"Grannies" Make Heirloom Quality Gift-Giving Possible for Working Women

News Release
Contact: Helen Mullins
(304) 925-4482
mullins@newwave.net

Cathy Bostrom
(636) 305-7397 or (636) 349-9908
cathymbostrom@prodigy.net

CHARLESTON, W. VA. -- It all started with a passion for the art of crochet. When Helen Mullins designed her own granny square, the response was beyond her wildest expectations. She couldnt crochet fast enough to keep up with the demand for her special afghans.

   And so, Crafty Grannies was born. Placing an ad on a message board looking for experienced crochet artists to help her, Helen received responses from dozens of willing crocheters. Cathy Bostrom was one of the crocheters who answered Helens ad.

   "Diagnosed with MS and pretty much homebound, Crafty Grannies has given me the opportunity to be useful and have the ability to be productive and innovative. But the most important thing that Crafty Grannies has given me is friendship," says Cathy.

   Since August of 1999, Crafty Grannies (www.craftygrannies.com) has become a network of 49 stay-at-home moms, disabled women and others with a passion for crochet. Even more than that, it has become a circle of friendship and support for the many artists who provide items for the online store. The Craft Grannies provide gifts and heirloom quality items for the home that women once made routinely, as part of their role as "homemakers." In todays two-income families, these items are still treasured; but the demands of work, childcare, and taking care of a home make it difficult for todays woman to continue these beloved traditions. Craft Grannies allows them to give handcrafted gifts or fill their homes with precious items made with the same kind of tender loving care theyd put into it themselves, and often made to their own specifications.    

Crafty Grannies has recently expanded their business beyond the U.S. and Canada. Crafty Grannies first crafty grandpa" is also the first crocheter to hail from the United Kingdom, thus making Crafty Grannies an international business.

   Crafty Grannies offers a unique shopping experience on-line. Customers can order the companys trademark granny afghans, dolls, toys, doilies, baby clothes, sweaters, purses, hats, towels, rugs, kitchen items and much more. New items created by the Crafty Grannies team are added monthly, keeping the catalog fresh and new for each return visit by a customer.

   A new Crafty Grannies store in Charleston, W. Va. will allow shoppers in Helens hometown to enjoy the Crafty Grannies shopping experience in person. Future plans include a similar store in the hometown of each Crafty Grannies member, including one in England.

   Online shopping is available at the Crafty Grannies Web site at www.craftygrannies.com. Shoppers in England can access the Crafty Grannies store at www.craftygrannies.co.uk.

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