As the last days of Signature Needle Arts are upon us, I knew I wanted to say a final goodbye. Running the company has been a true pleasure but my health has, sadly, declined. I want to spend the time left to me doing things I have wanted to do - including knitting for fun - and so the time has come for Signature to draw to a close.
Over the years so many have helped behind the scenes from my wonderful husband Kent hand carrying the few boxes of sold needles to the post office daily, to dear Daniella who came as an HR Manager and pivoted into e-commerce, to daughter Laura and son Paul, to Donna and Peggy, and the brilliant Jen, who was so critically important to Signature in recent years. I can’t leave out the Bothe people who supported Signature throughout the process: Brian, our shop superintendent; Kerri, Amber and Ashley; and the “godmother” of the needles, Tammy, who built so many needles and oversaw so many others. None of you would have needles without them.
It really is laughable about how ignorant we were when we started: learning online sales, shipping large numbers of packages, what to do when people came to our door expecting we had a showroom and so much more—we were learning day by day. At the first Stitches show we attended in nearby Chicago we were tired after setting up the booth so Daniella, Laura, and I left for a quick supper. We thought the “Student Preview” meant local schools were bringing in school kids. Of course, we missed the biggest sales of the show.
It was beyond thrilling to see how people loved the needles and sales soared. However, we have always been small enough to be able to really connect with our customers. We were privileged to meet knitters who were state legislators, pioneers in Silicon Valley, pilots of 737’s, caregivers and students, homemakers, men and women, all connected by a desire to have great tools to help with their projects.
Signature as a company is coming to the end, but I know knitters will be making wonderful creations for themselves and loved ones long after both the company and I am gone. I have been so blessed to be part of Signature Needle Arts. Farewell dear friends.
-Cathy
