January 28, 2011
Friday at The Loopy Ewe
It’s always busy on Fridays. Although we’re open for drop-in shopping on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, this seems to be the busiest day. Last Friday I had to confront one of our shoplifters. We now have people check their big bags and backpacks at the front, so she solved that by sticking yarn in her jacket instead – and I saw her do it! I couldn’t 
believe it. I just don’t understand how people justify taking something that they didn’t pay for. She’s the same lady who took a bunch of yarn and my vintage knitting needles the last time she was in (no, I did not get them back), so we were prepared for her and watching her extra closely. FPS. Needless to say, she’s no longer welcome to shop here. Anyway, yay for the cameras in the shop. I know that you can pop in and view things through the webcam throughout the day, but did you ever wonder what the webcam looks like from our viewpoint? I stood behind the Loopy island to take this. That little white box in the photo – that’s your window into Loopy. And you can see the pole where we hang signs to talk to you.
Also going on today: Stocking another new line from Cascade, which will go up on Monday. (Don’t worry – we have more than that of each color. That’s just all the shelf space we could give to it right now.)
Knitting Daughter is home for a long weekend and came in to work for a couple of days. She wanted to earn a bit of money for next semester’s textbooks and I’m always happy to have her helping out at Loopy when she wants to.
The Elves are busy packing up orders, helping customers with projects and questions, and causing mayhem. Seriously. Some Fridays are just like that. How’s your Friday going?
Sheri sunnyandcoldtoday,moresnowheadedherenextweek
pattyV said,
January 28, 2011 @ 11:16 am
Well, this morning I was a hair away from being hit by a car that forgot to look to his right before switching lanes. I barely managed to move out just in time.
Other than that I’m glad it’s Friday!!!
Melissa B. said,
January 28, 2011 @ 11:21 am
Sheri, That is JUST horrible you are experiencing shoplifting in the store!!! I don’t understand shoplifters either! Its just very wrong!
Enjoy your weekend with Knitting Daughter! Did she bring any Ivanhoe’s with her
Cindy said,
January 28, 2011 @ 11:27 am
How awful that you have to deal with shoplifters! I am glad that you were able to catch this one and hopefully there won’t be any more! May a thousand moths invade her yarn stash!
Janet said,
January 28, 2011 @ 11:57 am
I do find it amazing how much energy some people will put into taking something that is not theirs to take. I’m sorry you have to deal with that. A lady at my LYS store told me yesterday that she had a bag of hand-knitted scarves, mitts, and such that were to be Christmas presents stolen from the front seat of her truck just before Christmas. She had knitted a beautiful cabled scarf from Plymouth Alpaca Grande, and it was one of the stolen items. So yesterday she was in purchasing more yarn to knit it all over again.
catspaw said,
January 28, 2011 @ 11:57 am
I am so sorry you’ve been having such problems and hope that this is the end of them. That woman needs professional help too.
Mary Beth said,
January 28, 2011 @ 12:12 pm
Way to bust Madame Sticky Fingers!!
Marsha said,
January 28, 2011 @ 12:14 pm
That woman has a lot of nerve returning AGAIN to steal more! You’re nicer than I would have been-I might have had to take her aside, scream in her face, and make her drive me to her home where I would be looking for those needles!!
On a different subject, I am attending Macworld 2011 in San Francisco where I am carrying around my apple green TLE bag-a woman stopped me to ask which vendor I had gotten my bag from! So Loopy is also a hit with geeks! I’m the only one KIPing here, tho’.
Remember , don’t let the b€£¥?!?s get you down!
Kat Jorgensen said,
January 28, 2011 @ 12:15 pm
It is unbelievable to me that anyone would steal from your store, Sheri. I’m so glad you confronted this person and made her persona non grata at TLE. I sure wish you could get your vintage needles back.
Enjoy knitting daughter and your time with her.
Tammy said,
January 28, 2011 @ 12:18 pm
Oh, my word – seriously, I am so glad you caught the shoplifter, but I’d have a hard time being nice, too. I’d probably threaten to press charges unless she returned the vintage needles.
