
December 6: Historically Hip
Guthrie is a really cool place! When my family moved here from Edmond in the 90’s many people thought we’d lost our minds. Over the years we’ve seen Guthrie evolve into the hip and happening place it is today, fueled by a new surge of young energy.

There is just something special about being surrounded by historical architecture, a unique past, and a cast of quirky characters all wrapped up in a small town setting. And it seems as if the rest of the world is catching on to this too.

Earlier this fall studio executives from Amblin, Disney, HBO, and Universal toured Guthrie and were quite impressed. Lately movie production crews are an everyday sight as multiple films are currently being produced in our little town. Guthrie got its first big break with Rain Man back in the 80’s, and many other films and TV specials have used Guthrie as a location on and off for years. But lately, it has reached a fever pitch!

Owning a piece of history, while often an expensive headache, is also quite a privilege. I view my position as a caretaker of a piece of the largest contiguous district on the National Historic Register as more of an honor than a burden.

Our 1930’s era building lays the foundation for the vibe and feel of our shop. Our building and surrounding historic environment is a key component of the artistry and inspiration that drives what we do.

These buildings offer a wonderful combination of architectural significance, craftsmanship, and legendary memories that are sorely missing from a modern-slapped together strip mall. And as we sadly discovered earlier this year, our structures simply can not be replaced. Two buildings at the end of our block were destroyed by fire in February, and have left an empty hole in our community. We are filled with gratitude that the wind spared us from the same fate.


Our new website spotlights many of the cool spots and happenings in town. Check it out at swakknit.com/guthrie
victorian walk

The first of two Victorian Walk weekends is this Saturday from 5-9pm. We will be open late for the next two Saturdays (December 7 & 14) until 9pm. Find out more about Guthrie’s Territorial Christmas Celebrations and the Victorian Walks here.
While both weekends will be quite a holiday treat for those who attend, we are taking a more low key approach for this weekend’s walk. Both Jeannie and Kary will be out of town, leaving me to hold down the fort with the help of our two teen workers. We’ll be here, we’ll be open late, and we’ll be glad to see you as always.
However the following weekend, we will be going all out for the Victorian Walk complete with our full crew and Victorian costumes. It will be quite a spectacle to see. If last weekend’s Holiday Social was any indication, you may get to see me face plant in the middle of the store trying to get around in a hoop skirt. I certainly lack the grace required for the era.

guthrie goodies
We have some Guthrie goodies to give away today!

