New Grayslake art and yarn shop celebrates 'Midwestern creativity'
Linda Keating admits a mid-life crisis and spending four hours a day commuting to and from work prompted her to launch a small business.
After spending 40 years in the health-care industry, Keating decided she need something simpler and "fun." About a month ago she opened Prairie Arts and Fibers at Grayslake's Prairie Crossing.
She says the new business is essentially two stores in one. "It's an art store and a yarn/knitting store," said Keating, 57.
The tagline for the business at 960 Harris Road is "Celebrating Midwestern Creativity," she said. Keating has hand-picked a variety of home decor, gifts and small furniture, all made by Midwest artisans, most of whom she's met personally.
Items range from small furniture pieces to pottery, fused and blown glass, prints, photographs and paintings. Highlights include Amish rocking chairs, mission-style benches and small tables.
A selection of specialty foods, including salad dressings, mustards and barbecue sauce from the Galena Canning Co. are also available.
The large windows at the shop create an inviting atmosphere for people who come in for knitting or crochet classes. Rocking chairs are arranged in a comfortable circle for a light, airy feel, Keating said.
She added that the yarn selection reflects both well-known names and some newer companies. "We've covered the basics well while also offering artisanal, hand-dyed and fair trade yarns," Keating said.
The shop offers group lessons in the beginning and intermediate knitting and crochet, as well as a broad selection of needles and notions. Classes for children are also offered.
Keating herself learned to knit when she was 8 or 9 years old when her mother taught her the skill. "I've had a life-long interest in the arts," she added. When she was in her 20s, pottery lessons kept her captivated.
Keating and her husband, Jack, reside in Grayslake, about two minutes from the store. This beats her two-hour commute to the American Dental Association, where she most recently worked.
The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, call (847) 543-5255 or check out www.prairieartsandfibers.com.
Time management: Making the Most of Your Time and Gaining Control of Your Life is the title of an upcoming workshop to be held at the College of Lake County in Grayslake.
The session, which takes place at 11:30 a.m. May 14, is offered by the Workforce and Professional Development Institute's client solutions department. It's part of the Lunch and Learn series. To register, call (847) 543-2615.