I just don’t understand people sometimes.
Rebekah said,
January 28, 2011 @ 12:29 pm
I can almost understand shoplifting food if you are in a desperate situation, not that I think its right, but I can somewhat understand it in a desperate situation. But yarn, really? That is ridiculous! and Knitting Needles!. I think that should be a felony. And they should never be allowed to touch yarn again! Maybe even have their fingers surgically sewn together. OKay that’s a bit extreme. But seriously! Yarn! That is worse than stealing fine art.
Karen said,
January 28, 2011 @ 12:44 pm
I am the former owner of a quilt shop and always felt a great since of betrayal when someone stole something. We regard our customers and friends. I hope prosecution is in the thief’s future….
Enought of my rant. Please have a wonderful weekend!
Sue J. said,
January 28, 2011 @ 12:48 pm
In a previous life, I worked as a security agent at Sears. You cannot imagine the stuff I saw people steal, and the places they put the stuff to squirrel it out of the store!! In retrospect, it was the best job I ever had. I loved it when I caught someone. And, I agree! Jewelry, clothing, and other items are one thing. But, yarn?!?!?! That is beyond the pale! Have a great weekend, Sheri!
Alice said,
January 28, 2011 @ 12:59 pm
Woohoo! So glad you caught sticky fingers. I hope she doesn’t have any partners-in-crime and this will be the end of it all. I loves me some yarn, but not enough to steal it from someone. I really have a problen with people who try to take this route and not pay for stuff…ugh! Enjoy your time with knitting daughter!
Brenda said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:01 pm
Please tell me you had an officer come and take her away. Someone who would stoop that low should have to stand before a judge and explain herself.
Stacey said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:03 pm
Go Sheri! (On confronting the pest.)
I do love the Cascade colors in your last picture. They’re so bright and cheery.
Have fun with your daughter this weekend!
Brianna said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:10 pm
Quiet thus far, but about to become a whirlwind! We’re meeting up with our college alma mater’s pep band for a pair of hockey games in the area. So, we drive two hours to the game tonight, come home with 11 extra people, feed, entertain, and house them for the night, and then head into the city for the second game tomorrow. I hope we win at least one game, but the food, drinks, and friends will be worth it no matter what!
Abigail said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:12 pm
I’m glad you busted her! I don’t get the mindset that approves that.
Sorry that you’re still missing the vintage needles.
Happy weekend!!
Margie said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:20 pm
So sorry to hear about your unwanted customer. Glad you could deal with it. I worked briefly at a Hobby Lobby in fabric and needlework and was very surprised at what people took from the store. Very sad.
Sounds like your weekend is firming up well. I’m doing tons of cooking for my Monday night class. One advantage of being out of work is that you have lots of time to be creative with all your hobbies! This past week I’ve knitted 2 pairs of fingerless mitts, baby hat and half of a cowel for myself. I’m hoping to finish the cowel this weekend.
Have a great weekend, everyone!!
Lulynn said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:22 pm
Glad you confronted the shop lifter- She needs to give you back the vintage needles that she took. Like many of the other comments- I don’t get why anyone would want something that is not theirs! I am glad that you have the camera!
Cascade- I dream in color
Linda said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:30 pm
It really takes guts to be a “frequent shoplifter” at the same place – it is also embarrassing to the rest of the knitting world to think that someone would feel the need to do that.
Today I planned to paint …. but, I am knitting … 6 more rows and I will paint??
CyndyC said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:35 pm
So sorry that you need to have the webcam.
Cheryl said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:39 pm
I hope you are prosecuting. I hear that “non violent” crimes often go unpunished but this should definitely go before the knitting judge.
I’m still mad at that thief and just glad that you caught yours!
As I said before, it is distressing that anyone steals–but it is like a personal violation to take your stuff. I had a Corvette stolen when I tried to register for a return to college in 1975 and never got it back–and my husband and I had worked so hard to pay it off in one year. No transportation and kids the same year—it took me 20 years to get that BSN degree and kids done with their college before we could replace that car
Cheryl said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:43 pm
One more thing: if you don’t prosecute, maybe you should just put her photo on the webcam under the heading “thief”.
