The hard work and long hours are paying off. It's amazing how quickly things can go from mere elements to a finished picture. For the past few weeks Tom, Gail and I have been working with our team of miracle workers (Al, Mark, Trina, Tony and Jose) on the physical aspects of the store. Now that most of the painting and construction is done, we've moved all the tools and equipment into the workshop and the actual retail space is taking shape. Yesterday a few friends converged to check it out and give us some feedback. Emily, Sheetal, Sharlene and Jewel all arrived and walked the space, gave the fibers a bit of squishing and knit for a while in the "Living Room". It was clear that the environment we've strived to create is as warm and inviting as we hoped it would be. We also got to hang out a bit with Rebecca, one of the remarkable people we've hired. Silly me, I didn't snap a pic of her, but you'll meet her soon enough. The photographer for the Rose Garden Resident snapped pics for the paper (the story will run in the Rose Garden, Willow Glen and Sunnyvale papers) and we're hearing lots of people tell us they'll be there when we open the doors on Friday!
We have yarn on most of the shelves now, thanks to the hard work that Lolly put in on Thursday. But drat it all, she caught my cooties and was sick yesterday, so she couldn't come down for the festivities. She has been an invaluable source of help, inspiration and friendship in my life and I am so grateful to her.
We're still waiting on a lot of our stock to arrive. The Debbie Bliss, Noro, Lorna's Laces and others are back ordered and should be shipping soon. Meanwhile, we get more new stuff in every day. Yesterday it was more Crystal Palace, Euroflax Linen and Lana Grossa sock yarn!
I think this is my favorite part of the store right now though: the Wall of Manos. All those lovely semi-solids, the multis and the Cotton Stria. It's too beautiful. Kevin found one that he likes and Jewel was eyeing one for her sweetie.
Today I'm taking it easy and trying to kick the rest of the cold or whatever out of my system. We had a lovely evening just sprawled on the sofa and watching stuff on the tube last night. This afternoon we're off to Britta's for a rainy day barbeque. Tomorrow we get to see old friends Chip and Nicci and meet Connery at last! They're back after several years living in Prague. We can't wait to see them. There will be knitting too. Some progress to report on the Giotto tank, the Goddess only wants her ends sewn in and a bath, the Must Have languishes and Kimono grows slowly. Happy weekend!
Everything looks amazing at the store, Nathania. I've been seeing reference to it on Sharlene's blog, too. Looks like we'll have to plan a short fiber trip south (we're in SF) soon!
Posted by: Amy | April 29, 2005 at 01:37 PM
Happy big day! I'm sure you won't have time to blog or check comments today, but I hope the opening is a blast.
Posted by: jodi | April 29, 2005 at 06:10 AM
Love the molly sweater where did you get the pattern?Thanks
ANN
Posted by: ann | April 28, 2005 at 04:33 PM
Congratulations! It looks just fabulous! I'm so happy for you.
Posted by: Yvette | April 26, 2005 at 10:19 PM
Cool - a new yarn store right down the street from law school!!! Now, how on earth am I ever going to get any studying done during finals? Hmmm - library or cool new LYS? That's an easy choice for me!
Posted by: Cyndi | April 26, 2005 at 01:27 PM
It's lovely and it really looks like you have created a space that will enable you to realize your vision of an inviting store. Hope I can visit soon!
Posted by: Anmiryam | April 26, 2005 at 06:22 AM
Nathania, the store looks gorgeous! I wish I could join you for the opening celebration or at least come sit and knit on that couch. Congrats!!
Posted by: Judy | April 26, 2005 at 05:02 AM
SKREEEEEE! That was the sound of me almost crashing my car as I drove my the former B*Civilized store and saw the "commuknity" sign. I had heard rumors of a yarn store opening in Willow Glen (although I think of that stretch of the Alameda as somewhere between Rose Garden and downtown), and I'd been peering at all the storefronts on *Lincoln* for weeks! And there it was on the Alameda! I cannot tell you how excited I am that this store is opening - such a great location, such a great space, and from your pictures ... it already looks like heaven. I'm so glad I googled "commuknity" and found your blog. I can't wait for the store to open!!!
