28 February 2016

Yarn Shop In Progress









Slowly, slowly my little shop is starting to look how I imagined it might.

It's been such hard work and I haven't been this tired for ages but, hand on heart, I've enjoyed every single minute.  Well, almost.  There has been the odd grotty bit.  That floor has been in a pain in the posterior.  I've had to chisel ancient blobs of paint and some very suspicious-looking crusty patches off it.  I'm not allowed to replace it so I've steamed and cleaned it within an inch of its life.  I get a little pernickity when it comes to spillage that I suspect might be other people's DNA.

It was a bit of a day of firsts yesterday.  I placed my first pack of yarn on a shelf and I did my very first wee in the tiny little toilet which is right at the back of the shop, just beyond the kitchen.  Both moments were equally emotional but in different ways!  Only one of them involved lots of bleach!  ;-)

I was quite desperate to start putting packs of yarn onto shelves, just to see.  I've found it quite impossible to tell how much I've actually got without physically seeing it in situ.  I haven't put them in any sort of order yet.  I'm saving that bit.

Oh but there's still so much to do.  In the back half of the shop I'm having a table and chairs.  It will be more of a social area where I hope to host workshops and knit and natter sessions.  Other than being painted, I haven't really started on that area yet.  I want to wallpaper one of the walls and make it really pretty.

The outside of the shop hasn't been touched yet either.  The paint is ready.  The sign is being created.  I rather fancy the idea of leaving it all until the very last moment.  It gives me a bit of an air of mystery.  One of my very kind neighbours took delivery of a parcel for me and told me that she'd decided I was about to open a milkshake shop!


Do forgive me if I'm a bit 'all over the place'.  My mornings start at 6am and I seem to run out of steam by 7pm each day.

I wanted to pop by, say 'hello' and show you a few photos of the work in progress.  Oh, and above is my new logo and address for those of you who have asked.  I'm about 15 minutes from Junction 21 of the M1 if ever you're passing.  Or, if you hail from further afield, plonk a pin right into the middle of a map of England and I'm not far from there!  I'm aiming to open by Easter but it may just be very shortly after.  I want everything to be just-so, you see.

You've been so kind.  I've read every comment and good wish you've taken the time to send.  Thank you.  Really.  Thank you.

I'll be back soon with news of what I'm actually going to be stocking.  Some old favourites and some new loves.  Plus, I've been tugging at the sleeves of some of my most favourite and talented bloggy/Instagram/Facebook friends ...

xxx

53 comments:

  1. Just too exciting ! Glad you're getting to grips with the DNA deposits and can't believe you waited so long for your ' first wee in new shop' moment �� It's all looking so gorgeous ���� xxx

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  2. Oh it is going to be heavenly. I remember setting up a bookshop years ago and my goodness it was exhausting but fun. Good luck for your opening day, it will be fab.

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  3. Gorgeous! I'm so excited for you <3

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  4. Your shop looks so inviting. The pink is a beautiful shade. Good luck to you.

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  5. Oh it's looking fabulous already! I'm so delighted for you and it sounds like you are already loving every single moment.
    Marianne xx

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  6. It is looking so good. Best of luck and looking forward to reading about your opening day. xx

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  7. Heather it looks gorgeous, very you! I nearly spat my tea out with your "firsts"" and your concerns over spillages. I'm sure your floor is now clean enough to eat off!!! I'm sure you will put this time down as the most exhausting and rewarding periods of your life but it will all be worth it if these photos are anything to go by. I can't wait to hear all about your opening day but until then happy wallpapering and wool sorting X

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  8. I just love the colours - so fresh and clean - and very, very pretty! Well done - can't wait to see it finished.

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  9. Oh it all looks gorgeous. If you want anything made to help you out please ask. Xx Joy xx

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  10. Well done on progress. Good luck with the opening. It's such a shame I live so far away but I can always make a detour when passing your way. xx

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  11. It looks incredible, well done you. I can't wait to see it once it's all finished x x

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  12. It looks amazing already can't wait for further updates x

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  13. It looks amazing already can't wait for further updates x

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  14. I hadn't realized this was going on.. I haven't been able to visit much do to no go wi-fi. It looks wonderful I love the Pink and I love the wall paper it is very pretty gosh I wish I was close by but I'm far away United States California, San Francisco. The yarn looks o so pretty too. Good luck reaching your goals with love Janice

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  15. Thanks for the update - was wondering how you're getting on. The floor looks fab and your logo is lovely! If I ever find myself in the middle of England, I shall definitely pay a visit. Enjoy your opening day, hope the sun shines for you. Jac x

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  16. It's looking very good indeed - wish I lived nearer!
    Cathy x

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  17. It looks wonderful and you're still in the midst of it all so I know you'll have it it looking incredibly just so perfect! One job at a time xx

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  18. Hi! I'm so happy to see and read about your new shop and how you create it! We did the same two years ago so I can feel your enthusiasm, excitment and tireness. Unfortunately we closed the shop because the situation here in Greece at the moment made it too difficult. Our space was very much like yours, only the stairs started from the front side of the shop. We had colours turquoise, pale blue and white as we were selling sea glass and other jewelries, quilts etc. all made by ourselves. I wish you all the best with your beautiful 'milkshake' shop! My sister lives in south England, so who knows if one day I step in! x Teje
    www.nerospostbox.wordpress.com

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  19. It looks so pretty and the time you spent on the floor was well worth it - it looks amazing.
    Good luck xx

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  20. It looking really good. All the best for opening day xx

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  21. wishing you lots of luck. Shop looks beautiful already.

