1 year without dropping a stitch
Jean’s Closet, in Norwalk, nears first anniversary
With two weeks to go before Christmas Eve, Jean Smith realized she was short one tiny yarn stocking on a crochet advent tree for sale at her Jean’s Closet shop in South Norwalk.
Whereas that would have most store proprietors going the extra yard for overnight delivery, for Smith it was an easy enough fix, with knitting needles and any number of yarn skeins close at hand.
In a year that saw the SoNo exits of Klaff’s, Kaas & Co. and soon the Lillian August outlet, the district’s newest store in Jean’s Closet is nearing its first anniversary on a pedestrian alley just off Washington Street.
Smith created Jean’s Closet as an outlet for knitted items she had long been selling at craft fairs in the southwestern Connecticut area, from mittens and golf-club covers; to holiday-themed items like ornaments, stockings and yarn gift bags; to dresses, sweaters and other apparel; and other items like handbags, bean bag-like chairs and children’s play mats.
Like other South Norwalk retailers, Smith said sufficient parking for customers is her major concern, but otherwise has been happy with how the shop is faring after a year in South Norwalk. She has welcomed support from fellow South Norwalk proprietors, several of whom contributed freebies as raffle items for a “sip and shop” event Jean’s Closet held in late November.
“The people that come in — they buy and it’s been going well, as much as could be expected,” Smith said.
Smith also offers oneon-one instruction for those who may have always wanted to learn the art of crochet but did not have a relative or friend to teach the ropes.
Around the corner, Board & Brush recently opened a do-it-yourself workshop at 68 Water St. offering classes for those wanting to learn how to make wooden signs and other items, as well as parties for groups.
Jean’s Closet also offers craft parties, with information at jeans-closet.com or by calling 203-831-9210. The store will be open through Christmas Eve at 129A Washington St.
“There are so many unique gifts here that you can’t find anywhere else,” Smith said.