The Knitting Cup helps spin dreams for 10 years

The Knitting Cup has provided knitting supplies and a sense of community from its location on East University Avenue. for the past 10 years.

Owner Shawnee Kunz said she always wanted to own a yarn store. She has been knitting since she was seven years old.

“Where I grew up [Bishop, Texas], nobody had a lot of money, and if you did, you didn’t spend it. You lived simply,” she said. “If I wanted something, Mom and Dad would say, ‘Well, how are you gonna make it?’ ”

After working as a school- teacher, Ms. Kunz took a job at The Escape on the Square to gain retail experience. She later pur- chased Needle Arts of George- town and transformed it into her own store.

The shop features a sunny room with a couch and large table, offering knitters a cozy space to practice their craft.

“My business plan is to create community retail,” Ms. Kunz said. “In retail, you want to make a profit, that's the goal. But what better way to make a profit than to make people happy? To make people happy, you give them a third place.”

She explained that a “third place” is a social space where people don’t have to spend money to participate. The store offers loose-leaf tea, fine yarn, and knitting supplies—but no one is required to shop to stay.

A Free Yarn Library box sits in front of the store, allowing visitors to take or leave yarn as they choose.

Amber Morris drove from Killeen to spend Tuesday afternoon knitting at the store. She said she tries to hang out at Knitting Cup as often as she can.

“This is my home away from home,” Ms. Morris said. “I just fell in love with the atmosphere and with the people.”

Every Tuesday night, Ms. Kunz keeps the store open until 8 p.m. During that time, more than a dozen people gather to catch up and teach each other new stitches.

Most of her customers are in their 20s and 30s. Right now, the trendy project is a knitted tank top. Granny squares are also popular.

“There’s clothes at the most expensive places in Austin, and they have granny squares up the sleeves down the leg,” Ms. Kunz explained.

To stay on trend, customers stitch granny squares into pants, swimsuit coverups, and sweaters. Buying these handmade pieces from a boutique could cost hundreds of dollars, but by making them themselves, customers save money.

Although the majority of her customers knit, Ms. Kunz said more people have gotten into crochet in recent years. The Knitting Cup also offer lessons and classes.

Visit The Knitting Cup at 102 East University Avenue or call the store at 512-869-2182 for information.