I've written many newsletters and blog posts in the almost 5 years that The Knitting Experience has been open, but this is by far the most difficult. It is with a heavy heart that Peter and I must announce the impending closing of The Knitting Experience Café.
Despite the current dire financial times, we are fortunate to have a strong and loyal customer base, and is not for want of their support that we have made this decision. Rather, it is the personal side of our life that requires a change of focus.
Peter and I have been blessed with two beautiful boys, Connor and Alec.
They have often kept me company at the shop and know many of you by name. For all of us, the shop has become an extension of our home and our family, and for that reason, many of you already know that our family lives with autism. Alec was diagnosed with high functioning autism at around the age of 4.
Those of you who have watched him grow over the past few years have seen the tremendous strides he has made and have shared our pride and joy in his accomplishments. He continues to do very well. Yet, as he gets older and further into school, we have realized that the pressures on him, and on his older brother as a sibling of someone with special needs, are only growing. Our dream is to one day see both our boys as happy, healthy, and independent adults. With autism as part of that equation, the journey is more challenging, and at this critical stage in their lives, our boys need our time and attention in a way that we simply cannot provide while maintaining a retail business. As a result, we've decided that the best course for our family is to close the business so that I can devote my time and energy to Alec and Connor.
We realize that this announcement may seem rather sudden, but the decision was made after a great deal of thought – at times, agonizing thought – about the best course for our family. We are tremendously grateful to everyone who has helped us make The Knitting Experience more than just a successful business, but a community and a home. We are thankful for your support and your friendship. You have touched our lives more than you could ever know.
The next few weeks will be a roller coaster as we go about the work of closing the business. Our tentative plan is to officially close by the end of June.
Before that happens, we have many incredibly beautiful yarns that need to find happy homes!
Right now, we have sweater and project lots available in many of our most popular yarns. The selection of books, patterns, needles, and accessories is fantastic.
The best selection is available now, and everything in the shop is 30% OFF!!! I can't stash this much yarn in my house, so please spread the word, tell all your friends and knitting buddies!
We encourage everyone with store credit on their accounts or gift certificates in their pockets, to stop by as soon as possible.
We will no longer be placing special orders. Starting today, all sales are final and we cannot accept returns or exchanges.
Thanks again for your wonderful support!!