Passion Leads to Creativity at Pat's Yarn Boutique

Feeling stressed? In need of a break? Need an outlet?

Relax in style with Pat at . A business to feel comfortable with. Upon entering Pat's Yarn Boutique, the yarns seem to give one a sense of peace and tranquility - then you meet Pat.

After living in Italy for four years as a refugee from Croatia, Pat Vlacancich, then eight years old, moved to the United States with her family, who lived in Hoboken and Bayonne.

Pat, interested in knitting as a child, started knitting scarves. Crocheting became an interest after she got married.

Pat attended Academy of the Sacred Heart, an all-girls' Catholic school in Hoboken, and the Latin American Institute for Languages in New York City for two years. She married and moved to West New York at the age of 19. Now she is a grandmother of 10.

Creativity, Pat’s ambition and passion, led her to start a group called “The Magic Hands Club” (while raising her family). She started to pursue the art of crocheting, and about 15 years ago, knitting. The club would move from house to house where friends would crochet together, gab and eat a light snack.

The business of creating is in her heart. Pat’s Yarn Boutique at 807 Abbott Blvd. in Fort Lee grew out of her passion for knitting and crocheting. But staying in business, in contrast to her passion for art, was a difficult chore.

“My passion outweighed income at the time," Pat said. "It was a good thing my husband, Giulio, has a job; I couldn’t live on love alone."

It was Giulio that filled Pat with the ambition and desire to go out on her own, as she tells it, and her sister, Mary, who owns the salon two doors down on Abbott Boulevard, also prodded her to follow her passion.

It was Mary who informed Pat when the space she now operates her business out of became available.

"After Mary and I spoke to the landlord, Charlie Brusco of Pizza King, I knew it was a perfect fit," Pat said. "I’ve been renting this space ever since as Pat’s Yarn Boutique."

Knitting (stitches) and crocheting are still coming together at Pat's Yarn Boutique after seven-and-a-half years.

As seen in the media world, the computer, as well as the plain old telephone, takes a slice out of Pat’s business however.

"I sell yarn, needles, accessories, books and magazines on knitting and crocheting and my own work," she said. "Keeping the business, mostly by word of mouth, is rewarding. I give lessons, give instruction and also do repairs, making the store an icon in Fort Lee."

To keep business going strong, Pat only sells quality yarns and keeps her clientele "in-the-know." She feels that by doing so, “the business can only flourish.”

"I’m proud of this business; it’s a good business," Pat said. "Most of my customers come here for the extra special yarn and my expertise. My ‘knit and chat’ groups are wonderful; many friendships are formed here. I also go out of my way to order yarn if I don’t carry it for my customers. My business is my hobby, and my hobby makes me happy.”
          
Pat works alone, and she does it all.

“Many of my ladies (creating in-house business) help me out when they see I am busy," she said. "I cannot afford to do it otherwise.”

Having other business establishments nearby in Sharon Plaza, including , the Medical Arts Building, Hair Creations by Mary, Pomodoro Pizza Kitchen, Lamni Nails and Evergreen Cleaners, keeps the traffic flowing.

“When people pass by and stop in, they get excited," Pat said. "They say it is so hard to find knitting/crocheting establishments. So many people have compared my store to a candy store; it’s hard to leave.”

After all is said and done, staying in business is the hardest part, according to Pat.

“I have to fill many desires," she said. "However my customers and I feel that this business in particular is very therapeutic. It creates a peace of mind. There’s so much going on in everyone’s life. People find knitting and crocheting rewarding and relaxing.”

Pat’s business survives through the love of the art. She thinks other business owners can survive by “loving what you do, helping out the customers and enjoying life.”

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. Pat’s Yarn Boutique can be reached at 201-224-7774.