Another LNS is closing soon.

[rcperryls]

My LNS that I just found about 2 years ago will be closing in January. I think it is just too hard to keep open. The owner works pretty much full time at another job I think to keep her shop open. It is a wonderful place and she is so knowledgeable and the Stitch-on group that meets monthly is just filled with fun and lovely people. She announced it on Saturday during this month's stitch-in and some people were crying because many of them have been together for years. There were several suggestions about where the group could meet and I hope they come up with something. It will be in the same area which is a different suburb than mine and I don't know what is available but hope something is worked out. I had so enjoyed being able to see fabrics and discuss options with Rita before making decisions for my pieces. I think it is just too difficult to compete with the Big Stores. That will leave no cross-stitch shop anywhere in our area. Really, we ought to be big enough to support one, but I am also guilty of on line shopping. She is going to try to keep her framing work going and is looking at trying to sell stash on line. That will be the 5th store to close since I've been here. When I first came to South Carolina there were 2 active LNS. Then one closed (owner retired) and a new one opened to replace it, but then closed (I think it was an awful location) and I think the others just went out of business. That leaves one needlepoint (tapestry) shop which does carry specilaty threads, but its a long way for me to go for threads. Just sad.

Carole

[jocellogirl]

Carole, that's really bad news . We really must fight to keep our LNSes in business. I'm just as guilty for buying online, but there's nothing to beat the personal service that a local shop provides. I took Celtic Christmas into Betty Stitchkit this morning to get her framed and while I was in two other people came in with stitching that needed framing. I had to buy some WDW and GAST threads while I was in there, plus Sharon is going to have a look for a better colour fabric for Wendell, as the fabric I bought from Sew & So was too much like jade and not enough like DMC700. Buying online may be convenient and cheap, but you can't beat going into a real shop in my opinion.

I really hope you can find somewhere for your group to meet. Just when you found them too.

[socialsue]

I have to drive two hours to my favorite LNS since it has everything I need for cross-stitching. The one that is an hour drive has a few items since it is mostly for those who knits. So when I need anything, I would make list and we try to make it into an adventure. Otherwise, I have to order on-line for my stitching supplies.

socialsue

[karen4bells]

So sorry for that happening Carole---and I do know how that is. The only relatively close places I have are JoAnn's, Michael's and Wally World--and none of those really have what I want other than DMC threads. So, I have to rely on online shopping in order to get my stitching needs

[LadyS]

That's so sad, but it is getting harder for small shops to survive against chain stores and also online businesses.

[Parksfarm]

Very sad...

[MaggieM1750]

Not you too!!
Oh Carole.. I feel your pain.. I am still trying to come to terms with mine being absolutely, totally closed since Oct 1. (Twice I have caught myself from driving over there when I've been in the area.. and its only been 7 days!! I am terrible!) Shop while you can.. grab as much stash as the budget allows, check all your charts for buttons or beads, or anything extra you may need. When I did all that.. I bought more fabric. It is the thing I know I will have the hardest time buying online. Charts are easy online- they are what they are. Fabrics I want to touch and see.

As for a neutral place to get together.. look into available meeting rooms at a library. Its public, quiet.. and generally in good locations. There is a knitting group that gets together near my office at a restaurant.. at 2:00.. after the lunch rush. Wouldn't work on a weekend.. but during the week, there is always a down time.

Booooo for more needlework shops closing down!!

[Squirrel]

that your lovely LNS is closing down Carole and I hope like anything that you can still continue to meet somewhere which is not a huge job to get to.

I know I would miss All Threads if they went, even though it is at the very least a half day trip on 2 buses but I can get there and get home again. We have a Spotlight which is about a 30min drive when DD has the time to drive me but their selection of fabrics is almost nil.

Will keep and about the possible online shop and a meeting place.

[curly sue]

So sorry to hear of another LNS closing! I need to check on my nearest shop. I would hate to lose it even though I don't go there often.

[Mabel Figworthy]

So sorry about the loss of your LNS Carole . I hope the stitching group will find an alternative venue -- we must keep stitching groups alive!

Buying online may be convenient and cheap, but you can't beat going into a real shop in my opinion.

That is so true! Which is why I always try to nip into the London Bead Co. when I'm in London, and when I am lucky enough to be able to visit a LNS I make a point of buying something, even if it's a bit more expensive. But Rugby is pretty much a LNS desert where fabrics or speciality threads are concerned.

[bookknurd]

This is why I try to do as much shopping as possible in my LNS, because it's for a good cause.

At least, that's what I keep trying to tell my husband every time I come home with new projects.

But seriously, support your LNS's if you have them!

[Lottie]

It's such a shame to lose a LNS. We have one in our town but its more of a craft shop and the cross stitch section is so tiny that I end up having to go online, even if I want to support the store. The people who run it aren't really into cross stitch and don't really want to order anything in for me.

One day (when I win the lottery ) I am going to set up a friendly LNS that stocks far more than just 14 count aida and DMC threads. It'll have comfy seating for anyone who wants to stop and stitch or chat and maybe even a small coffee shop. Suppose I had better start buying those lotto tickets.....