Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Dailey.
Kate, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I had always thought about opening a yarn shop. During Columbus Day weekend in 2015 we went for a family trip to New York City where I visited Purl Soho, a beautiful yarn shop. On the way home my husband said, “Why don’t you open your own shop?” So I did.
My Grandmother taught me to knit as a child, she also taught me that it’s not only about the knitting – it’s about the community and what you can do for others. She was always knitting for someone – church fairs, hospitals, grandchildren, etc… She had wonderful groups of ladies that she would go and see. These were anchors of her weekly schedule.
When I opened the shop I envisioned a place where friends could meet, sit, and knit. One of the main features of the shop is a large table in the front that is usually full of people. We have some knitters that pop in for a little while almost every day to catch up, and some that we only see every few weeks. It has become a happy place where stories are shared, photos are shown, and friends are made. We also joke that given enough time we could solve world problems!
Has it been a smooth road?
When you own a small business you become a jack-of-all-trades – salesperson, manager, cleaner, accountant, and more! I liken it to being a mum – every day you wake up and put on a different show. Luckily after staying home for 15 years with my kids I had learned to be pretty agile when it came time to managing my days.
There are areas that I’m definitely still working on – balancing family and the shop being the major one. Both of those could absorb 24 hours a day and still need more time.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Marblehead Knits story. Tell us more about the business.
We’ve been called “a little yarn heaven” I run a fairly high inventory for the size of the shop and have yarn and a project for almost anyone! We have everything from the inexpensive baby yarn to the beautiful baby alpacas and more. Almost every weight and fiber are covered.
One of the things the shop loves to do is to match the perfect project to the person. We really try to have people work on projects which will give them success – and to support them as they complete the project. The front table is an open table. The motto is “We learn together” so even if a staff member isn’t available to help we have wonderful customers that support each other and help with the tricky parts of a pattern.
There are classes for both kids and adults which range from beginner through advanced color work, lace, and more. These are posted as events on our Facebook page and are updated regularly.
We also do a lot of community work through our group Love Knots — this quarter we are working with the local organization SPUR to knit blankets, hats, and scarves for the USO lounge at Logan Airport. We have over 40 knitters working on this project!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The industry, and retail in general, has shifted to the internet. With yarn and knitting I expect some of that to continue, but I also think that people need human contact, friends, and support which is what will keep people coming out to buy yarn in local shops.
Contact Info:
- Address: Marblehead Knits
152 Washington Street
Marblehead, MA 01945 - Website: www.Marbleheadknits.com
- Phone: 781-990-1722
- Email: info@marbleheadknits.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarbleheadKnits/
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