HOW TO SHOP WITH SHEEP & SHAWL
The shop is open by appointment, only 12 appointments/week. Half-hour appointments for one person at a time (or two from the same household), spaced half hour apart between 1:00 and 4:30 on Wed., Fri., & Sat. See more detailed information below. Please call 413-397-3680 to schedule your appointment or ** click here ** to use our easy online scheduling calendar.
Liz is listing more items on Etsy daily and still filling your orders by:
- phone – 413-397-3680 – and
- email – liz@sheepandshawl.com
- with curbside pickup or mail delivery
- The Etsy shop – sheepandshawl.etsy.com – allows you to see actual colors and quantities of yarns (books, magazines, buttons) that we’ve been able to list online (much quicker than a phone call if you don’t need advice or items not yet on Etsy). See the new web page in the menu above – “What’s on Etsy” – to see what I’ve added. If you want to pick up your Etsy order, just message Liz in your order and I’ll refund your shipping costs and set up a pickup time with you. (Etsy does not have a “pickup in shop” option.)
- And now – shopping by private appointment in the shop!
PRIVATE APPOINTMENT SHOPPING
The shop will only be open for half-hour appointments for one person at a time (or two from the same household), spaced half hour apart for cleaning and shop work in between.
- Wednesdays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00
- Fridays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00
- Saturdays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00
You’re welcome to come in and just browse, but if you know what you’re looking for please let me know (it will be helpful to also bring your pattern if you need yarn for it).
I have re-opened with extra precautions and protection for customers and for myself. (I am the only staff person now.) I clean the shop regularly, following Massachusetts Covid-19 Control guidelines.
I have streamlined the shop for easier browsing. I am happy to take special orders for the yarn you need if I do not have enough in stock. I will wind yarn during your half-hour visit, or you may leave it and pick up later.
WHEN YOU ENTER THE SHOP
- Wear your mask (bring your own). Masks are required, covering nose and mouth, to be in the shop. (Liz wears one too.)
- Stop and sanitize your hands upon entering the shop. There will be a clean bottle for each customer to use. I spray the bottle after use, and as extra precaution, set the used bottle in the back room for a few days, rotating a clean bottle to the front in its place.
- Please take a shopping basket for your purchases. This avoids you holding items, and will be set on the counter for me to check you out. I offer a clean basket for each customer, disinfecting them between use, rotating clean ones from the back.
- You may use your reusable bags (from your home or car) for your purchases.
GUIDELINES WHILE YOU’RE IN THE SHOP
- Please maintain a 6-ft distance between yourself and anyone else in the shop, including Liz. I’ve also added a Plexiglas shield at the counter.
- I encourage you to browse with your eyes first and handle fewer items than you were used to before Covid-19. Please do not hold yarn up to your neck or face.
- I don’t believe you need to wear gloves when handling yarn, but you may choose to do so.
- Please take a pair of gloves and wear them when handling books, patterns, notions – any hard surface items. I encourage you to look at books and patterns and notions. I just want to make everyone feel safe, and I won’t have to clean those surfaces between customers if you wear new gloves.
- I can help you find the yarn or pattern you need. I need to be mindful of all shop inventory that is also on Etsy, and immediately remove any items purchased in the shop from the Etsy listing in order to keep that straight and not have two people try to buy the same skein at the same time. I do still have “back stock,” so please ask if you need more than the quantity you see on the shelves.
- I prefer credit or debit card at this time. I will also accept check or cash, but it creates more contact for disinfecting.
OTHER CHANGES
- I’ve reorganized the shop to make it more spacious, easier to browse, and less “handling.” For single items on display (that used to be in all those baskets of little notions and gifts) I am keeping clean items behind the counter. Just ask if you’d like one.
- I am not able to provide personal assistance for knitting help (fixing mistakes, interpreting patterns, other close-up work). But we can talk about it and I can recommend video teaching resources – see our web page “Best Knitting Tips” at www.sheepandshawl.com/tutorials/
- I’ve removed all consignment clothing articles that are usually tried on as well as shop samples from the shelves. If you’d like to see one of the many shop samples made in our yarns, please ask – I’ll keep some behind the counter, and hang some up high for inspiration.
- I am cleaning doorknobs, sanitizing bottles, table & counter tops, chairs, pens, and other hard surfaces between each customer.
- I would prefer you not use the bathroom during your half-hour visit. However, if necessary, I will sanitize the bathroom before and after any use.
Please reschedule if you have any of the following symptoms: cough, fever, chest tightness, loss of smell or taste – or if you’ve been in contact with anyone with these symptoms within the last 14 days.
COMMUNITY
Outdoor Crafts Circle in the shop’s backyard on Wednesday mornings from 10 – 11. Just one hour (ish) – no bathroom available. You must bring your own mask & chair, snacks, water, hat, sunglasses, crafts of your choosing. We will sit 6 – 10 feet apart. Rain date if we need it will be Friday, 10 – 11. We now have two tents for shade!
