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Initially Ewe, so much more than yarn and clothes!
Initially Ewe co-owners Kim Baldo (left) and Claudine Greene are shown at the business. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media
On the clock
Initially Ewe
1058 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays & Fridays
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
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Updated: July 15, 2012 6:09AM
Claudine Greene and Kim Baldo have always been close friends.
While vacationing in Naples, Fla., the two friends discussed the possibility of opening a business. Greene was about to retire from teaching kindergarten and first grade in La Grange Elementary District 102, and the ladies thought it would be fun to open something together.
They decided on Initially Ewe, a monogramming and knitting shop in Western Springs. Now, almost two years later, Initially Ewe is doing better than ever.
Initially Ewe is warm and colorful, full of yarns made by top-notch companies such as Debbie Bliss, Sublime, Juniper Moon Farm and Schoppel Wolle.
Yarn is only the beginning of what the store has to offer. The store sells an abundance of beautiful merchandise such as baby clothes, stuffed animals, bags, hair accessories, and clothing for children and adults. The two friends do all of the buying, and love shopping, especially for baby clothes. Greene is a grandmother and Baldo will be in the fall, so they definitely have babies on their minds.
Only half of Initially Ewe has to do with what they sell! The other half is what they teach. The business offers many different knitting classes every week. Knitters can sign up for the classes online or by phone call. Classes range anywhere between 2-11 people typically. Private lessons are also available. All level knitters are accepted, along with all ages.
Greene and Baldo recommend private lessons for children and beginners. From 5-8 p.m. Thursday nights, Initially Ewe hosts Wine and Knit Thursday.
“It truly is amazing how our Thursday night knitters have connected,” explained Baldo. “People of all ages come together for a night out on the town to drink wine, knit, and socialize.”
Initially Ewe is also popular for their custom monogramming. Customers can bring items or purchase merchandise in the store to have monogrammed. Common items for such treatment are makeup bags, duffel bags, bridal goods, Christmas stockings, towels and Christening gowns.
Initially Ewe will participate in the third annual Chicago Yawn Crawl this August. There are 29 stores participating in Chicago and the suburbs.
