December 11: Twenty-five for 25
This has been the year of celebration; after all 25 years in business is quite the milestone. It hasn’t been easy, nor has it always been fun and games. Someone once said that owning your own business is a contact sport, and that isn’t far off from the truth!
Despite the challenges, we have had a lot of fun, met fabulous folks, and collected many mementos along the way. Before our 25 year celebration party last spring, Jeannie and I compiled 25 years of memories into two scrapbooks.
I took the time to digitize one of these books for your viewing pleasure, although you are welcome to flip through our scrapbooks at the shop anytime!
Click on the scrapbook cover below, and discover (or re-discover) what we’ve been up to the last quarter-century. While flipping through, many of you will see yourselves and share in the many memories we have gathered over the years.
Because I’m in an especially celebratory mood, I have a HUGE give-away for you today.
I am giving away TWENTY-FIVE, $25 SWAK gift cards. To get your name in the drawing, please leave a comment stating: Sorry, drawing is over!
- your favorite memory of SWAK
- or what you love most about SWAK
- or perhaps something you discovered in our scrapbook that you didn’t know about us
and any other thoughts you care to share!
You have until midnight tonight to get in on the drawing.
Bernadette Ray
11.12.2018 at 06:26My first SWAk shopping experience was at the house. I bought my first sock yarn and pattern there.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:05Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Beth Seeliger
11.12.2018 at 06:27I love the welcoming feeling you get when you walk into the store. I also remember taking a very fun, but unusual class at SWAK – crocheting with wire and beads.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:05Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Stephenia
11.12.2018 at 07:33Favorite memory: I learned to knit at SWAK…from your patient kind hearted mother, she was a wonderful teacher and person
love most: visiting the shop, so many samples to be inspired by and nothing beats touching the yarn
Discovered: did not know you had a knitting cruise!
Happy 25 years
Machelle
11.12.2018 at 07:59Whenever I walk into SWAK it feels like home. You always have a great selection of yarn and offer ideas for projects.I have made many friends over the years at your shop and have many memories of learning from you and Sherry.
Niki Rau
11.12.2018 at 08:26I’m new to Oklahoma and had no idea you’ve been around 25 years! May God bless you with many more!
Cheryl
11.12.2018 at 08:42Loved the yarn dyeing, just need to get the pancho knitted. Should be able to get it done soon!
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:05Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Beatrix Haggard
11.12.2018 at 08:43I have enjoyed every visit to SWAK and think it is great that your shop is so close! My favorite memory is from the dyeing night.
Rachel Vance
11.12.2018 at 08:56The shop is so cute and welcoming, been going since I was younger and my mom wanted to go there. Now, I usually see yarn that I can’t resist and a cute pattern every time I go in.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:04Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Courtnie Vance
11.12.2018 at 09:03My favorite thing about swak is how friendly everyone is. Being a new knitter I didnt feel out of place when I walked into the shop for the first time.
Carol Powers
11.12.2018 at 09:05Probably the Guthrie Getaway with Sally Mellville this year, definitely empowering! I was worried I wouldn’t have a convenient LYS when moving to OK and y’all have proved me wrong
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:04Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Pattye McAbee
11.12.2018 at 09:06The little house on the west side. It was adorable and the shop was great! I told you you ought to be downtown (Guthrie). So, you’re welcome
Mary
11.12.2018 at 09:26Getting to be part of the team at SWAK in the City! I learned so much from Keely & Sherry plus it was great fun.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:04Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Jenny E.
11.12.2018 at 09:27I always loved Wednesday night knitting at the green house in the city. I still love the the Spring and Fall events. I sure wish I lived closer so I could hang out weekly.
Tammy Adamson
11.12.2018 at 09:38From the day I stepped into the store I have felt nothing but blessed! The willingness and selflessness to help me succeed on any project I’m doing is soooo wonderful. I feel very valued and important and could not have gotten so far in my knitting if you ladies weren’t there! I appreciate you all very much. The fun and excitement in the shop anytime I take a class is such a blast. It just feels very welcoming. Glad you’re there and I look forward to another 25!
Jennifer Walker
11.12.2018 at 09:39I love SWAK because of the people that I have gotten to know and the classes that I have gotten to take! I wouldn’t be able to knit half of the rings I can knit without you guys!! Your mom taught me intarsia and I will never forget that! She was always smiling even when we got frustrated! ❤️❤️❤️
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:04Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Debbie walker
11.12.2018 at 09:42I love visiting the shop and going home with lots of beautiful yarn. Your shop is so lovely and inviting.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:04Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Jeannie B
11.12.2018 at 09:44Every time I visit the store, I always see new beautiful yarn…
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:04Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Clarissa Coble
11.12.2018 at 09:47I really enjoyed the anniversary party and I love feeling and squishing all the soft yarn.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:03Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Judy
11.12.2018 at 09:48You’re my absolute favorite yarn shop. I love the welcoming environment. The first time I walked into the shop during a Guthrie Victorian Christmas and bought a set of needles, I was hooked. Keely waited on me and my husband said she is a good fit for you. Since then I have attended every Knit Ouy and retreat. I look forward to whatever Keely has up her sleeve in the future.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:03Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Renee
11.12.2018 at 09:53I’ve loved being able to come in after work to relax for a few minutes, including stopping occasionally at SWAK II when I worked down south. Love touching the yarn and seeing the bright colors.
