Why We Sell Projects
(Not Just Yarn)

If you’ve been in the shop recently, you might have noticed something different with our layout.

You’ll see more projects right at the front of the store—not just yarn sitting on shelves, but clear, intentional ideas for what to make with it. You’ll see more kits at all levels, from beginner-friendly projects to more advanced ones. You’ll see seasonal ideas you can take home and start right away.

This isn’t random—it’s very much on purpose.

Because at Tink & The Frog, we don’t just sell yarn anymore…we sell projects.

So… why projects?

For a long time, like most yarn shops, we had plenty of beautiful yarn. And don’t get me wrong—I love beautiful yarn…

But a lot of it didn’t necessarily have a job.

Customers would come in, fall in love with a skein (or three), take it home… and then it would sit. Maybe it would get added to the stash. Maybe it would become a “someday project.” Maybe it would just quietly wait.

And there’s nothing wrong with having a stash. It’s good insulation, right?

But what I’ve learned is this:

Having yarn is nice.
Having a project is nicer.

Because when you have a project, something changes.

You’re not just buying yarn—you’re leaving with a plan. You’re excited. You’re inspired. You’re already thinking about casting on.

And then… you’re more likely to actually do it.

What “selling a project” looks like here

This doesn’t mean everything in the store is bundled into a kit (although we do have plenty of those!).

Sometimes it’s:

• a sample hanging up next to the yarn
• a pattern suggestion right nearby
• a full kit with everything ready to go
• or a conversation about what you want to make

We’re also getting much more intentional about making sure you don’t get home and realize you forgot something. So we ask things like, “Do you have your needles?” or “Do you have everything you need to get started?”

Because the goal isn’t just to help you buy something—it’s to help you start your project.

We’re also tying projects more directly into classes, which is one of my favorite things. When you sign up for a class and get the yarn for that specific project, you’re set up to succeed from the very beginning. You have support, you have structure, and you’re far more likely to finish.

What changes for you

When someone leaves the shop with a project instead of just yarn, the difference is immediate.

They’re excited. They’re determined. Ready to cast on!

And then, a couple weeks later… we start seeing finished projects—woohoo!

We see people coming back to show what they made (which I absolutely love—please always show me!). We see confidence growing. We see people trying new things.

When we run make-alongs or group projects, it’s even more obvious. A bunch of people start together, compare notes, help each other out… and most of them finish.

That doesn’t happen by accident.

It’s because they didn’t just buy yarn…
they bought into a project.

How this fits into our World

At my business retreat in March, I worked on our three core values: Belonging, Guidance, and Experience.

And great news for me—selling projects ties into all three.

Belonging
When you have a project, you’re part of something. You’re working on something you can share. You bring it in, you show it off, you talk about it with other makers. That connection matters.

Guidance
A project gives direction. It helps you know what to buy, what you need, and what comes next. And you’re not on your own—we’re here to help you choose, troubleshoot, and keep going when things get tricky.

Experience
The entire experience is just better. You feel more confident, more inspired, and more excited to start. And when you finish? You’re proud. You have something you can wear, use, or gift—and you know you made it.

A more intentional shop

This shift also means I’m being more intentional about what we carry.

Instead of trying to have everything, I’m focusing on collections that fit into your life and your projects. Yarn that works. Projects that make sense. Ideas that feel doable and fun and—yes—squishy and amazing.

Because at the end of the day, I want you to make something you love.

The goal is simple

Less overwhelm.
More clarity.
More finished projects.

So the next time you come in and I start asking questions about what you’re making, or whether you have your needles, or what else you might need… now you know why.

I’m not trying to sell you more stuff (though, it does help keep the lights on).

I’m trying to help you leave with something you’re excited to start.

And ideally… something you’ll finish.