A Successful Grand Opening and Introducing Charis B., Crochet Artist



 

 

 

We'd like to begin with a sincere and enthusiastic "thank you" to everyone who stopped by Shabby Shed to celebrate our Grand Opening. It was a whirlwind weekend, but FUN.

 

Elisha outside the store during our Grand Opening

 

 

We loved seeing the familiar faces of our "regulars", but were also heartened by the large number of first-time customers who came through our doors.  We've always thought that if we could just get people to come in and see what we have, that the store would "take off", because what we're offering is unique. Where else can you find so many quality and affordable items, brought to you by local hands?

 

It was fun offering our customers champagne

Our consignors should be happy with October sales, because a lot of their creations found new homes. But rest assured, the store is not empty! Almost every day we make way for new things. It'll be worth your while to keep checking back with us throughout the holiday season.

Gorgeous antique dressing table, now in the store

Our line of baby stuff keeps growing

Felted hats... warm and fashionable

 

Potpourri and fragrant oils

 

And now: a visit with one of our consignors...

 

 

Meet crochet artist Charis B.

Charis, crochet artist

Charis is a 23 year-old Bloomer native who crochets baby ties, baby cocoons, hats and mittens, pins and hair clips, and flower headbands for Shabby Shed. She also has different types of clothing items at another consignment store in Bloomer-- The Turnaround-- which specializes in clothing. Her items there include the June Bug vest she's wearing (which is a cross between a vest and a scarf), clutches, dress vests, and ear warmer head bands.

Charis models one of her headbands

We thought it would be fun to feature Charis because she is such a convincing model for her own creations. She drops items off to us and we find ourselves ooh-ing and aah-ing over whatever crocheted fashions she's wearing. She's quiet and shy and always sweet. But when we started asking her about herself for this interview, we were surprised to discover that there's a big story behind her handiwork.

The crocheted back on one of Charis's June Bug vests

Charis uses her crochet earnings to help finance mission trips to other countries-! She has been to Bolivia, England,  and Vancouver, Canada (during the 2010 Winter Olympics); also Chile, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Israel, Kenya, and Uganda. She is currently saving for a return trip to Kenya.


Besides her crochet work, Charis babysits for four different families and is a volunteer youth leader through her church. Her overseas trips are group efforts led by a deacon from her church and a few other young people. But these are self-financed trips. The focus of the trips is relationship-building and supporting whatever improvement efforts the local pastors are doing for their area.

Leg warmers make a nice boot cuff

Charis started crocheting at age fourteen, with the help of a book and a few pointers from her mother. But it came easily for her and she now thinks of herself as a "natural crocheter." She no longer works with patterns... she sees things she likes and then comes up with her own version. (But she points out that she does NOT know how to knit). We are big fans of her boot cuffs, pictured above, which are simply leg warmers folded over the top of boots. We suggested she make some of those for Shabby Shed when she gets the chance :).

 

 

Even her belt is crochet!



 So another great consignor and another great story!

Until next time...