Sarah Bailey
11.12.2018 at 09:54I discovered SWAK in the City when I lived in Moore and worked in OKC. I loved going in there on my lunch break and shopping! Favorite memory was running into an acquaintance and discovering that she loved to knit, too. We became friends of course!
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:03Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Sarah Bailey
12.12.2018 at 10:12Thank you! Can’t wait to use it 🙂
Carolyn Munholland
11.12.2018 at 09:55My most fond memory is the kindness Sherry and Keely showed me after I lost my daughter, Jennifer in 2002. I came back to knitting when I turned forty in Nov of 2001. I was loving it and working on a sleeveless cabled sweater as a gift for Jennifer when we lost her in May of 2002. I could not finish the sweater but someone from SWAK finished it for me. One of my first times out after the services, my sister in law took me to SWAK. I was exhausted and hadn’t slept for a long time. I curled up on the couch and fell asleep. I felt safe. Knitting has kept me sane since losing my eldest daughter. It’s my therapy, my yoga, my meditation. I love giving my knitting as gifts. I do appreciate Keely and her mom for the gift they gave me
Stacey Sekscienski
11.12.2018 at 10:00I am new to SWAK, but loved seeing how much love, passion, and labor you have put into making the dream a reality. SWAK is one of the most welcoming, tasteful, and fun shops anywhere!
Stevie
11.12.2018 at 10:06I e crocheted for over 10 years and lived in Guthrie my whole life and never knew about your shop until one day me and my children were walking around town and I saw your shop. As soon as I walked in, it was like a dream! Everything was so beautiful and I was amazed at all the yarn!! Why haven’t I known about this!?? I could have stayed in that store for hours! I’ll never forget that first discovery!
Brandie Ferguson
11.12.2018 at 10:14I love that they are always willing to help fellow knitters with project questions. They have been super nice to my kiddos when they have wanted to pick out a gift for their mom. I also remember taking my first knitting class with Sherry many years ago..she helped me have a better understanding of knitting.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:03Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Ellen
11.12.2018 at 10:17Love the scrapbook…even found my picture in your book of memories…I’m honored!! I have lots of wonderful memories of the hours I’ve spent at SWAK. My first memory was making a special trip to Guthrie to visit SWAK at the little house on Noble. My favorite memory…hearing your mom’s laugh (it was infectious) and then the joy and excitement when she knew there was a grand baby on the way. Thanks for sharing the scrapbook. Here’s to 25 more (prosperous) years. (Clink the martini/margarita glass here!)
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:03Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Jennifer Smallwood
11.12.2018 at 10:24I remember the first time I visited SWAK. I probably spent at least two hours browsing through all that beautiful yarn. The first thing I bought was a beautiful alpaca wool blend to make a shawlette and a cotton silk blend to make a scarf, but it turns out the yarn wanted to be a hat and a different scarf. 🙂
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:03Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Diann Riter
11.12.2018 at 10:31I love the uniqueness of SWAK. I still have my “I brake for Yarn Stores” license plate from back when Swak was in the city. Love making a trip up to Guthrie to see the pretty yarns.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:03Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Sarah Steele
11.12.2018 at 10:46I love your weekend retreat in November. I’m going to make it next year!!
Amanda Shirley
11.12.2018 at 11:06I came to a get together at SWAK a year or so ago. I had a wonderful time getting to know other knitters and learned a new cast on technique from Keely. That was the night I got my 21 color slouch hat kit. I love that hat and loved making it.
Laura Haygood
11.12.2018 at 11:58I remember being a new knitter and meeting fellow knitters in Norman. I had just met this group and we all caravanned to Guthrie for a Knit Night. That was the first of many trips!
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:03Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Merrie Roach
11.12.2018 at 12:18I really enjoyed participating in your children’s Halloween hat give away!
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:03Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Heidi
11.12.2018 at 12:38I’ve been going to SWAK since 2012 so that I could knit for my first grandchild. I hadn’t knitted since 1988. I took several classes at SWAK and learned several new techniques. The shop is so welcoming and encouraging. I don’t have family or close friends that knit so SWAK has become a source of strength for me. The quality of the merchandise is unparalleled and always looks great! Y’all have taught me how to make my knitting not look “homemade”. I would be lost without SWAK. Thank you for the wonderful work y’all do each and every day.
BIRGIT Mosier
11.12.2018 at 12:45I needed to find a local yarn store . Mine in OKC had closed down . I googled yarn stores and found yours . Since we never been to Guthrie we drove for a visit. I love your selection of yarns and needles . My crochet needle bought in your store is my precious .
Shawndalynn
11.12.2018 at 13:01Well the event in November is always memorable but in truth it is always such a joy to be at SWAK that I can’t pick a favorite.
Barb Laufersweiler
11.12.2018 at 13:27My favorite memory was recently, only my second visit, enjoying SWAK’s atmosphere, selection, and friendly people while my husband settled in and relaxed for a spell. You are a gem!
