In late summer of 2021 we realized that now that the shop was actually open seven days a week and the rush of fall and holiday crafting was on the horizon that we needed in-person support. Molly and Virginia zoomed with Kayleigh, who loves all sorts of crafts and is an awesome illustrator, too, AND had recently relocated to the area. Kayleigh's experience at a big box craft store meant they had experienced holiday rushes (the likes we probably will never experience) and massive restocks and could navigate themselves around a variety of crafts and skill levels. By now you've...

In the summer of 2020 we posted that we were looking for some part-time help and were thrilled when Charles applied. Charles had taken some sewing and quilting workshops prior to the pandemic and was also an avid crocheter. He also blew us away during his interview with craft examples that varied from sewing to knitting to wood carving! When did you start making things? I started crocheting about 10 years ago, and what keeps me interested in crochet is how easily you can influence the structure through alternating different types of stitches. Crochet is still my favorite craft, whether...

Over the years we have met makers in workshops and they eventually decide to join the team. Lisa G is just one of those makers. When Lisa G decided she wanted a career change she reached out to see if her skills in healthcare administration and her passion for making things could be useful at gather here. At that moment we were feeling overwhelmed with emails and other customer service requests and had begun discussing how to address the never ending email inbox. Lisa G's timing was perfect. When did you start making things? I was always into crafty kits...

Meghan joined gather here prior the pandemic, we even managed to send Meghan to Illinois for Bernina machine technician certification and longarm training prior to everything shutting down. Meghan started as a part-time employee and transitioned to full-time. During the height of the pandemic Meghan helped with our mask-making efforts, pulled and packed orders, as well as cleaned, oiled, and adjust hundred of sewing machines that had been pulled out of attics, basements, and back closets. When did you start making things? I learned how to sew from my mother when I was about 5, and I've been making things ever...

Gianna joined gather here in September of 2019 and we thought she would be studying abroad in 2020 but then *the pandemic*. Gianna returned part-time in September 2020, cutting fabric, helping out in the studio, and sewing a bunch of tea towel calendars. When did you start making things? I’ve been making things ever since I can remember! I’m an only child, and growing up, imagination and creativity were really important to me. I learned to sew (with a machine) in my freshman year of high school (2013?), working on plays in the tiny costume shop, and haven’t stopped since!...