The Closing of Grace L. Knott

The company “Grace L. Knott Smocking Supplies Ltd.” is closing on April 30, 2015. This space in normally reserved for creative things but I need to put this posting out there to set a few things straight. 

There seems to be a misconception that I own GLK or that the company owns my patterns. Neither is correct. If I may give you some history perhaps this will set the record straight. 

Back in 1988 I went to work for GLK and three other Canadian companies as a sales representative. Shortly afterwards George (Grace’s grandson) asked me if he could publish a Christening Ensemble I had designed to feature the fabrics and laces from Capitol Imports. That began a 27 year long relationship during which I designed new patterns or reworked Grace’s old patterns to bring them up to date, add new views and add smocking designs to them. 

In 1998 I created the Grace Knott Doll’s Clothes Collection – miniatures of the GLK children’s patterns and a dress form pattern all to fit the very popular American Girl Doll. I owned these patterns but because I was working for GLK it seemed the natural thing to let my patterns be distributed through the company. This was my first endeavor and I continued on using my company’s name, “Amberlane & Amberpetites”. This was before company web pages took off and people were buying ‘on line’. Over the years my patterns were usually listed as being GLK patterns. Try as I might, no one was interested it seemed in correcting the situation on their web pages. 

When George decided for the second time that he was retiring in 2015 he asked if I would take over distributing his patterns and I agreed. Then he received an offer to buy his stock and the rights to his patterns in early March 2015. He took back his goods and I no longer am his distributor as of that date. Out of respect for the negotiations between George and the new owner, Maureen Marian of California, I chose not make any announcement regarding this matter. 

So yes it is true. George Webb, Grace's grandson is retiring and closing the company Grace L. Knott Smocking Supplies Ltd. April 30 – forever, sad as it is. The company has a history of over 80 years in business. This ends our 27 year working arrangement and I am sad to see the company close. 

I hope this clears up some of the confusion regarding this transaction. Maureen now owns patterns, books and rights to all his patterns. I wish Maureen, 'Katie & Claire", every success and the best of luck in her new venture. I look forward to doing business with her and you, of course.

I am still in business under the name Amberlane & Amberpetites (www.amberlane.ca).

And you can still order dots and GLK patterns from “Creative Sewing and Smocking” (www.smocking.com)

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this little post.

Judith Marquis