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:02Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Anita
11.12.2018 at 14:18Maybe my favorite memory is the first time I visited the shop when it was in a little house on West Noble (maybe). I remember parking and thinking hmmmm…… however, I have enjoyed every visit I’ve made to SWAK.
Shawna Lancelot
11.12.2018 at 14:33I love the Wool and Wine events!
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:02Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Emily Schnabl
11.12.2018 at 14:58My favorite memory is walking in there the first time, when we came to OKC to househunt, and seeing all the yarn. I knew our move was going to be OK.
Jessica Harlow
11.12.2018 at 15:27I came to Swak with my stitching group for the first time this year. I don’t remember what the celebration was for, but I loved visiting. The yarn selection is great and the food and drink was delicious! What a great store! May y’all have 25 (or longer) more!
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:02Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Patricia Riden
11.12.2018 at 17:03My first experience with SWAK was the big green house on Classen. I thought it was ironic that it was across the street from where St. John’s Episcopal Church was once located, since that is my church now. I loved the eclectic nature of the store, and that I could get to an actual LYS in 10 minutes from my house.
The best memory of service there was from Mary Bourne: I bought a package of double pointed needles there late one afternoon, and when I got home I realized that they had slipped through my gloved hands onto the wooden deck as I left. I called the shop, and Mary had found them and actually waited at the store thinking I would probably call back to see if they had been found! That was so incredibly sweet!
I still love the store and its eclectic nature. I love the service – if you want “bumblebee” colors to make your granddaughter a Harry Potter hat, Keely will help you do that. Text her, and she answers.
The store is my little haven for sanity and dreaming all at the same time.
Laura
11.12.2018 at 17:43So glad I found SWAK 25 years ago and learned so much form Sherry and I am still learning form Keely!
Elise N
11.12.2018 at 18:27What I love most:
– how everyone at SWAK is willing and ready to help on any project in any way
– the great selection of products
– the tasty treats at events
– the whimsical location
– making fun knitting memories with family and friends
Ashley
11.12.2018 at 18:37I LOVE this scrapbook! And that you’ve got a type when it comes to shop cats… your shindigs are always my favorite, when I leave and my face hurts from laughing so much! Looking forward to many more…
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:02Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Ashley
12.12.2018 at 11:13Aaaahhh!!! I’ll be up for my new bag- I mean, card- as soon as I can, thank you!!
Sheri Blaylock
11.12.2018 at 18:46I love everything about SWAK! The retreats have been amazing and have improved my knitting so much, and I have made amazing knitting friends that I treasure. Keely, thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do for us. There is nowhere else like SWAK!.
KathyPlummer
11.12.2018 at 19:56I loved your 25 year celebration last year. I also love all the wonderful yarn and great selection of accessories. Love that you are in historic Guthrie!
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:01Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Becky Coffman
11.12.2018 at 20:01The evening with Franklin Habit – he was a hoot, and I was with a group of my favorite knitting ladies. We still talk about what fun we had 🙂
Jenna
11.12.2018 at 20:06I was a beginning knitter with barely any basics up my sleeve. Three years ago I walked in the door and said, “I can knit. I think I can purl.” And they asked what I wanted to learn. They take you where you are and teach you what you want to know. One step at a time. If I get compliments, I say, “It’s all about the yarn. Quality fibers make the difference. I take lessons at a little shop in Guthrie…..”
Melissa
11.12.2018 at 21:55Favorite memory? In 2002 after I finished my chemotherapy, I brought in my “chemo project” – two colorwork doggie sweaters knit for my two Chihuahuas, Beebee and Lola. They modeled them for staff and customers, and while we didn’t stay long, everyone was so kind.
I also remember the hand knit sock/clear plastic boots craze – don’t remember the year, but those were fun.
Someyeh Mirambeigui
11.12.2018 at 22:12My first time at SWAK was a yarn outing with friends! It was the best! I bought my friend an alpaca yarn blend for her birthday! ❤
Suzanne sanderson
11.12.2018 at 22:40It has been fun taking knitting classes with my daughter many years ago and now she spends some Saturdays helps me out. <3
Jennifer D
11.12.2018 at 23:03I am so grateful that I found SWAk after I moved here 3 years ago. I think you have the best selection of yarn and the most helpful, patient and kind staff. What I love most is the amazing community you have fostered in your store. I have met some really cool people that I am blessed to call friends.
Cari Deen
11.12.2018 at 23:33Yarn dyeing was fun! I love Tuesdays. It’s hard to boil it down to a favorite single memory. It’s mostly the friendship of the women who meet to do this craft.
knorthup
12.12.2018 at 09:01Congratulations! You’ve won a $25 SWAK gift card. Please pick up your prize before 1/31/19 or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Judy Bland
14.12.2018 at 11:18I really enjoyed the class on crocheting with wire and beads.
Also love all the great food Keely prepares for classes and events!!
Twenty five years is a long time- here’s to twenty five more.
Judy
Sherry Irvin
15.12.2018 at 10:54I loved the technique class
Also the great food
Enjoy another 25 year
Sherry