Kay said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:47 pm
I’ve heard of a shoplifter in our area that hides the yarn inside her clothing. The shop owner was so stunned to see the obvious bulges (and not ready to confront) that she just let her go. The next time she dropped in she was confronted and told not to come back in. This person knew the family, had done business with another family member for years and still felt like it was ok to steal from them!! Amazing. But glad you caught your shoplifter and I’ll be happy to leave my purse/bags etc. at front while I shop. I hate carrying them around anyway!
diane said,
January 28, 2011 @ 1:59 pm
It is too bad that you need the security cameras, but a good thing that you have them. There are people who apparently think they have a right to simply steal whatever they want – they do need help.
I am glad you have the webcam. It gives me a little window into your shop since I cannot visit in person. I love Loopy’s little signs!
Thanks again for the care you all put into your shipping. It is always a treat to receive an order from you.
Karen said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:06 pm
I’m so happy that you were able to confront the shoplifter. I only wish she returned your grandmother’s needles. I know how precious they are. I have my great grandmother’s crochet needles and an afghan needle that I hold dear.
Have a fabulous weekend with Knitting Daughter
Kym Hretz said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:15 pm
I always think of knitter’s as honest do-gooders. I’m sad for you and the shop to have to face the shop lifting. I hope it’s a great rest of the day for you all!
Allison said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:17 pm
So sad about the shoplifting, but I’m glad you caught the person, so hopefully it won’t happen again. I hate people that think they are entitled to things that they didn’t pay for.
Alex said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:34 pm
Sheri, that shoplifter was no lady. I hope you filed charges.
Emiko said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:36 pm
Glad to hear the shoplifter was caught redhanded this time. Hope she comes around and brings back your needles though.
Rita said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:38 pm
The shoplifter is a WOMAN, but by no means a lady! I hope you had her arrested.
Frankie said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:46 pm
I’ll just never understand how anyone can think it’s ok to steal. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with shoplifters but I’m SO happy you caught that woman!
Joannah said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:48 pm
Boo on having to watch out for shoplifters. Such a shame.
YAY on only having 3 more days until Add/Drop is over> Double YAY that it looks like there will be room for all of the students who hung in there on the waiting list. As a reward, I hope my weekend has a nap with my name on it!
Jill said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:51 pm
I think the webcam just paid for itself!!! You caught the shoplifter. Now if there was only some way to get those needles back.. Have a great weekend.
southparknitter said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:55 pm
So far I haven’t seen a shoplifter at Gate City Yarns. I’ve had a couple of customers that I watched closely as I suspected that was what they were trying. We have more problems with street people wanting bus fare.
Brigette said,
January 28, 2011 @ 2:59 pm
Hi Sheri,
I am truly sorry to hear about your shoplifter! I hope someday you get your needles back!
Friday is a great day but today its snowing AGAIN! And after this past Wednesday most of us have had our fill of snow! People were stuck on the roads 8-15 hours here in Baltimore. It was the quickest nastiest snow I have ever seen!
Have a great weekend!
P.S. Love the webcam!
Meghan said,
January 28, 2011 @ 3:07 pm
I’m sure there’s yarn karma… Stolen yarn = tangles, dropped stitches, frogging, and moths!
turtle said,
January 28, 2011 @ 3:08 pm
how crazy! i don’t know how folks justify it. My purse is large and i always offer it up to smaller businesses to stash behind their counter. (saves me from carrying while shopping, lol) glad you caught her finally though!
