PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The newest business to open at the Aroostook Centre Mall is a welcome addition, offering a variety of options for local crafters, from all the supplies necessary to complete a knitting project and have it wrapped for Christmas or perhaps to create that one-of-a-kind glass centerpiece in time for a New Year’s party.
Yarns, Glass and More … held a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month hosted by the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, following a soft opening at the end of October. Owned by Tony Burgess and Glenn Capps, of Fort Fairfield, the facility features a wide array of knitting and crocheting products, from yarns to hooks and needles, as well as handcrafted glassware.
Formerly located in Fort Fairfield, the business partners decided a move would allow them to better serve a wider market.
“This is the hub of the County. Everyone comes to Presque Isle and the mall, especially Canadian customers, as well as people from surrounding communities,” said Burgess.
Burgess said he handles the yarn aspect, while Capps specializes in the glass portion of the business.
“He does glass in back. We carry stained glass and fusing supplies. Glenn teaches on an independent basis, charging only for the materials used. We have a kiln at our home studio,” he said.
The business, according to Burgess, carries the “largest variety of yarns in northern Maine.”
“There’re no yarn stores with as many brands and types. We carry everything from the work horse yarns to the luxurious cashmere. We have something for everyone and for every budget,” said Burgess. “Our yarn has sold well since we opened here and our inventory could double in coming weeks.”
Burgess said response has been good, with yarn selling faster than he can re-stock.
“We have a good cross of colors and types,” he said.
The store also carries a selection of patterns and books suitable for the beginner or accomplished yarn user.
“We also have many finished products from local crafters on display,” noted Burgess. “We’ll also be carrying DMC floss suitable for embroidery and cross stitch.”
The business also offers a wide selection of buttons.
“We’ve had customers tell us they have difficulty finding buttons. We have a variety to choose from, in various shapes and colors,” said Burgess.
Burgess, who enjoys working on his own knitting projects, said the store has a seating area and welcomes others to bring their projects in and enjoy the company of other like-minded craftspeople.
“We have everything committed for knitting and carry a wide selection of sizes for the various yarns, hooks and needles necessary for any project,” said Burgess, noting the store is the perfect place to pick up just the right gift for those interested in knitting or crocheting.
The knitting group meets on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. and on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m.
“It’s really handy, being right in the mall. We have a nice area to sit, and we provide coffee for our knitters,” he said.
Patty O’Neill, of Stockholm, was one of several customers who visited the store during the ribbon-cutting event.
“I knit for others for free — busy doing a lot of hats with red and green now. I do hats and socks. That’s all I do,” said O’Neill. “My mother taught me to do socks eight years ago, and I found I really enjoy the work.”
O’Neill was happy to see such a business open in time for colder weather.
“We need this. It’s awesome. There’s such a selection. It’s the right time of year to stock up for winter knitting,” she said.
Another store customer expressed similar pleasure in seeing such a facility open its doors so close to her home.
“I can’t remember ever not knowing how to knit. My mother used to knit for a Mrs. Parish. I grew up on an island in Isleboro. Mrs. Parish decorated for Jackie Kennedy,” said Jay Kilpatrick, of Mapleton. “Knitting’s relaxing for me.”
Kilpatrick expressed an interest in helping others learn the art form.
“I’d like to teach a class here. I plan to discuss the possibility with the owners,” Kilpatrick said, noting her favorite thing to knit was also socks.
Mall Manager Patti Crooks welcomed the store and the business it will generate.
“The opening comes at a perfect time, just in time for holiday shopping and cold weather. It’s a perfect fit for the mall and the other vendors and stores that call it home,” said Crooks.
Business hours are the same as the mall’s: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 764-8300.
