©2021 Saratoga Photographer.com
by Jennifer Farnsworth
Amanda McCarty haas opened Tide & Purl, 123 Broad St. in Schuylerville, a self described curated modern gift shop that has enjoyed a healthy response since first opening.
McCarty is now looking ahead to what she hopes will be a busy holiday season.
“Since opening my doors on Oct. 1, the response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Many customers have said a gift shop was just what our village needed, and it’s been such a fun adventure so far seeing repeat patrons return to see what new things have come in,” said McCarty.
She said customers seem happy with the assortment of collections, adding that she couldn’t be happier with her location.
“We live in such a special community here in Schuylerville and I’m very proud to be here. The location is perfect with new sidewalks, cross walks and a parking lot. I live right in the village which is an added bonus, there is no commute, and the school is close enough that I am available if the kids need me. It’s truly the perfect spot,” said McCarty.
McCarty was born and raised in Maine where she attended the University of Southern Maine with a degree in communication and media studies. She moved to Schuylerville in 2010 and became a stay at home mom, which is when she also started seriously thinking of starting her own business.
“I started my knitting brand, Crooked By Design, as something I could do for work while being home with the kids. What started as a small shop and a few markets a year grew into my own website, and more markets,” said McCarty.
She said it was during COVID that she decided to expand and launch Tide & Purl.
“We were all homebound and unable to see anyone or go anywhere with COVID. I wanted to create a space where you could one stop shop for gifts and things you didn’t even know you would love. Tide & Purl is just that, a hand curated collection of things I love and want to share with everyone. Taking the leap into brick and mortar was a dream many years in the making, and I decided the time was now because I could feel myself, and others around me, craving less online shopping and more meaningful in person interactions. It felt like the perfect time to dive into being an official shop owner,” said McCarty.
When looking for a space to house Tide & Purl, McCarty said she knew she needed a section to serve as her knitting studio for Crooked By Design.
“I get asked about classes often, and this space will also be host to crafting circles, knitting discussions for all levels, one on one classes, group knits and workshops, crafts for kids, and things to that effect. With winter right around the corner, I wanted to create a space where you can come pickup a DIY kit for a knitting project, embroidery, basket weaving, etc. Something to keep us busy and engaged in that post holiday winter stretch, “ said McCarty.
Everything is hand curated by McCarty, including the knitwear which she makes by hand. She also does all of her own marketing and social media. She said her husband helps out when needed, and even her children have become engaged in the business.
“My kids help choose what to carry in the children’s section. Its truly a family operation,” said McCarty.
McCarty said looking ahead her number one goal is to get the classes and workshops up and running, while continuing to grow the Tide & Purl brand.
“Being a curated shop, new things will be coming in every week and I’m excited to see what the future brings for new brands, client favorites, and additional local goods. Tide & Purl is just getting started,” said McCarty.
Her website is www.tideandpurl.com.