JP Knit & Stitch Aims to Change the Pattern of Knitting and Fabric Stores

Almost hidden beneath the giant, garish red CVS sign at 461 Centre St., at the corner of Moraine, a block away from the former Hi-Lo grocery store, a quiet non-controversial business is opening this morning 10 am. It will not be taking on a giant national chain, it will not be a symbol around which JP citizens rally. JP Knit & Stitch is a yarn and fabric store.

While that might seem like a small niche — after all, the target customer is a knitter or seamstress, maybe someone in the throes of a new hobby or a household project — JP Knit & Stitch looks poised to become one of the area's most exciting new businesses.

The founders — Genevieve Day and mother and daughter Pat and Jennifer Boyd — aim to change the pattern from which knitting and fabric stores are cut. With a wide selection of organic yarns and fabrics, a carefully designed, multi-purpose and lighted layout, state of the art point-of-sale software, a relaxation area, a children's amusement corner, and a voluntary e-mail list that already surpasses 600, there is every reason to expect success.

"The fabrics that we sell, you cannot find locally...(and also) people can be very picky about where they buy their yarn," Jennifer Boyd said. "The things that make us unique, our selection, our resource center with the iPad that you can use to download free patterns, you can spend time on Ravelry ...no other store does that."

Day added that all their products are clearly categorized and labeled, very customer friendly with none of the usual mystery associated with craft stores.

In addition to retail sales, five accomplished craftspeople have already expressed an interest in teaching classes which are planned for the site.

Optimistically slated to open in December 2010, the trio realized, as all craftspeople do, that the best projects are accomplished through careful planning and preparation, and so the original opening was delayed until all the details were worked out.  

After a longer than expected search, which originally focused on the Centre/South downtown and bogged down in frustration at rent rates and space configurations, the partners were instantly excited when they saw the 1,457 sq. ft. space, where the now defunct established its first store. Knit & Stitch signed a sublease with CVS, which is the master tenant of the building. They were able to work out a two and a half year term with an additional five year option that has provided them with time at the front end to design and renovate the space and a fixed rate at the back end to help them solidify their business. With considerable effort they were also able to negotiate permission to install an awning over their entryway.

With loans from family, the business is under the pressure of a requisite need to repay that drives real commerce. All three live nearby, the furthest away being on Burroughs Street. Their talents complement each other. Day is an editor turned seamstress who brings a literary sensibility and an essayist's talent for organization. Pat Boyd is an experienced teacher, administrator and spiritual advisor and lifelong knitter who both of the younger women turn to for advice, clearly a calming influence, and Jennifer Boyd is a former public health researcher whose personal story is the inspiration for the entire project. 

With all due respect to the equal parts of enthusiasm that all three women bring to their work, it was Jennifer Boyd's personal journey that ignited the passion that infuses the shop. Four years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and as serious illness tends to do, it sharpened her search for a meaningful pursuit. She knew firsthand about her mother's talents, and through their kids had become friends with Day, who at the time was making clothing for friends and family. After casting about for a bit, she realized "My passion is knitting. I don't want to just sit at home and knit though, I want to share it with my community. I want to share it with my friends." Her mother immediately embraced the idea of going into business with her daughter and Day quickly rounded out the threesome. The early journey, from inception to realization took nearly two years. The long journey lies ahead.

Initial store hours will be Wed 10-6, Thu 10-8, Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5 and Sun 12-5 Closed Mon-Tue

461 Centre St. 617-942-2118

jpknitandstitch.com