Knitting salon touts social atmosphere

Connie Grundschok wove her career as a commercial interior designer into creating a yarn salon in Buffalo Grove.

The Wheeling woman recently opened Knit Happens at 794 S. Buffalo Grove Road. Calling the business a "modern yarn salon," Grundschok says it offers an array of classes, yarn and accessories in an inviting atmosphere. The store's format is one aspect that differentiates her business from others of its kind, said Grundschok, who worked for 26 years designing retail stores, including Target, Chicos, Clark Shoes and Anthropology.

Knit Happens features a mix of carpet and hardwood floors with a large table in the front near large glass windows for classes, Grundschok says. A seating area with a TV provides an area for knitting. Coffee and beverages are also served.

"I want people to feel as if they are coming into my home," Grundschok said, adding that she greets customers as they arrive.

The entrepreneur, a native of Arlington Heights, offers yarns that aren't offered at other shops. "They're upscale, but they're not expensive," she added.

An array of project specific classes are part of the mix. The beginner's class teaches the basics of knitting.

"It's a boot camp-style class. You need to master the stitch before you can go on," she said.

Grundschok started knitting only seven years ago. A passion for kitting and changes in the design industry drove her to start a new career. She did not care for all the computer programs being used in the design industry.

"It's the hands on aspect that I like about knitting," she said, adding, "I want to share my passion with others."

The shop features an open knitting night on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

"You don't have to use yarn bought at the store. And if I can help you, I will," she added.

Grundschok, 48, said the social aspects of the knitting night have been going over well.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For more, check out knithappensyarnsalon.com.

Kim Mikus covers small business. She welcomes comments kmikus@dailyherald.com.