Outdoor Classes – We are considering this option for classes for 3 students (6 feet apart) under a tent in our back yard. Please let us know your thoughts and whether you think this is a good idea.
Can’t wait, Liz. Good luck, Break a leg, or Blessings…. whatever works. Jane Dunning
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Thanks Jane – look forward to seeing you when I open.
Cheers,
Liz
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excited to see future posts on this blog! 🙂
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Liz,
I just know your shop will be a smashing success. Best of luck to you as you embark on an exciting new adventure. Be sure to let me know if I can be of assistance in any way.
Warmest regards,
Betsy Martin
A Loom with a View
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Thanks very much Betsy! I will be in touch when I return from vacation. Hope your shop is continuing to do very well in Newburyport!
Cheers,
Liz
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My very best wishes as you embark on this fabulous endeavor! Looking forward to a visit from eastern MA to western MA!
Margaret
Margaret B. Russell
Antrim Handweaving
Studio & Study
Byfield, MA
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Thanks so much Margaret. I look forward to seeing you! – Liz
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I’m thrilled to hear about this shop and will be there to shop as soon as I can get there after opening. What a brilliant idea!
See you soon!
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Hi Meg, Thanks for your interest! I look forward to meeting you soon. – Liz
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Congratulations! Looking forward to visiting the shoppe! Lots of luck and fun, Barbara
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Thanks Barbara – I look forward to seeing you!
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Liz- Congrats for knitting together all the pieces of your new shop. I wish you success and great fun.
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Thanks Dave! It is fun!
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Liz,
Liz,
This is a wonderful use of all your amazing talents! I can’t wait to come visit! Thanks for helping to keep the creative stream flowing for you and all the rest of us!
Hugs, Gail
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Hi Gail – can’t wait to see you! Adjacent organic bakery/cafe open Th-Sat and organic pizza open Th – Sun!
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You’ll do great, Mama! Can’t wait to visit the shop again, what a great variety of quality made products!
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Thanks dear daughter! And thanks for your help last week in setting up the shop! I’m so glad you’re back on the East Coast!
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It’s all so tempting – glad I didn’t stay longer – I’d be knitting into my year 1000! Blessings!
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Thanks for all your help Karen! I couldn’t have done it without you. Come back any time!
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Congradulations Liz Please keep me on your email list.
Lucretiachase1@comcast.net
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Thanks Lucretia. You’ll be added to the email list. Updates to website and a newsletter coming this week!
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Congratulations! I am very excited to come see your shop! Just heard about you today, and I am ecstatic (I live in Greefield). I hope to come for your knitting nights soon. Happy Luck and Good Health to you!
Cynthia
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Thanks Cynthia, I look forward to seeing you at Knit Nites on Wed. at 7 pm. – Liz
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Great stuff Liz, can’t wait to visit, maybe next year! Weather is turning here too and thoughts of wool fill the air as I gather in the fleece for next year’s products. Maybe by next year you’ll be importing wool from Papay and Sedbergh!!
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Sounds good Laura! I can’t wait to hold some of your wool!
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Liz… you have found your bliss! So very very happy for you and everyone who lives near you! We need to have a Knitini!!!
Go go goddess!
Jill
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Thanks Jill – knitini sounds great. Come visit the Valley!
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Great class with Laverne! Thanks for being such a gracious hostess.
Elaine
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Thanks Elaine. Isn’t Laverne a superb teacher?! I loved having all of you here, and hope to do it again next year!
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Thank you Liz for opening such a great shop! And selling my needle felting supplies and classes too! Best of wishes, Deb from Emma’ s Garden Primitives
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Thanks Deb! It’s great having your classes and felting supplies at Sheep & Shawl. You have another winner this week with the needle-felted sheep pin/ornament!
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Looks great … wondering if you are going to or have felting tools. classes begin ? 🙂 Jill
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Thanks Jill. We do have felting tools, including single needles (no multi), that are provided by Deb, our needle-felting teacher. Class schedule for Jan. – Mar. will be posted soon! Stay tuned, Liz
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I would like to take your Trumbed? (stuffed) mitten class in January and wondered when it is and the cost. I have one and possibly two friends that want to take the day time class with me.
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That’s great Karen. Although I haven’t posted the class yet, Thrummed Mittens will be scheduled for 3 Thursdays – Jan. 9, 16, 23 – for a morning class (10 – 12) and a night class (7 – 9). Cost: $60 class fee plus materials. Come by the shop or call to register. Happy Holidays! – Liz
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I would love to be added to you email list Thank you
Alice
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Thanks Alice. Will do! Hope to see you soon, Liz
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Can’t find your hours on this web site. Thank you.