Posted by: Jean | April 25, 2005 at 10:15 PM
Oh, I don't know how you can stop yourself from knitting up all the luscious yarn!
Posted by: Susan | April 25, 2005 at 09:01 PM
how exciting!
Posted by: vanessa | April 25, 2005 at 03:58 AM
It's really looking good! I can see lots of yarn!
Posted by: emy | April 25, 2005 at 01:47 AM
Nathania, the store really looks beautiful! So cozy and homey... perfect! I can't wait to come to San Jose and see it... maybe next fall? :)
Posted by: Lolly | April 24, 2005 at 09:05 PM
oooh I'm drooling. And wishing I lived closer.
Posted by: Deb | April 24, 2005 at 06:44 PM
it looks amazing! i'm so proud of you. i need to find a reason to come to CT.
Posted by: lynette | April 24, 2005 at 11:40 AM
The store looks fantastic. All of your hard work shows - I hope I have the chance to visit it and you sometime! It looks like the selection is amazing already.
Posted by: Cassie | April 24, 2005 at 09:50 AM
It looks AMAZING!! You guys have done SUCH a great job!! I'm sooo jealous I can't stop by...
Posted by: Lara | April 24, 2005 at 07:47 AM
Hey, I just came over here from Almost felted..and discovered that you are opening a new yarn store in San Jose! Yay! I'll definately keep my eyes peeled for that :)
Posted by: Moni | April 24, 2005 at 07:43 AM
Outstanding, Nathania!! Now I wish we were moving to the West Coast instead of the East!!
Posted by: Jean | April 24, 2005 at 05:33 AM
Oh, I can't wait to come see the new store! If it were closer to me I have a feeling I'd be spending a lot of time on that wonderful sofa...
Posted by: J Strizzy | April 24, 2005 at 12:37 AM
Wow! The store is so huge!
Posted by: Stacie | April 23, 2005 at 08:08 PM
How about that. A new yarn store in San Jose. Good luck with the new venture. I'm going to let my SIL know there will be a new place in town and as soon as I came back, I'll come visit and check it out. But, I was just there in February so it will be a while before I get back there.
Posted by: Uli | April 23, 2005 at 07:03 PM
What could be more inviting than a brandy new yarn store with untouched shelves?
That's right. NOTHING.
Posted by: claudia | April 23, 2005 at 06:51 PM
From these pics, it looks like a beautiful store, well organized, well lit and comfy! I can't wait to check it out when you're open! It will be well worth the trip.
Posted by: Evelyn | April 23, 2005 at 05:16 PM
I'm afraid I can't be original here...
Wow!
Posted by: Nancy | April 23, 2005 at 05:00 PM
It looks wonderful, Nathania! Best wishes on your upcoming grand opening -- I will send good thoughts your way on Friday, when we in Boston are welcoming the Yarn Harlot -- happy days for knitters on both coasts!
Posted by: Susan | April 23, 2005 at 02:48 PM
I wanted to hang out all afternoon instead of going back to work :( You've done a great job with the space. All those colors in one space...drool...
Posted by: seltsame | April 23, 2005 at 02:22 PM
The store looks beautiful!
Posted by: Kate | April 23, 2005 at 01:18 PM
Heh heh, that pic cracks me up because I see the two little faces peering over the chairs in the back! Thanks for such a lovely time yesterday m'dear, I had a blast. Let me know if I can be of any help next week. I'd love to be a part of your commuKNITy in any way I can. :)
Posted by: Sharlene | April 23, 2005 at 12:55 PM
Wow, Nathania! That is a gorgeous tribute to all your hard work and creativity. I'm lovin' it. What a lovely picture of the ladies on the couch (heh, that may not sound too good....) There's that darn Sharlene who always chooses the same projects as I do, but who knits circles around me, looking so gorgeous!
Posted by: Norma | April 23, 2005 at 12:47 PM
Wow, it looks amazing. The couches look so comfortable and everything looks perfectly organized. Wish it were in CT.
Posted by: Lauren | April 23, 2005 at 11:45 AM