Greetings!
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
A Message from Mindy
A Yarn Less Raveled became my “road less traveled” almost 10 years ago, as I transitioned from a corporate role to opening this yarn shop for our community in Danville and the greater Bay Area. At that time, I had no idea the positive impact this decision would have on my life; it has “made all the difference.” I’m so grateful I chose this road, as it has been an enriching experience I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.
This poem continues to be a touchstone for me as I look ahead.
Two Roads are Diverging Again
This pandemic has taken its toll on my small business, as it has on so many, even though my staff and I have strived to keep our products, services, and community space open for you, either physically or virtually.
Our current lease ends in June, and as a result, I am faced with an incredibly difficult choice, as another fork in the road presents itself.
- Looking down one path, the shop will be purchased by someone who will love it as much as we have, and will bring their own spark to the business.
- Or, facing the other path, the brick-and-mortar Danville shop of A Yarn Less Raveled will close and transition to a fully online yarn shop, effective June 30.
During May, we will operate business as usual, continuing to offer (click the links for more details):
We also hope to open for walk-in business as soon as we are fully vaccinated later in May. We’ll announce that transition as soon as possible.
The next month or two will be a time of uncertainty for all of us. We may not have answers about the future of the shop and ask you to please be patient with us as we navigate this fork in the road. Click here for some FAQs related to both paths, which will be updated as more information is determined.
One Path Forward
Are you ready for a new road? Have you considered a career change in the past year? Have you dreamed of owning a yarn shop with an inspiring, established fiber community? Between now and May 25, if you or someone you know might seriously consider purchasing and continuing the business, please contact me at info@ayarnlessraveled.com. I will discuss fair and honest offers.
My fervent hope is for this shop, and all it provides to our community, to go on. It’s been a sweet spot for so long, a place of joy for so many, and has the potential to rise again as business returns to a new normal. However, it’s time for me to hand over the reins so I can pursue other dreams, follow other roads, and explore new adventures.
The Other Path, Also Forward
If the shop is not sold, we’ll follow the other path; closing the physical Danville shop and transitioning to an online-only yarn shop at the end of June.
My staff and I are so deeply grateful for all the years we’ve been able to support and be a part of this amazing community. You have brought us into your lives, through the connection of yarn, and it’s been an honor and a privilege to be your local yarn shop.
Read on for a message of gratitude from Mindy or scroll down for details about the Arkaik Fibres event on Saturday.
With Gratitude from Mindy
When I opened the shop in November 2011, my vision was to offer a place for connections, community, inspiration, learning, and creativity. Throughout our 9-½ years in business, many of you have shared your stories, describing how we’ve exceeded that vision and impacted your lives.
This has been so much more than a store that sells yarn and knitting and crochet projects. For many, we’ve been your “third place,” your place to meet friends around our antique table, to find solace or a break from your everyday life, to fill up on some yarn therapy, to laugh, to cry, to learn, and to gain confidence in your craft. I treasure and hold dear all of your stories, your Doo-Dahs, and we will honor our promise that “what happens in the yarn shop, stays in the yarn shop.”
This path was never traveled alone. This shop came to life thanks to my friends, family, and staff along the way. I’m deeply grateful for those who’ve contributed to our shop’s success, especially to all our staff, current and former, and our lasting friendships.
During the pandemic, Leslie and Cindy have been working with me as a well-honed team to support appointments, orders, and pickups. One of our community members volunteered to help craft our social media messages this year, keeping our updates flowing. My gratitude overflows for these ladies and our extended staff, who have stayed in touch regularly and provided so much love and support.
This past year, the year of COVID-19, when the pandemic shut our doors, many of you continued to support us through appointments, curbside pickup orders, and event participation. You’ve attended classes, events, and weekly gatherings via Zoom, and we’ve supported each other through unbelievable worldwide events. We’ve loved every visit, every update, every new project you’ve completed, and each new skill you’ve learned with us.
Like so many small businesses, we’ve become more creative during the pandemic. To support you and make key products available to you, we’ve built our Online Shop, and we continue to add products regularly. We’ve found ways to provide many virtual shopping options; while not the same as pre-COVID, we’ve worked tirelessly to keep you and our staff safe, while supporting your yarn passion and your knitting and crocheting craft. In turn, these crafts have helped you during this crazy, unpredictable year, and for that, we are very thankful to have had a small part.
Thank you for all the years we’ve been a part of this amazing community. You have brought us into your lives, through the connection of yarn, and it’s been an honor and a privilege to be your local yarn shop.
With love,
Mindy and the team at A Yarn Less Raveled
