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professional work. “I felt like it was time to
do something for myself,” Susser says. “I’ve
always felt very gratified when creating or
teaching, and I’ve been selling since I was
16. I’m a people person. I wanted to combine
all my skills and create a community where
others can come do what we love together.
“I know how it feels to walk into a store
and feel intimidated or overwhelmed, or
that they just want to sell you something,”
she says. “I don’t like to sell anyone anything
they won’t be able to knit or enjoy. I offer a
cup of coffee or tea, let them look around,
get to know the store. That’s how I want to
be treated so that’s my philosophy.”
Woolly & Co. offers products as well
as classes, from private study and weekly
group classes with like-minded friends to
workshops (including extreme arm knitting,
which teaches to knit an architectural throw
on your arm instead of needles, finishing
and creating a long and loopy scarf) and
special events (plan a Sip and Stitch bridal
shower).
“I love making garments — sweaters,
tank tops, hats — and I love working with
very chunky yarns,” Susser says. “They are
great for learning because they are instantly
gratifying. You can do it quickly, and it
looks like it was harder than it is. It’s a great
confidence builder. They get you hooked so
you can move on to something more compli-
cated or intricate.”
Susser wants to help people fall in love
with knitting. “To me, knitting is such a
great art form. You’re creating with your
hands, but it’s also functional. You can wear
it or gift it or pass it on from generation to
generation,” Susser says.
“But it starts with walking in the door.
It’s music to my ears when people walk in
and say, ‘It’s so beautiful, it feels so good,
the lighting is great,’” she says. “It’s such a
great compliment because it feels good to
people, and they leave feeling good. That’s
the best to me.”

*

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Susser in another of her
handknit pieces. Scenes at Woolly & Co.

March 3 • 2016

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