One lucky reader will win a skein of handspun yarn from Guthrie’s very own Oklahoma Mini Mill, along with our signature Guthrie tee and a whimsical Guthrie Sketchbook.
Simply leave a comment on this post with which color and size of shirt you’d like to win. These tees are our own design, printed and dyed in-shop. We would also love to hear what you love best about coming to Guthrie!
congratulations kathy plummer – you’re the winner of a guthrie tee, sketchbook, and a skein of handspun from the oklahoma mini mill!
- Solid Denim, Khaki, and Natural tee sizes S-M-L-XL
- Handpaint Coral, Denim, Lime, and Plum tee sizes S-M-L-XL-2X*
- *size 2X only available in handpaint coral or plum
You have until midnight tonight! Check back tomorrow to see who wins.
Please note that all prizes must be picked up at our shop no later than February 1, 2020. We do not mail or ship prizes.
Bernadette Ray
06.12.2019 at 07:03Shirt color khaki, size small. I like the small town atmosphere and all the unique shops.
Linda Weston
06.12.2019 at 07:12I would like a solid denim tee in size XL, please.
My favorite thing about coming to Guthrie is hanging out at SWAK, duh! 🙂 My drive to SWAK is nearly 40 miles each way, and I never dread it (okay, there was that one time in a heavy storm) because I really enjoy Guthrie’s architecture and vibe. As I near retirement eligibility, I can easily imagine myself moving there. Hope you’ll have a part-time opening in 2022!
Stephenia a
06.12.2019 at 07:182x coral. I love the downtown area architecture.
Jennifer Elkhair
06.12.2019 at 07:47Khaki XL. Swak is what I love about Guthrie! Also, it’s a beautiful drive. I like looking at the old buildings.
JESSICA HARLOW
06.12.2019 at 08:05I think I’d go a little bit different than my normal choice and get the orange/pink handpaint! All of those handpaints are so beautiful!
Karyn Cook
06.12.2019 at 08:21Coral 2X
Jeannie Bennett
06.12.2019 at 08:252x- coral, Guthrie is an unique cute!
Betty Beall
06.12.2019 at 09:05I would love the lime in a L. I love Guthrie because it’s like stepping into history and your shop especially because of the beautiful yarns you have.
Jennifer Walker
06.12.2019 at 09:43Plum 2x. I love coming to Guthrie because it holds many memories of my Grandpa. So I am always reminded of him when I come to Guthrie. 🙂
Jennifer Smallwood
06.12.2019 at 09:59Solid denim in large.
I too love the old buildings. Guthrie is a really cool place!
Sarah Bailey
06.12.2019 at 10:23Great costumes, ladies! I’d like a medium shirt in Plum. After meeting family and friends, I’d say the thing I like best is the unique experiences you can only get in Guthrie: Trolley rides, visiting the Masonic Temple, the nation’s smallest National Park, walking the historic district, visiting an apothecary’s, the best little yarn shop ever! I could go on……
Ana Johnson
06.12.2019 at 10:25Solid denim in medium. I love going to Guthrie any chance I have.
Liz Hall
06.12.2019 at 11:46Khaki XL. Guthrie is the first OK small town that I ever stopped in. It is quaint and eclectic and I LOVE it!!
Laura McMahan
06.12.2019 at 12:55handpaint lime in small for me, love coming to Guthrie to shop the greatest yarn shop!!!! and the great people there that can teach you all about knit and crochet and more
!!
Judy Smith
06.12.2019 at 13:23Handpaint denim in large. My favorite isTuesdays at SWAK.
Lesley Rodgers
06.12.2019 at 13:53Tye dyed Coral, Medium, love going to GUthrie, it is a lovely town with great buildings.
Jennifer Dodd
06.12.2019 at 15:31The coral hand painted t-shirt is really nice. What do I like about Guthrie? EVERYTHING! I enjoy visiting SWAK and the Art Center where I have made some very dear friends, Stables has a buffet my whole family loves. I love to wander the historical streets and browse in the antique shops, get coffee and a treat at Rick’s and I really enjoy Red Brick Nights and the Opening Night Christmas parade. When I first moved here in 2015 I actually wanted to move to Guthrie but my real estate agent wouldn’t show us anything there.
Shawndalynn
06.12.2019 at 16:20Plum 2X these shirts are beautiful. I love holidays around here it is very small town in all the best ways. Big cities feel meaner this time of year Guthrie it just feels like the smiles are a little warmer and the greetings more heartfelt.
Sheri Blaylock
06.12.2019 at 16:25I like the coral handpainted in M. Guthrie is my favorite small town because it is so vibrant! Everyone is friendly, and the architecture is beautiful. The very best thing about Guthrie is SWAK!!!
Merrie Raoch
06.12.2019 at 16:32Hand paint lime XL. Try to take different side streets to get to your shop to see all the different old homes, etc
Kathy Plummer
06.12.2019 at 17:17Hand paint plum 2xl. Thanks for sharing all the info about Guthrie.
Keely
07.12.2019 at 09:42Congratulations! You’re the winner. Please pick up your prize anytime before 2/1/20, or it will be put back in the prize hopper.
Amanda Shirley
06.12.2019 at 17:272x coral, please.
Amy Otto
06.12.2019 at 18:40Guthrie is quaint with a lot of Oklahoma history! I love plum – so a 2XL hand painted plum t-shirt to cruise around town in!
Jo Jankowski
06.12.2019 at 18:47Denim large
Mary Bourne
06.12.2019 at 20:132x plum
Carolyn Munholland
06.12.2019 at 20:25I love the arts. I learned knitting and weaving and spinning in Guthrie.
Hand paint T plum 2x
Patricia Riden
06.12.2019 at 21:45I like the handpaint T in lime. My favorite part of coming to Guthrie is the yarn shop, although for 6 years my favorite yearly activity was to see my oldest grandson perform with the District Hinor Choir at the Masonic Temple.
Donna J Miller
06.12.2019 at 22:13XL Denim. My sister, my daughter and I have been coming to Guthrie for years. We love to prowl around all the old buildings. And of course SWAK is right at the top of the list! My husband and I also did a mystery week-end at Stone Lion Inn and loved it!!
Eva Maerten
06.12.2019 at 23:08I love the coral hand painted shirt. I love the atmosphere of Guthrie and the beauty of the shops.