Melody Bryan said,
January 28, 2011 @ 3:49 pm
I’m sorry to say that our LYS had to put her addi needles behind the counter and you have to ask for them at check out she has had so much problem with theft. Her shop is cluttered and has many obstructed views – no telling how much yarn is walking out of there. It’s sad but theft of all types of really up in this bad economy – doesn’t make it right for sure. I’m sorry for the unplesantness you had to deal with.
hope your weekend is great ! Melody
BFF Liz said,
January 28, 2011 @ 3:50 pm
I wonder if she steals because it’s a compulsion (and so she steals anything), or if she genuinely can’t afford quality yarn? I think part of me is actually glad someone steals yarn, because that says to me that fiber crafts have really “made it.”
On the other hand, I can’t imagine taking any pleasure out of knitting stolen yarn (or enjoying stolen anything). I’d feel sick every time I even looked at the ill-gotten skeins.
janine said,
January 28, 2011 @ 3:53 pm
My knitting group talked about this. I must admit that I don’t understand stealing yarn. What kind of joy can you get knitting with yarn that you stole? I truly don’t mind leaving my bag up with the Elves, especially when I get to shop at Loopy Ewe.
This weekend we will probably go to the car show and I will be knitting away on Batik. I will also be swatching on the next Spring Fling KAL project.
pattie said,
January 28, 2011 @ 4:44 pm
my Friday: no progression of the bad thing in my eye, and the dr thought I am younger than I am. I told him I would come back every Friday so he could flatter me! lol!
Otherwise, we are getting more snow-even though they said ‘scattered flurries’- we must have 4″ new already. At least it isn’t so cold.
3 months until Spring Fling!!
Doris said,
January 28, 2011 @ 4:47 pm
I am so glad that you caught her. My house was burglarized last year, while our family all slept upstairs. The things that were taken really bothered me, although they could be replaced. The really awful part though, was the thought that someone thought they could have MY things and come into MY home to take them. What a violation. I do realize that it is a little different in the shop, because you want strangers to come in, but the violation by taking your things and, more importantly your trust, is the same. I can’t imagine taking something that isn’t mine and just don’t get how some people have no problem with it.
Kathy D said,
January 28, 2011 @ 5:47 pm
So glad you caught her. Hope you also called the police.
TMTTYRR said,
January 28, 2011 @ 6:12 pm
Friday’s are always good. Glad you caught your shoplifter, though it’s never pleasant to confront someone on something like that. Can’t wait to see the new yarn next week!
Like Little Loopy says, Happy Weekend! Looking forward to knitting and hanging out this weekend!
Elizabeth said,
January 28, 2011 @ 6:18 pm
Oh my word – I can’t believe she’d do it again! Glad you. were able to confront her…I’d probably chicken out.
My weekend plans are to go ride our atv tomorrow when it’s supposed to be 72 degrees here in DFW – can you believe it? Then we’re supposed to get snow/ice on Tuesday…too funny!
I also plan to finish a pair of socks because the elves shipped out a package to me today and I plan to use that yarn for the February Spring Fling KAL.
Linda said,
January 28, 2011 @ 7:36 pm
I hope this one bad apple does not spoil the future hours of being able to drop in and shop in person! I love checking in once in awhile, and glad the webcam is there! Good for you!
Mandy said,
January 28, 2011 @ 7:38 pm
Just echoing the comments of disbelief. When I came in a few weeks ago, one of the Elves was very apologetic about asking me to put my purse upfront. She explained what had happened and I was just stunned. The more I thought about it the more disturbed I felt. It felt like a violation. I consider The Loopy Ewe to be one of my very favorite places. It is my place to go when I want to get out, have some yarn to pet and color therapy. To think about someone violating that space…well you know. Let me just echo the hope that you turned the matter over to a very nice police person.
Cheryl said,
January 28, 2011 @ 7:43 pm
Glad knitting daughter is home for the long week-end! Hope you enjoy your time together. Perhaps you can have some mother daughter knitting time. Speaking of knitting that is what is on my agenda for the week-end. I hope to finish my sweater for the Cable Challenge. It will be a good week-end to do it because there is more snow predicted for our area. Another 3-5 inches. At this rate it will be Memorial Day before I see the lawn again!
Andrea King said,
January 28, 2011 @ 8:18 pm
FPS is right! Some nerve! I’m glad she’s been found out. I like the earlier comments about posting her photo with the caption of “thief”.
