She Owns Memphis’s Cozy New Crafting Shop
A newly opened boutique, Stitching Supply offers premium yarns, threads, supplies, and a commitment to fostering creative community. Meet the woman behind the shop, Erica Carpenter!
Erica Carpenter, an Army veteran and Memphis College of Art graduate, developed a passion for crafting early on. Despite years in the corporate world, her love for knitting and crocheting was ever-present. During the pandemic, Erica rekindled her interest in fiber arts and noticed a demand for local yarn stores.
With that in mind, she founded Stitching Supply, a boutique in Chickasaw Oaks offering premium yarns, supplies, and a creative community. Ericaβs shop is a haven for fiber enthusiasts and a realization of her dream to inspire others through crafting. Get to know this creative FACE of Memphis!
Tell us a little about your career before you opened Stitching Supply.
I worked in technology, making websites better and more usable, which is a creative job in its own way. As I approached retirement age, I realized that if I didnβt take the chance now, I never would.
What did you learn along the way that helped you open your own business?
Get a good business plan together. Use all the resources and advice you can get from family, friends, and colleagues. Gems of wisdom come from everywhere if you ask the right questions and adapt the advice to your goals.
Youβve said you want Stitching Supply to be more than just a place to buy yarn. Can you tell us more about what you hope it brings to the community?
Creating is better when itβs done together. Anyone can get stuck in a rut of wanting to do something but lacking inspiration. In a group setting, everyone is inspired by each other. Iβve tried many new techniques and have taken on more complex projects than I would have if not for my old and new friends at the community table.
Tell us about some of the classes and workshops you offer.
We are putting together beginner and intermediate classes for both knitting and crochet. Iβve lined up a few very talented instructors to help. Classes are being booked now!
What sort of response have you gotten from the Memphis community?
From what Iβve heard, many Memphians have been hungry for a local yarn shop to open. They are very supportive with their kind words and encouragement. I would love to shout out Campfire Collective, who helped me with the initial launch. I love supporting local and women-owned businesses, and their help has given my store a solid kickoff.
With the storeβs grand opening behind you, what are you most excited about for the future?
Iβm looking forward to expanding the shop to provide needle arts and related supplies β¦ and more classes! Iβm enjoying talking with everyone who comes in and Iβm inspired every day with new projects that others suggest.
Where can we find you when you arenβt working?
I live in the Cooper-Young area, where I hang out with my three dogs while spending time in my sewing room, where I make bags, purses, and other accessories. (Yes, another hobby!) These will be featured in my store soon.
What is your best piece of advice?
Think outside the box, get creative with your execution, and trust yourself. If you are passionate about your endeavor, you canβt fail.
Name three things you canβt live without.
Sci-fi and fantasy novels, making things, and gathering friends.
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Get to know more amazing Memphis women HERE!
Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.