LITTLE CURRENT—Knitters Cove opened its doors in downtown Little Current on Thursday, May 29 and curious knitters came out in droves. Owner Cyndy Tonge was surprised and pleased by the first day’s response. “It was nice when we opened to see everyone come,” she said. The shop quickly filled with avid knitters touching the various fibers, eying the gorgeous colours and itching to begin new projects.
“This has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Ms. Tonge said. “When I broke my leg and was on the couch for three months, that’s when I started ordering yarn.” Ms. Tonge retired from 30 years of policing with the OPP in Little Current and was not about to sit around at home. “This is my first time ever doing anything this crazy,” she confessed, but knitters in the area applaud her decision and vow to continue their support.
“It’s going to be a work in progress,” Ms. Tonge explained. “There’s so much more to learn.” Suggestions were already being added to the board with the header: ‘What would you like to see?’ In the fall, Knitters Cove is planning to have classes. At the top of Ms. Tonge’s list is ‘How to crochet,’ and ‘How to knit a sock.’ “I would take those classes,” she said. There’s a large, open and welcoming space with table, chairs and bright light for gathering – either for those classes that are planned, or for patrons to gather communally, just to sit and knit together. “Especially since we’re all like-minded, and we like to share our projects and ideas,” Ms. Tonge said.
Other ideas for future events include featuring patrons’ work in the shop. Putting their creations on display, having them come in on a certain day to talk about their work, perhaps demonstrate how to do a particularly difficult stitch. And more ideas will come as shop owner and supporters get to know one another and find new creative ways to fill those long winter days.
Helping with the set-up, the displays and the sales on opening day was Cyndy Tonge’s sister, Mindy Irvine. “This is Cyndy’s dream, not mine,” she explained, “I’m just here to help out.” And help she did. When glitches with the debit machine caused a bit of a setback, Ms. Irvine kept calm and carried on. Taylor Lowery was also on hand with social media and marketing help.
“Nobody wants to go to Sudbury, no one wants to go online to order their yarn,” Ms. Irvine said.
“And I’m hoping that people will say what they want, and I can bring it in,” Ms. Tonge added.
New patron and fan, Linda Erskine, said, “I am absolutely thrilled to have a local yarn store with a place for knitters to come together. Cyndi has done a wonderful job of setting up and her sister Mindy was a great help I’m sure since she’s so organized!”
“I was very impressed with the beautiful colours and varieties of wool. The way it was presented was very appealing. I look forward to seeing what classes may be available,” Lin Diebel said.
There was lots of enthusiasm and community support throughout the day. Ms. Tonge is hopeful the support continues, as she strives to bring the knitting community together in her Knitters Cove.
by Margery Frisch
