The Fly in the Fibre, a local yarn store owned by Mel Joy, has recently moved into Creative Fix. Joy hopes to celebrate the Kootenay region by selling quality yarns from local sources while creating a supportive community in a colourful and inspiring atmosphere.
Creative Fix owner Brandy Dyer believes having Joy and her fibre supplies within her store will be nothing but positive. “She is definitely a good addition,” says Dyer. “Mel has got such a beautiful display and it definitely promotes creativity. And we seem to balance and compliment each other. She’s left-brained and I’m right-brained. It works really well.”
“There’s a real sense of originality and imagination here, not to mention the art that is all around us,” says Joy. “There’s just the right energy and I think a lot of people will be inspired by the surroundings. The draw for me was the art, for sure. And Brandy is such a good business owner. I feel I can learn a lot from being here.”
One of the most important aspects of the business is promoting local sources. “I want to be diverse and have lots of different items for sale but, at the same time, I want to stay as close to home as possible,” says Joy. “There are so many great producers and products here in the Kootenays: Targhee wool from Spectrum Farms, alpaca wool from Monika Currier, as well as yarn from Riverstone in Castlegar and Sarah Elizabeth Fibre in Rossland. It’s important that I help get the Kootenay name out there.”
While supporting local businesses is important for Joy, so too is the need to stock a wide variety of different yarn that caters to personal taste and interest. “Some people are allergic to different wools, or they’re looking for a certain look or feel, but there’s lots to choose from for those interested in knitting or crocheting or even creating mixed media pieces,” says Joy. “Brandy and I want to make this a positive experience all around. Customers can come into the store, or order from the website. Website purchases can either be picked up at the store or I offer free delivery within the Creston Valley,” continues Joy. “I’m in the store Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays if anyone has any questions.”
There will also be an emphasis on support and learning. “We’ll be hosting a series of art classes starting at the end of the month. Actually, the beginner class on knitting already filled up three days after confirming the date and time, so we’re having the same class again in early spring. But we’ll also offer a sweater knitting class at the end of October; a dyeing class in November, various felting classes, as well as spinning… the list goes on. Upcoming classes are on my Facebook page and my website. And if there’s anyone interested in teaching classes, they should give us a call.”
Both Joy and Dyer want to create a creative space for all those interested in the fibre arts. “We want this to be a hub,” says Dyer. “As we expand the store, and move things around, we want to host knit nights (and afternoons). We want people to connect, learn from each other, and have a good time. We encourage people to just come in, relax, and work on their crotchet or knitting projects.”
For Joy, running a fibre store and working at Creative Fix feels right. “This is a dream – being a barista and selling yarn. I mean, what could be better? Life should be about doing things you enjoy, instead of doing things because you feel you have to. And living in Creston, surrounded by all this beauty, certainly helps. It encourages me to make beautiful things.”
Creative Fix is located at 139 10th Avenue N and is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The online store can be found at www.flyinthefibre.ca. An open house is planned for October 12th.