Why "Weavers"?
Our customers frequently ask why the store is called Hill Country Weavers — we’re a yarn store. The answer is simple: things change.
Hill Country Weavers opened in 1981, in a space at 34th and Guadalupe. In addition to floor looms, weaving yarns and classes, the store had a gallery that featured local weavers. In 1983, we moved to a larger location at Lamar and 12th. This space also had a gallery as well as more space for looms and yarn.
If you stepped into a way-back machine to see what kind of yarns were sold in 1981, you’d be very surprised. The store carried what was available: very traditional yarns for weaving — worsted spun wools and wool blends in solid colors.
Although these yarns were on cones for weavers, knitters did find the store and started asking for needles, hooks, knitting patterns and classes. In the days before the Internet, we were the place to get information on what was available in the knitting and fiber world.
Customers came to Hill Country for what was new and trending in weaving and knitting.
In 1994 we moved to South Congress. Back then South Congress was still a bit colorful. But the store became a cornerstone in the changing neighborhood.
In 2017 we moved again to what we hope will be our forever home. Just south of our last location we are now on Manchaca Road - an evolving area where we're happy to see some of our old SoCo neighbors are beginning to move down to join us.
The new space is bigger and more open than any we've been at to date and we've worked hard to make it a place that is truly a special destination for knitters, weavers, crocheters and spinners.
If you visit the store, either in person or online, you’ll feel our distinct Austin style — classic, eclectic and a just little edgy. Today, we are first a yarn store. But if you peek into the classroom, you’ll still see a loom or two.
Who is Hill Country Weavers?
Suzanne
I started Hill Country Weavers in 1981 along with Marta Shannon. It's been an incredible journey to where we are today!
In Loving Memory, We are Keeping her Dream Alive.
Suzanne dreamed Hill Country Weavers into existence 43 years ago. She worked tirelessly and sacrificed endlessly to build it into what it is today. Her life is intricately woven into and through HCW. She was proud of the business asset she created and treasured the community that grew along with it. She wanted all of this to live on, and her family is determined and committed to making that happen. Suzanne’s estate will continue to own and operate Hill Country Weavers.
We are grateful to the very capable staff who have provided stability, continuity and dependability since Suzanne left us seven weeks ago. Their dedication, patience and amazing knowledge has been the greatest help and blessing for the family during this difficult time. The senior members of the team – Kennedy, Kaiwen, Warren and Jill – all came to HCW with their own unique and impressive talents. They have learned from Suzanne’s years of experience and wisdom -- by listening and watching – but more importantly, by doing. Suzanne was known for assigning tasks out of one’s wheel- house or comfort zone. More times than not, the employee ended up with new skill sets they never imagined for themselves – just ask Kennedy!! The staff is more than ready for HCW’S new future.
The family is committed, the staff is on board and now the community has a part to play. Suzanne’s biggest fear was that the HCW community would not have a place to go should the store not survive her. She voiced this often so there is no doubt that you all were foremost on her mind. Suzanne’s bright, inclusive, infectious spirit will forever be the core – the heart – of the community. There are countless reasons for people coming to HCW but -- once there -- all found a genuine, authentic, true friend in Suzanne. She connected with each person, encouraging their artistic pursuits and often supporting their personal journeys. Suzanne knew and loved you all.
And as a fitting tribute to her, we should do all we can to grow the HCW community – by welcoming and embracing all who walk through the door. Suzanne never saw people as just customers, but as friends with lives and stories worth knowing. We have all been the recipients of Suzanne’s love, kindness and generosity. Those are gifts meant to be passed on to others. We cannot “be” her, but we should aspire to be.
We are all coming together – family, staff and community – on this new journey for HCW. We would much rather be making it with Suzanne, but – instead – we will make it because of her. She was fearless, always seeing the new road ahead as one full of opportunities and possibilities. That will be our vision and focus as we unite to write new chapters in the HCW story. Fortunately, we have the enormous footprints she left behind to help guide our way.
These are the words Suzanne asked Marta’s husband Larry to speak at her
celebration:
“…you were never just customers, vendors, or just friends to me. You are the people I chose to be members of my extended family. Each interaction we shared enriched my life -- giving me a sense of community, a sense of purpose, and ultimately a sense of fulfillment.”
“To the employees and staff at Hill Country Weavers – while I may have been the heart of HCW, you are the life blood that has sustained it. And hopefully – no, undoubtedly – you will sustain HCW for a long and prosperous future. I know you can do it.”
Suzanne believes in us – all of us – and together, we will make her proud. You can bet she will be watching!!!!
-Melanie Watts & all of Suzanne's Family