Happy week end wishes
Mickie Taylor said,
January 28, 2011 @ 8:42 pm
Oh Sheri, that is just awful that you have had a thief in your store. I can’t believe people will stoop that low. I’m glad that you caught her. I would be very upset about the needles. I’m glad knitting daughter is home this weekend. Hugs
Ellen said,
January 28, 2011 @ 8:52 pm
Can you describe your vintage needles? Or better yet, post a picture? Then we all can keep our eyes open for a similar pair to replace them for you. They might never be the same but all these eyes searching estate sales might find something to cheer you up and create a corner of antique knitting supplies!
KathyD said,
January 28, 2011 @ 10:48 pm
Hey Sheri-
Like everyone else says-glad the shoplifter got busted. I think having everyone leave their stuff at the front is great. I know it is a pain for the Elves, but I don’t like hauling a purse around as I shop. Sometimes I just bring my wallet into TLE.
Glad Knitting Daughter is home to help/visit-she is a genuinely nice person (I am sure your other kids are, as well, KD is the only one I have interacted with).
The storm next week looks bad-maybe starting as early as Monday. Be careful!
Sherri A said,
January 28, 2011 @ 11:01 pm
Happy to hear that you stopped her from taking more items. Hopefully now she will tell all her knitting “friends” not to steal from Loopy! Having worked in retail for 30+ yrs, I’ve seem it all. I wish she would return your needles, it really bothers me that she took them.
Enjoy your weekend with your daughter. I may be working tomorrow at my LYS, but that’s not really “work” for me.
Barb in MA said,
January 29, 2011 @ 9:00 am
Sorry this happened. I don’t know if you reported her or not, but, she was so bold, she may be hitting other stores in the area. One of my local yarn stores was hit by a shoplifter (or shoplifters). Very sad that people do this.
Kim B. said,
January 29, 2011 @ 10:13 am
I remember people shoplifting from the LYS I worked in. I had to confront one of them and asked if they also wanted the yarn that was in their purse. Made a big deal about forgetting she put it there. We suspected her and were right. She never returned to the shop. Hope to knit today…been in bed with lfu since Thursday morning. Ugh!
I’m sure your weekend is great with KD at home.
Shenoka said,
January 29, 2011 @ 10:15 am
Crazy! More so that she is so bold as to keep returning! We have had someone burglarizing our neighbor. In the last event, he sat down and made himself sandwiches while the family was sleeping upstairs. How do they rationalize this to themselves?
grace said,
January 29, 2011 @ 11:15 am
have a wonderful weekend sheri!! Love my Loopy groupie MH pin!!!
Iris said,
January 29, 2011 @ 12:19 pm
I hope you are prosecuting, and that they can search her home to find the vintage items she took before. Will she try to sneak in, in disguise?
She may be stealing from other businesses as well. Turn her in!
Doris said,
January 29, 2011 @ 12:27 pm
Cannot believe stealing from you, and then returning to the scene of the crime to steal again. She’s not right, something’s a bit off. SAD WOW!! Hope all else is going well for you. You should report her….
Linda said,
January 29, 2011 @ 5:32 pm
I’m glad that this horrible woman came back, even if only so you could ban her. How unpleasant to have to confront her.
Sara said,
January 29, 2011 @ 7:00 pm
To return to your store to shoplift makes me thing that she has a compulsive disorder and really needs to be prosecuted in order to get the help that she needs. It’s not like she robbed the cash register out of need – it is a serious thrill-seeking, attention getting disorder. Too bad it became YOUR problem, but I’m glad you caught her. I live in Chicago, and son is in college in Tulsa – as I drive by (always on non-open days! or in the middle of the night.) I dream of the time when I might be going by at the right time and can stop & shop! Someday!
