Shawnee Kunz became owner of NeedleArts of Georgetown in 2015 prior to relocating and rebranding the business in 2018.
“Dreams come true. I was a longtime customer and friend of Karen [Buzbee], so when I heard she wanted to sell, I gave her a call,” Kunz said about her relationship with the store’s previous owner.
Kunz was an elementary school teacher for 17 years before she decided to pursue crafting full time.
“I am a lifetime learner and teacher,” Kunz said. “My dad worked with leather, [and] my mom could sew and cook just about anything, so it was only natural that I took up crafting and knitting.”
Kunz said she learned how to knit over 40 years ago, but it was not until the early 2000s when she felt like she could teach someone else.
“Now, people can come to me with any project, problem or question, and I can show them how to fix it,” Kunz said.
Kunz said customers can ask for help on a project in-store. She also offers one-on-one or small-group lessons. Similarly, she can hand-pick materials for her customers.
She said she has many U.S.-based yarn makers that ship directly to her store, and while her selection rotates, she stocks about 35 different brands of yarns year-round.
Shoppers will also find patterns, books and magazines, kits, needles, bags, and sewing knickknacks throughout the boutique.
Kunz also knits hats for local nonprofits and charities. She has donated hats and blankets to children in Ukraine, and has given hats, scarves and gloves to students at Annie Purl Elementary School for several years.
“I am all about giving back, and giving someone a new hat is just my small way of helping,” Kunz said.
Kunz encourages anyone interested in knitting to give her a call.
“It’s easy, and I can help get you started,” Kunz said.
Knitting necessities
The Knitting Cup has all the necessities to pursue a yarn-based craft. While there are differences, shop owner Shawnee Kunz said once you learn one technique, the others are not that hard to learn.
- Knitting: involves continuous interlocking loops of yarn using two long needles
- Crocheting: uses a single hook to hook the loops together directly on the piece
- Weaving: involves using a loom to interlace two sets of threats at right angles to each other
- Macrame: a creative knotting technique made by tying cotton or rope materials into patterns
102 E. University Ave., Georgetown
512-869-2182
www.theknittingcup.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed Sun.
