After years of local yarn and knitting shops closing, a new one is now opening

One by one, Wichita has lots its local yarn and knitting shops, but now it’s getting a new one.

Genny Werth has been selling yarn and other supplies within the Sewing Center at the Indian Hills Shopping Center at 13th and Meridian. Now, she’s opening her own shop there next to the Westlake Ace Hardware.

The Fiber Studio by Swiss Pointe will open Nov. 10.

“We’ve really enjoyed the time that we’ve spent in the Sewing Center, and thanks to the amazing community support, we’re ready to grow and expand and have our own space.”

In addition to a yarn shop and fiber studio, there will be a space Werth’s calling the Creative Lounge for workshops and knit nights.

“Anybody that wants to host . . . something creative.”

She hasn’t set a rental fee, but she’s thinking ballpark $50 for the first two hours and then $10 an hour after that.

“It’s going to be very affordable.”

The store will be small at 750 square feet but, Werth said, “We’re going to make the most of my cozy space.”

She also has a courtyard off the store where she’ll have outdoor seating and host shopping events as well.

“I’m hoping during the nice months I’ll be able to start that up again now that I’ll have my own space to do it in.”

Werth has had a Stitch & Shop pop-up business where she’s been selling yarn made by Wichita dyers.

“We actually have several in Wichita, and I will be carrying their yarns on a regular basis as well.”

That includes 316 Dye Studio, Terra Chroma Cult and Amber Waves Dye Studio.

Werth said she’d also like to bring new labels that haven’t been available in Wichita previously. Her lines are focused on humane, eco-conscious brands, she said.

Though shoppers can order these kinds of products online from anywhere, Werth said she wants to provide a place locally for customers to touch and feel the yarn and other supplies.

The store also will sell some weaving and embroidery supplies and be what Werth calls a creative outlet for candles, incense and apothecary-type goods such as balms and sprays.

She said she’ll be “adding some new stuff that will be making its debut at the opening.”

There also will be handmade ceramics by the Object Enthusiast out of Kansas City, bags and totes made locally and what Werth called notions by JoyBeam Handmade.

Werth said she wants her shop to be all about creativity.

“Knitting is a therapy. It is an experience. It is the excitement of creating something with your hands.”

Her original business was Swiss Pointe Designs. Werth created handmade knitwear to sell.

The new store’s name is “kind of a nod to my original business.”

Werth’s first name is Geneva, and her nickname is Switzerland. Pointe is a French word that encompasses all kinds of needlework.

The Fiber Studio name came from Werth’s space within the Sewing Center being known as “a little yarn store” within the other business. It has no affiliation with the Fiber Studio on Commerce Street, which is an art gallery.

The new store will be open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Werth said she wanted to remain in Indian Hills in part to be near the Sewing Center because owner Beth Janssen has been a big supporter, and the two want to collaborate on events and workshops. They also have a lot of the same customers. Plus, Werth said, she’s a fan of the area, including nearby Riverside, and wants to see it thrive with local businesses.

Due to the dearth of similar stores locally, she said, “It’s pretty exciting if you’re a knitter or a yarn person.”