Summary

I started Rebel Purl online as a creative outlet and a way to share my love of yarn and all the random things that bring me joy.  Dyeing yarn and knitting has really helped me keep my sanity and happiness for the last several years.  I've been lucky enough to meet so many amazing new people and to support and learn about some important causes along the way.  

Now I want to take my little slice of yarn joy and spin that around into a welcoming community store.  Not just a place to buy yarn and tools, but a meeting place.

I want to offer almost free (just the cost of materials or totally free with donated materials) learn -to-knit classes on a regular basis so that anyone can try it out.  I want to have space to collect donations for people and groups in the community who might need a blanket or a winter hat or whatever.  There will be a community board for matching needs, posting events and even de-stashing / yarn needed requests.  

A large part of the shop will be space for local makers to show and sell their own fiber related creations (stitch markers, yarn bowls, project bags, yarn and fiber) for a low cost.  But I also plan to offer affordable basics that can't be found at a big box stores and be an accessible resource for fiber crafting tools.

What We Need & What You Get

I have the space.  And the store will be opening September 4th, 2021 no matter what.  But I need help to make it the best little local yarn store it can be.

Donations will help:

• fund the initial cost of stocking affordable yarns and staples not currently available in the area - display, storage and a better variety of brands and bases.  
• increase the hours we are able to keep the shop open.  More funds means longer hours and more days available for crafters and shoppers.   
• pay for resources we can use to reach out to more local regional makers who supply interesting and fun tools and fiber or teach classes for access to more techniques and creativity.  
• setup the meeting area with more comfortable seating and tables for craft nights and classes.

In exchange for your funding assistance, there are various perks. 

Listed perk levels allow you to choose a specific assist you want to contribute to for the shop.  You can choose to direct your donation to gift materials or the cost of a class for someone.  You could purchase a new comfy chair for the meeting space.  Your funding could help add a new line of yarn for more affordable variety in town.  Some of these also include a physical item, but most physical items can be purchased as an add-on once you have chosen the level you want to support or are able to help out at this time.  And some levels will mean your name carved into the appreciation plaque in hung up in the shop.

Add on items include stickers, magnets, water bottles, masks, t-shirts, blank inside cards, tote bag, or a skein of yarn on the base of your choice in the exclusive colorway only available for supporters.  

The Impact

This is not just another retail space for spending money.  I want to create an open and welcoming place for everyone in the community to craft together.  I want to make supplies and classes and the general space as accessible and welcoming as possible.  

I want to take some of the elements of a fantastic online yarn community and get together safely in person.  And I want it to be fun for everyone.

Any new business is a risk, as with any new adventure.  Your help funding the opening and set up of the shop will do more than just help make it a better place to meet.  You're supporting a solid beginning so that we can build this into the best possible space for the community to come together.

The shop will be opening no matter what level of funding we receive here.  Rent and basic costs are covered.  Funding would mean more hours and a better equipped space and give me the ability to offer more options and basics for crafters than just my own and a few local makers.

Other Ways You Can Help

Even if you cannot contribute money, you can still help support the campaign:

• Get the word out!  Share this campaign.  Since we are only fundraising for 30 days, the more people who share this and see this in that short time means more chances to meet our goals.

• Reach out to your favorite local makers about a possible space or trunk show in the shop.  This is for all of us!  So see if your favorite makers (or you!) might want to join in.
• Contact Mary (qrg@rebelpurl.com) if there is someone or something you would really love to see in the store.
• IndieGoGo has their own tools for sharing this campaign as well.  Make sure to check them out!