yarns, designing thoughtful patterns, developing projects, creating samples, and hosting occasional in-person studio events,” says Koval, who started Churchmouse nearly 25 years ago with his wife and knitting enthusiast Kit Hutchins. “Kingston has lots of promise,” he adds, “it’s only 30 minutes away from (Downtown) Winslow.”
Churchmouse’s former retail outlet just behind Blackbird Bakery on Madrone Lane, closed its doors several years back in favor of taking the business online and operating out of its nearby headquarters at 179 Madrone Lane N Suite 100. That concept worked well, but as the times and logistics changed, the couple saw an opportunity to move in a new direction.
“Our Bainbridge store lasted 20 (plus) years,” Koval says matter-of-factly. “Now there are two other yarn stores. The mantle has passed.” The Lamb & Kid on Winslow Way and La Mercerize on Madison Avenue S. have opened for business in the last year or so, along with Celtic Crossroads NW.
“In order to make connecting with you a more personal experience, here’s how we’re evolving,” Koval explains:
“We’re envisioning summer weekends with live music, food, and friends,” Koval notes. “This is just the beginning of our plans, all made possible by you, our customers.” The Churchmouse staff of five full-timers will spend most of January moving in to their new digs, and much of February getting settled in, all in readiness for the store’s first “Open Studio” in March.
Koval says the decision to change directions came into focus when the store turned over its shipping to a Bainbridge Island company with a warehouse in Poulsbo. “Our offices in Winslow were too expensive to be used as a warehouse and with no store, the synergy was gone,” Koval explains. “We had talented knitters packing boxes – now they can help knitters over the phone and (via) email.”
“The new Churchmouse Studio will be a workplace where our merchandising, design and customer care people can find new ways to help you meet your crafting goals” Koval further adds. “Although our Studio won’t be a retail store, we’ll invite (customers) in once or twice a month for fun weekends with workshops and trunk shows and a peek at what’s coming online.”
Churchmouse’s Upcoming Schedule
For more information on Churchmouse, visit: https://www.churchmouseyarns.com/
*Images courtesy of Churchmouse Yarns & Teas
If you’d like to learn more about Churchmouse Yarns & Teas, visit our previous article: Join Churchmouse Yarns & Teas for the 2019 LYS Tour | THE ISLAND WANDERER
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