Sat Nov 07 2009
"God put it there," says Nancy Miller when describing The Woolery in North Carolina that she and her husband, Chris, visited by chance in February 2008.
The couple had been searching for two years for a business that would be fun but financially feasible, small and family-run, and unique. While on vacation visiting some friends, they happened to walk into the fiber arts shop. They knew at once they had found what they wanted.
The Woolery was originally started in New York in 1981 by Marianne and Tim Horchler, who later moved the operation to North Carolina. The Horchlers were looking to sell, and spent several weeks training the Millers about the business.
They slowly turned over operations to the Millers, who bought the store and moved it back to their hometown in Frankfort. It now occupies an historic three-story building (formerly Paisley Peacock) on West Main Street.
From its humble beginnings, The Woolery has grown into a top fiber arts supplier. It has been and still is primarily a Web site, mail-order operation, with a warehouse on site that ships nationally and internationally each day.
The Millers wanted to expand the scope of the store and opened its doors to walk-in customers on April 1.
The Woolery boasts more than 4,000 items. Fibers include cotton, wool, camel, yak, angora, opossum (yes, opossum), bamboo, llama, silk, alpaca and cashmere.
Spinning wheels made by Lindrum, Schact, Kromski and Louet are for sale, ranging in price from $180 to $1,600. Looms made by Gimakra, LeClere, Schacht and Harrisville vary in price from $16, which kids can use to make potholders, to $8,000 for larger, more elaborate ones.
There are multitudinous sewing supplies, as well as books and instructional DVDs for knitting, weaving, spinning and crocheting,
"We want to be part of the revitalization of downtown," says Chris Miller, 42, whose vision for The Woolery is broad.
The next phase of the business is to offer classes, the first of which will be April 25 for beginning spinning.
Miller also wants to expand the focus of The Woolery.
"Right now we are a crafts store; we eventually want to become an outlet for artisans, and add a gallery to showcase works."
He hopes to renovate a floor of the historic building for that purpose. He also wants to partner with Kentucky farmers to buy their wool.
"As farming diversifies, many farmers may see the value of raising sheep " not just for the meat but for the wool."
The Woolery is partnering with the University of Kentucky and plans to approach Kentucky State University about collaborating on fiber arts instruction.
"We are also working with Dobree Adams, a well-known fiber artist from Kentucky, to bring tourists to downtown Frankfort during the 2010 World Equestrian Games," says Miller.
Dara Carlisle, who works part-time at the business and who will be the instructor for the upcoming classes, says that spinning and weaving is one of the oldest crafts known to mankind.
When describing weaving and spinning, Carlisle speaks from a deep knowledge base and love of the art.
"It's like growing your own food. It has a lot of character; you can spin thin or thick, and fashion your material to the type of clothing you want."
Not to mention the fellowship and community experienced by those who engage in a skill that has been passed down for centuries.
In explaining the therapeutic value of weaving and spinning, Miller says fiber art is also being used to help the mentally challenged and seniors who have Parkinson's disease.
If the Millers have their way, The Woolery will become part of the business culture of downtown Frankfort, and many will experience the pleasures " and benefits " of a time-honored tradition.
The Woolery
Location: 239 W. Main St.
Phone: 502-352-9800 or 800-441-9665
Email: info@woolery.com
Web site: woolery.com
Hours: Monday " Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Beginning Spinning Class
When: April 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $75 (which includes a pound of wool)
Spinning wheels provided by The Woolery.
Contact: Dara Carlisle at 352-9800
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