Charmaine said,
January 29, 2011 @ 7:08 pm
Can’t believe someone would have the guts to show up again..what gall!!! People are strange. Am in nice warm Florida & will be knitting up a storm..limited tv!!! Have a great weekend with knitting daughter
Robin in VA said,
January 30, 2011 @ 8:50 am
Sorry you are dealing with shoplifting, hard to believe but I guess they are everywhere. I know someone somewhere probably has it — but it would be great to have a “shoplifter website” that you can post pictures of shoplifters…with the caption “have you seen this person…check her coat/bag…etc”
carol said,
January 30, 2011 @ 5:32 pm
It is so sad to hear that someone did that to you, it is such a violation of trust. Every time I shop at Loopy Central it feels like I am visiting a friends home, not a store.
Love how you turned the security camera into a fun plus. Fun for us to watch who is shopping – even if they cough cough wear paper bags over their heads.
Dorothy said,
January 30, 2011 @ 8:32 pm
Having a quilt shop I have had my fair share of those who think they can “take” what they want. I have missed them until they have left and I realize they took something. I am sorry you have people like that also!!! Glad your daughter is home for the weekend!!!
Debbie said,
January 31, 2011 @ 7:25 am
I am sorry about the shoplifer. I have worked in retail and you either have the gangs of theives who are out for specific high cost things like jeans that they can resell at flea markets or the people who seem to steal just for the thrill of it. I think it is the minority who steal things they really need. Alhough, I have a friend who is a district attorney who says he will never forget one of the first cases he prosecuted, which involved a homeless man who stole a bottle of shampoo.
Seanna Lea said,
January 31, 2011 @ 9:23 am
I really cannot imagine someone stealing something that as much as we like to kid ourselves is not actually a necessity. Clothing (especially jackets, hats, gloves and scarves right now), food are both things I can understand even if I cannot condone it. Sometimes I wonder if people who shoplift like that even realize that they are stealing from real people and damaging real lives.
Rona said,
January 31, 2011 @ 9:39 am
Oh I hope you prosecute and that you do post her picture on the webcam with the name Thief. People who steal deserve to be shamed.
Bonnie H. said,
January 31, 2011 @ 10:31 am
I don’t understand shoplifting, either.
Two different years when my sister-in-law and I were in Tulsa for a cross-stitching weekend retreat sponsored by a shop there, the shop had items stolen while we were in the store. One time it was a finished display model and the other time it was an entire rack of silk embroidery threads (a round, rotating rack almost as tall as a person). That year it was quite warm for October and they had the shop doors propped open and I guess the thief or thieves just hauled it out the door and into their trunk. We learned there had been other instances of shoplifting when the shop was full of “campers” there for the weekend. It just blows my mind.
Robby said,
January 31, 2011 @ 4:35 pm
Srsly? How can you steal with a cute little lamb keeping an eye on you? Now, if it was this week and someone were squirreling away ‘insulation’ from the cold, I’d understand. Still not right, but maybe more understandable. Glad you caught your thief and can move on to other happier Loopyness.
ava reddick said,
February 2, 2011 @ 5:14 am
Yes!!!! you caught the thief!! I say yes to posting the picture and the paste “Thief” emblazened upon her face…
I also agree that you should post some kind of picture or description of your
grandmother’s needle so us who love to “junk” in addtion to knitting; might be able to find the same or something close to what you had.
I too have no problem leaving my bag with the eleves, but may I suggest the system that they use at Lady Bug Beads? She has a cute set of lockers that one can leave their purse in and each has it’s own key and the patron is responsible for it. We just retrive our purses when we are ready to pay for our purchases, or like myself, I have a very small card case that I slip into my pocket and when I am finished shopping , I can just pull out this small case and have cash/credit card ready to purchase and I retrive my purse or whatever when I’m ready to walk out the door!!!
This might work for you, but you would have to find room for it or perhaps it could be placed in the hall before entering TLE.
Just a suggestion. But I think that it is fantastic that you caught and confronted the thief and I hope that you had the authorities come and pick her up!!!
Hope that you and Knitting Daughter had a nice visit!!!!
Ashley Gibbons said,
February 5, 2011 @ 2:39 pm
I that is horrible I’m sorry for you!