The Kiwi Knitting Company

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The Kiwi Knitting Company
2540 E. 6th Street
Tucson, AZ.
Phone: (520) 881-1319

Store Hours:
Mon - Sat 10am to 6pm

Although "Us" started with just me - and my two Airedale dogs, Rocky and Cheyenne - it didn't stay that way very long! In early 2004, with my 3 children grown, I retired from my lucrative actuarial career after 20+ years to the riches (?) and simpler (?) life of a knitting storeowner.

The first question to solve was where to set up shop. After a crash course in starting a business and a great summer relaxing, I embarked on a journey to find my new home away from the severe cold of WI and MN where I lived most of my life. While CO, near my brother & webmaster and sister-in-law, was tempting, I couldn't resist the opportunity to rent the space I found on 6th St. in Tucson and the chance to live close to two of my three children (Kari and Kristin), their husbands (Jesse and Tom), and my first grandson who will arrive in July. (Third child, Bryan lives with his wife, Michelle, in Ann Arbor, MI.) In February 2005, I packed up and moved to Tucson where, with the help of some great friends and relatives, Kiwi Knitting Company began to take shape.

The name was inspired by my 2004 trip to New Zealand where sheep are serious business. Several fellow passengers were avid knitters - one had the most unbelievable yarn radar I've ever experienced!

Kiwi Knitting Company, LLC opened for business April 14th 2005, quietly with no advertising - not even a sign! The sign arrived a few days later and then the traffic picked up. The grand opening occurred May 4th - 7th (after Kristin's wedding).

Long before the doors even opened, there were my brother, Craig, and sister-in-law, Sue who joined me in creating my website, pulling weeds and landscaping. There was also Kari, Kristin, Jesse, Tom, and their friends who helped paint, price, build shelves and then fill them. After about 1 week in business, my first teacher/future employee/advisor walked in. It wasn't long before several others joined us and by the Christmas season, Kiwi was at full employment! Let me introduce you to Kiwi's wonderful and very experienced staff and teachers!

Marianne: Knitter and crocheter extraordinaire! Whether it is multiple colors, cables, socks, or a simple scarf, Marianne's wealth of experience can help you with a current project or selecting a new one. You are likely to find her in the store on Monday - Wednesday from 4PM - 6PM. In addition, starting this summer (2006), Marianne will join the teaching ranks with a curriculum for beginning to intermediate crochet and a knitting refresher.

Nicole: She may be young, but don't under estimate Nicki! Unbelievably creative, Nicki is a wonderful teacher and can help with project work/selection as well as we more senior folk. Nicki is also the resident bead expert. It is her swag-edge scarf design that many of you have admired hanging in the shop! Nicole helps out and teaches occasionally on days off from her real job - generally on Mondays.

Craig: Web-master and owner of Alluring Pages, Craig has created my web site and keeps it as up-to-date as he can (given that I have to get it to him first). With a wonderful customer orientation and the patience of a saint, Craig is great asset for Kiwi Knitting! (And a great brother to-boot!)

Jill: Jill started as our resident spinning expert but has branched out to include lace knitting and a course in design. Jill has a busy professional life and is active in many fiber groups, but luckily finds time for 2-3 classes at Kiwi each quarter.

Desi: Though only knitting for a few years, Desi has more than made up for lost time! Small needles and lace knitting are her passion, but Desi has already acquired a wide-range of knitting skills and stash to rival the best of us! You'll love her cheerful smile! Desi is usually around from 11 - 3 on Fridays.

Lynda: Lynda is the senior member of the crew - well not in age, but as a trusted friend and teacher for Kiwi. Like most of us, Lynda has been knitting and crocheting since childhood. Growing up in New England gave her lots of opportunity to hone her skills! You will love her classes! Lynda listens to your needs and seems to know exactly what to offer next. You will often find her on Sundays at the St. Philip's Plaza Farmer's Market knitting/crocheting and handing out Kiwi cards!

Salli: Salli claims she has 150 years of knitting experience! "What!!!" you say. "That can't be." Well, the thinking is that Salli knits 3 times as much as any normal person - and from what I have seen, this is a very accurate - so multiplying that by the number of years she has been a knitter gives you the total experience. In addition to experience, Salli is incredibly creative and LOVES to help people. You'll really enjoy working with and learning from Salli! You will see Salli helping at Kiwi on Saturdays and when I am away, but often she is there a good part of other days teaching classes.

I hope you'll come by. You will find some wonderful yarns, a comfortable shopping environment, and friendly service. Stop at Rincon Market or the Chinese Tea Room before you come for coffee or tea and bring it along. Oh, and don't worry, you won't have to brave the ferocious (sounding) Airedales if you stop in the shop. They only greeted a couple of very brave early birds who found me while I was still setting up.

Lynn