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Certified!

Shop Remodel

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Certified!

In March, I traveled to Salt Spring Island in British Columbia to attend a Dealer Retreat hosted by Louet. The end result of the weekend for Louet is that they have their first five Certified Louet Loom dealers. We spent one day with Jane Stafford "learning to weave." Not all members of the group were weavers even though they sell looms in their businesses. So, Jane (seated in the photo) gave us a one day quickie class on the looms in her studio (she has more Louet looms in one place than I've ever seen). It was a great refresher for me and a reminder of how to teach a beginner-level class. We then spent another day with Jane giving us a guided tour through most of the Louet looms from the new Jane (named after .. guess who?), to the David, Spring, Delta, Octado and Megado. I learned lots and was reminded of just how happy weaving makes me!

Our third retreat day was spent talking business with Dave, president of Louet. Dave (the tall guy in the back in the photo) grew up with the business and, like many of the "next generation," said he'd never join it. Well, life didn't happen that way. After his stint in the Canadian Air Force where he met his wife, Pam, they returned home and began to learn the business from a different perspective. Dave is now responsible for all the day-to-day operations, Pam is on the road for Louet much of the time, and his parents act as nearby consultants.

Conferences aren't only about what is on the agenda. I bunked with Amy (owner of Spunky Eclectic in Maine and author of the book Spin Control) and Jen (Spokane's Paradise Fiber's weaving person) It was interesting to talk about "how things are done" in other shops and in other parts of the country. There is always something to learn.

The incredibly productive weekend was wrapped up with a trip to the Maiwa shops in downtown Vancouver. They are full of hand spun and handwoven fabrics that are dyed with natural dyestuffs. I came home with a rug and several other pieces. I learned that I'm a really great packer - all my purchases including a 3 x 5 rug fit into my back pack and very small carry on! For a taste treat for the eyes visit Maiwa online.

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Shop Remodel

Give Joan willing accomplices and a sawsall and watch out! We took down three walls and have been moving things around to function better for all of us. The notions wall is gone. Notions are now on the wall behind the counter. Crochet hooks moved to the opposite wall in the hallway and the Kollage Square Needles and all the Addi's are now in a drawer at the counter. The sock room now has more room for Sit & Knit times. Watch for more change as we work our way toward summer. We're not done yet!

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Be a Smart Sheep: Our Customer Appreciation Program

This is something I have fiddled with for years. Now, with our recently upgraded computer system, we have more options. None of which require payment from you or remembering to bring a card. In fact, the computer will actually notify the sales clerk when you've reached the reward threshold. Here's how it will work. For every $350 in fiber purchases (yarn, coned yarn, spinning fiber) you will receive a coupon good for 60 days for $25 off your next purchase. The coupon may be redeemed against ANY purchase - equipment, classes, needles, whatever. Further, each time you redeem a coupon you will be entered in an annual drawing to receive a set of handwoven towels in a original design. The drawing will be held each year at our Annual New Year's Day Party. Each time you make a purchase your rewards status will print on your receipt. We are still working on the computer end of this, but the program will be retroactive to the first of the year.

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