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Lary, the hours are in the right-hand sidebar with the address (perhaps they don’t show up on a phone screen?). We are open Wed – Fri 12 – 6; Sat 10 – 6; Sun 12 – 4; and Knit Nite Wed 7 – 9, Knit Circle Friday 1 – 3, Spinning Guild 2nd & 4h Wednesdays 6 – 8. Hope to see you soon! Liz
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Hello Liz….I drive by a number of times each week and finally caught on to the fact that there was a “new” shop there. I just noticed the yarn sign this past Saturday and searched on line just about the time your second spinning class was ending. Oh, no!! I am just venturing into the world of spinning and would have loved to take the class. Maybe you will be offering it again? I will definitely check out the Spinning Guild…….Beth
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Hello Beth – welcome! We will have more spinning classes, both in drop spindle and with your own wheel. Watch for the April – June class schedule to be coming out soon. I look forward to meeting you, Liz
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You were right, Liz — Churchmouse clearly says that’s the “stockist” list, and they “may” have the new book. I apologize for my insistence, and I love my new yarn! So all is well, and thank you!
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Thanks Dorrie, I’ve looked again, and altho’ I can see the preview of of the book I don’t see how much it is. It is likely that I will order it for the shop however. In the meantime, if you’d like to look up some fun “how to knit” lessons that are free on another website, try Tin Can Knits at http://tincanknits.com/thesimplecollection.html. I trust their patterns and carry many of them as well. Enjoy your new yarns! I’m thinking of a making shawl in the “blue morpho butterfly” BFL (640 yds!).
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Thank you, Liz — I’ll check that other site and see if I want to pass it on to my tentative new knitter — you know how they say, “Oh, will you teach me to knit” and then skitter away? That’s happening with this one! BTW, still on cloud nine after my visits yesterday — what a treat, to spend time with you and all that beautiful yarn!
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Thanks Dorrie, It was a pleasure to have you here!
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Sheep & Shawl is a delightful shop that is warm and welcoming. It has a wonderful selection of natural fibers with a nice mix of nationally known brands & independent dyers. The atmosphere is relaxed & after being greeted I was able to browse at my leisure. The proprietor was avaliable to a guest for hands on assistance & took the time to chat with me about her philosophy on fibers, my yarn selection & projects.
All in all it was a very pleasant & worthwhile trip which I will happily make again.
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Thank you so much for the kind words Wende, and for coming to visit! I hope I’ll see you again soon. This was my first Shop Hop and I loved helping all the customers and getting to talk with them. Come again, Liz
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Awesome backstrap weaving classes, thanks so much for hosting these workshops Liz. And always a pleasure to be surrounded by such beautiful yarn in your lovely shop.
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Thanks Jacquie! It was a treat to have you here all 4 days. Thanks also for your extra assistance. I can’t wait to see your finished weavings. Cheers, Liz
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Hi, Liz —
I just sent someone to you — she was sitting behind me at the Deerfield history conference and was fascinated by the thinness of the lovely sock yarn I bought from you all yesterday — she apparently knits with DK or thicker — hope you have fun together!
Your Boston friend,
Dorrie Bell
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Thanks Dorrie! If she is who I think she is, she bought two lovely Seven Sisters sock yarn and several Swans Island ecowash DK and All American sport yarns! I didn’t remember there was a history conference today – thanks for being a yarn enabler! ;<)
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I would like to sign up for the butterfly crown class
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Sorry we missed this note Carol – it went to spam for some strange reason (and I was on vacation last week). We’ve got you registered now. Please send your check or call with credit. Thanks!
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Hello. I would like to learn needle felting. Do you teach that or know any classes in western Massachusetts? I live in Deerfield. Thanks, Janice
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Check at Woology just down the street from
Sheep & Shawl.
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Thank you! I have already taken two classes at Woolology and loved them. I am signed up for more. Take care, and thanks again! Janice
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You’re welcome. So glad you’re enjoying the needle felting classes! Come visit us too when you can. Happy Fall.
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Great talking with you today Liz! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge! I HOPE others will sign up for Saturdays class! I decided once home to unknit my way too large hat! The yarn is beautiful and I think my son will enjoy it as a scarf which I can do up pretty quickly! See you Saturday!
Diane
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Thanks Diane, I didn’t see this before. We hope more folks sign up for this Saturday!
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Hi there! I live in Florence and would love to purchase two skeins of dk weight Yarn: cream colored (a tweed would be awesome ) I’m doing a scrappy project ( Boyland Knitworks ninilchik Swoncho), so I don’t care too much about guage! I have some flexibility with picking up. Let me know cost and when I should pick up. Thanks!
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Hi Kelly, I”m going to email you a reply with photo attached. Thanks! Liz
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Hi Liz,
I was hoping to be able to purchase 40”, 32” and 24” #4 circular needles and #4 double pointed needles from you, as soon as possible. I am right in the middle of a project and realized I did not have what I needed. Very frustrating! If I could pick this up today, I would appreciate it, I live right around the corner in South Deerfield. Please let me know if this is possible and what time/day I could do this. Many thanks! Jill Predmore 413-230-7409
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