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  22. Looove the pictures. I'm sure all will turn out perfectly. Great logo too! And thank you for the address - we'll be there in July! I'll keep my fingers crossed all goes well till and after the big opening day! Love, Marjan

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  23. I'm so excited for you!!!! I wish I lived closer so I could pop in, but I'll put the address in my phone in case for when I'm in the area.

    GOOD LUCK!!!!!
    Debbie, Essex

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  24. This looks so wonderful! How I wish we had your beautiful shop in my town. I think I would move in.....

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  25. This is the dream! It looks so lovely and pretty already. I am very jealous!! Will you have an online shop at some point too? Good luck and enjoy xx Sarah

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  26. Oh WOW,it already looks amazing.Wishing you every success.Hugs xx

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  27. Love your store! I may have to travel to pay a visit!

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  28. OH I've just been dying for a sneak peek of your progress! It looks perfectly scrumptious... like I KNEW it would!!! A "milkshake shoppe" kills me! ;-)
    Won't they be pleasantly surprised.
    And here I am ... all the way over, smack dab in the middle of, the dang United States! I would so love to be your very first customer inside that pretty pink place... Sigh...

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  29. So exciting! It's looking absolutely gorgeous, you're making a beautiful job of it all. I'm wishing you the very best of luck, so looking forward to seeing your progress. CJ xx

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  30. It looks absolutely fab, Heather! I love the shade of pink that you have chosen for the door, frames, skirting board..... And all that yarn.... It's going to be fantastic! Pati xxx

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  31. If I lived much closer (I'm in the U.S.) I'd come by and shop when you're open for business. It looks fantastic so far. I hope you have lots of customers!

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  32. If only I lived in England, I would come and stop by your shop. It already looks lovely. All the very best:).

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  33. Wishing you well in your new endeavour. How wonderful to be working at something you really love.
    Blessings Gail.

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  34. Yummy yarny goodness. Your shop is looking beautiful!! I am sure it is every fiber artist's dream to do something like this. Wishing you all the very best.

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  35. It's looking wonderful already! Love the pink, so you! What a fabulous adventure! :)

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  36. It's looking wonderful already! Love the pink, so you! What a fabulous adventure! :)

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  37. From one crocheter to another is beautiful. There are no quaint, want to sit for a round or 2 before getting kids for the evening routine where I am from, I only have a walmart for yarn :-( Love the way the yarn colors look together, and how the shelves are blocked out. I am sure it is going to be a big part of the family and hugely successful! Kiss, Kiss!

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  38. Really looking forward to visiting, it's all coming together beautifully. xx

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  39. Wish I wasn't so far away, if I'm passing will definitely have to pop in and make a purchase, its looking lovely so far. Love love love it. xxx

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  40. How exciting for you! I love the pink and white and that floor.

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  41. brava! Good luck from Italy... the shop looks lovely...

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  42. I just want to wish you the best of luck with your super little shop. I have always had a dream of having a shop - yarn or books, but have never been able to carry it out. Go for it. Best wishes, Ruth.

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  43. that shop will be such a pleasure to be in. I love the use of pink and the possible wall paper. Enjoy and congratulations!

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  44. I know you don't need me to tell you...but that shade of pink is just spot on. Perfection. It already looks wonderful, so fresh and inviting. I send you lots of energy and good vibes! Xxx

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  45. This is just getting more and more exciting by the minute. I'm living it!!! I feel like I'm a part of it!!! Oh my... Those shelves with the yarn... It looks... Like a dream. It really does. The pink panels against the white... Milkshake shop? I guess the name can imply that. Just like My Rose Valley could imply it being a flower related blog maybe... But we all know what Pink Milk is. And soon every girl, lady and bitch(!!!oooo) in town will know too. :D Can you feel the heat of my breath. I'm right behind you. Ha ha ha! I feel like a stalker. It looks great. Keep going. So excited and I so appreciate you taking a moment in all the work to update us. Thanks for that!
    Xxx

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  46. How beautiful your shop is looking already! It will be such a haven to visit for all your crafty customers Heather! Good luck with it all :)
    Helen xox

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  47. I just happened upon your blog and I love it... Would love to see your shop, but I am in Toledo, Ohio USA!!! Guess I can't really stop by. I will be following you through blog land!

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  48. We are so excited for you and wish you lots of luck. I love the mystery about what the shop is going to be it reminds me of when I read 'Chocolate' by Joanne Harris. Your shop will be fabulous and we are looking forward to seeing future posts. Well done for being brave and living your dream!! xxx

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  49. Wow your shop looks Devine... Wish my local shop did!! It's a bit dingy and only stocks what I call drab wool... No we known brands like Debbie Bliss or Rowan. Are you planning on doing online sales??

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Anyone ever told you that you're a peach? xx

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