The soon-to-be founders of Merry Pin crafts

by Ashley Cobb

For those who love to craft and create artwork, there aren’t many options beyond the big retailers like Michael’s in our general area, and certainly nothing in Ward 4 and Petworth. That’s why the “Three Crafty Ms” — Megan Flynn, Madeleine Odendahl and Michele Molotsky, the three founders behind what will be called “Merry Pin” — decided to start a new art and crafts store in Ward 4.

The idea of Merry Pin was created almost in passing when one of the Three Ms said, “We should create a crafting shop!” And just like that, the wheels to create Merry Pin began spinning. These three friends share a common interest in all things craft-related, and seek to fill a void within the DC area of having a stand-alone crafting and gathering space.

“While there are a few craft-related stores in DC, they are all very specialized—like yarn stores or high-end art supplies,” says Odendahl. “And there aren’t really any spaces where people can gather to work on their crafts together without being afraid to make a mess.”

Merry Pin will feature a mix of high end, affordable and upcycled/consigned products, crafting workshops and experiences, equipment that you can rent on-site (like sewing and cricut machines) and snacks and beverages to bring people together.

Merry Pin will be a community space for hobby crafters of all ages and experience levels, say the owners. Customers will be able to participate in workshops and craft in a public space with friends, as well as able to purchase all their crafting materials on-site. They want customers to think of Merry Pin as a “one-stop shop” to get supplies and have a place to learn and do the artwork, right here in the community. According to the team, the store will offer:

In-person and online retail store stocking a variety of hobby craft supplies
Coffee, espresso drinks, tea, wine, beer, ready-made cocktails, and snacks
Ample seating for crafters to come together and work on their projects
Craft workshops for all ages
A kids play area inside right next to the crafting area – so parents can craft while their kids play (or, your kids can craft with you!)
Outdoor sidewalk cafe where you can craft outdoors as weather allows
Quarterly subscription box service — each box featuring everything you need to make something amazing
A lending library full of craft books
A consignment program so you can offload the materials and supplies you no longer need and give them new life
On-site equipment rentals (sewing machines, cricut, etc)

Megan Flynn has been a Petworth resident for over a decade (and has managed the two prior Celebrate Petworth Festivals) and has longed desired to see a space where crafters like she and her friends can come together and create. “To be ‘in Merry Pin’ means to be happy and in good spirits,” says Flynn. “That is the feeling we want to evoke with our brand and our space.”

Merry Pin seeks to make their dream a reality by creating a Kickstarter to raise funds for their brick-and-mortar location. This Kickstarter was launched on May 5th and has already raised nearly $10,000, with a June 7th deadline for donating. Feel free to donate if you want to help create this kind of arts space in our community.

To learn more, check out their website at www.MerryPinDC.com.

If you are interested in meeting the Founders of Merry Pin, they will be hosting a meet and greet on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 6-8pm at Shepherd Park Library located at 7420 Georgia Avenue NW.