Overview
If
we haven’t met let me take this opportunity to introduce us. We’re
Courtney and Robbie Heath and we’ve just purchased Seed Stitch Fine
Yarn in Salem, MA. If you haven’t visited the store, you have to do
so. It’s truly a wonderful place. Victoria Berkwits, the founder and
previous owner, did a phenomenal job creating a welcoming place to
visit and shop. Now we hope to continue providing a venue that helps
foster handicraft, but maybe with our own twist.
First a bit out us:
The Heath Family
We own a home and live in Salem with our two year old daughter Mazie
May. You may already know Mazie. I’m always amazed at the places I go
and introduce myself and my child only to hear someone say “oh we know
Mazie”. She has a spirit and a light inside of her that make people
instantly drawn to her. I’m sure you’ll hear about and see lots of
Mazie in the years to come. She’s a big part of our lives and will
likely be a big part of the store.
I grew up on the Cape and Robbie in Riverside, CA. We both went to
Syracuse University, although we didn’t meet until after graduation —
at a pig roast in Maine, but that’s for another story. I’ve long been
a crafter — never without a project going (ok let’s be honest, multiple
projects). Most kids hit up the toy store or the candy store with
their allowances or spending cash. Me, I ventured to the craft section
at our local Ben Franklin 5 & 10 store. I was constantly making
things with yarn, paper, beads, clay, paint, etc. You name it, I made
it. Both of my grandmothers were extremely talented with their hands
and both in very different ways. My maternal grandmother was very
talented with paper, paint, or a pen and my paternal grandmother
was focused more on fabric, yarn, and thread. My mom is quite handy as
well, dabbling in painting, jewelry making, sewing and other forms of
expression. I soaked it up from where ever I could and if you are part
of my family you’re likely the recipient of a handmade gift.
Robbie is a talented artist and illustrator now spending his time as
a graphic and multimedia designer. Sometime we’ll share his work with
you and I’m hoping his impeccable eye for color and sense of design
will help bring you the latest and greatest in color palettes and
products.
My crafting philosophy:
Often in Native American culture they deliberately included mistakes
in their handicraft because only the gods could make something
perfect. I try to remind myself of this beautiful sentiment in all of
my crafts. Certainly, I strive to improve my skill with every project
and every stitch, but I also remember one of the beautiful things about
a handmade item is that you can see the hand that made it in the work
itself.
We look forward to meeting each and everyone of you over the coming
weeks, months, and years — sharing projects, techniques, and
inspiration, trading stories, and fostering fiber arts!
