A very wise customer suggested we share some of the reasons why a variety of the folks that have pledged to back our Kickstarter campaignmade 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 Karissa Kloss. Karissa works at Roost Books, formerly a Boston-based publisher that recently relocated to Denver, Colorado. It was with a heavy heart that we said good-bye to Karissa and her employer.
When did you discover gather here?
I first walked into gather here on its first birthday party. I'd heard about it, but hadn't had a chance to stop in before then. I was so overwhelmed by that first visit--I don't think I even bought anything! It was like stepping into a place of dreams. All of the fabrics I'd seen and loved online were there in person. Everyone was smiling and nice. It was the first time I've ever entered a room and knew I was with "my people."
What is your craft and how does gather here support it?
I am primarily a clothing sewist, but also quilt, make bags, and embroider. I think gather here supports ALL crafts by being a place full of encouragement and inspiration. For me specifically, Virginia helped me grow as a sewist in so many ways, mostly through her expert teaching in some of the many classes I took there. gather here also allowed me to meet and take classes from some of my idols, like Sonya Philip and Mimi Kirchner.
Have you backed a Kickstarter campaign before? What was it?
Yep--quite a few! I backed Green Bee Patterns and Sara Lawson (Sew Sweetness) with their pattern lines, By Hand magazine, plus CinemaSalem and most recently helped launch Queen Magazine (which is all about drag queens and is AMAZING).
There are thousands of Kickstarter campaigns that could use funding, why did you chose this one?
Other than just loving gather here, Virginia and Noah, and everyone else who works there, I think it's important to support local businesses. Even though I've recently moved to Colorado, I strongly believe in gather here and its mission. The community I've met through visiting the shop and taking classes has resulted in some of my most valued friendships. gather here has given me so much more than I could ever give it; backing this campaign is the least I can do.
Is there a particular reward that you think makes this campaign unique?
I love that the rewards all come from the maker community gather here supports. I especially love Eling's calligraphy "Makers gonna make" and the screen print Sarah Coyne does with it, so I'm psyched about the project bag rewards option. It's such a wonderful collaboration.
What would you tell someone who isn't sure about funding a Kickstarter Campaign?
There's nothing to be afraid of! Kickstarter makes it easy to support businesses and communities that need it, and you usually get a something back for your generosity.
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.
