Kickstarter Backer Feature: Abigail Swan

Above: Abby wearing her skirt from the "Draft Your Own Skirt Pattern" workshop.

A very wise customer suggested we share some of the reasons why a variety of the folks that have pledged to back our  Kickstarter campaign made that choice. As if it wasn't enough to get all weepy each time someone new makes a contribution, the answers we've received today to our request have been kind and thoughtful just like each of you. Today we'd like to introduce you to Abby Swann. Virginia and Abby met at a yard sale. They were both shopping for Pyrex - Virginia for the store, Abby for her new apartment. Abby is an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington and heads the Ecoclimate Lab there.

When did you discover gather here?

I discovered Gather Here when I met Virginia at a Garage Sale. I had just moved to Boston and didn't know anyone (but I needed pyrex!) and Virginia had just signed a lease to open the store - maybe even that same morning. I'm not much of one for talking to strangers but I needed to know where to get my crafty supplies, and I found out that Virginia just happened to be opening her own store in a few months. I visited Gather Here on the first day they opened and was totally amazed to find that Virginia, Noah, and others remembered me!

What is your craft and how does gather here support it?

I enjoy many crafts including quilting, garment making, knitting, crocheting (and on and on...) and Gather Here supported them all. I particularly enjoyed developing my skills in classes for making clothes and patterns for clothes at the shop. Going to Gather Here was a happy place for me--they had materials to help inspire new projects and encourage me to work on creative ventures. A few years ago I moved all the way across the country to Seattle, and I miss the shop all the time. Gather Here is more inviting, inspiring, and better supplied than any store I can find in my new city. Every time I go out to find materials for a project I feel sad and a bit nostalgic. I wish it was still my neighborhood craft gathering place!

Above: Modern Drunkard's Path Quilt - pattern by Maritza Soto.

Have you backed a Kickstarter campaign before? What was it?

This is the first time I've backed any kickstarter campaigns, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity.

There are thousands of Kickstarter campaigns that could use funding, why did you chose this one?

Gather Here holds a special place for me and I'm excited about the vision that Virginia and Noah have. I don't think I have ever met two people who are more dedicated and hard working for their cause! Running a small business is incredibly hard work requiring an impressive range of skill sets. I'm not surprised at all to find that Virginia and Noah are doing the toughest parts themselves to make sure they are done right and I want to help them make it to the next stage.

Is there a particular reward that you think makes this campaign unique?

The reward for me is knowing that I'm helping a small business that made my life in Cambridge brighter make it over a big hurdle.

What would you tell someone who isn't sure about funding a Kickstarter Campaign?

I know these two have the skills, dedication, and incredible work ethic to pull this off. Gather Here was one of the things I loved most about living in Cambridge, and I'm happy to help in a least a small way to keep the community going.

Above: Oliver + S Dress

The Kickstarter Campaign ends on January 15th. If you can and feel so inclined, please take a moment and back us. You contribution supplements the generous funding from the building owner and grants from the City of Cambridge. Don't underestimate the value of sweat equity, either. We've poured a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this DIY project and we think you'll be able to tell. We can't wait to make 1343 Cambridge Street our home and we hope you'll think of it as your second home, too.