09/02/2024
𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗖𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗦 𝗬𝗔𝗥𝗡 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗙𝗘
A local craft lover's legacy continues as Mount Gambier's CJ's Yarn Place has expanded to now include a cafe.
Cindy Cary's dream was to own her own craft store, but sadly it was just weeks before opening day that she tragically passed away. Cindy's daughter Amanda Cary (pictured) has taken on the role of running the store and wants to continue building on her mum's dream.
Amanda says the store is forever changing, with her dad Jim doing something new whenever special occasions arise.
"Every year with wedding anniversaries, Christmas, Mum's birthday, Dad will do something else for the shop. Last year was Mum's 60th, so Dad did the cafe in honour of Mum." she said.
CJ's Yarn Place opened in May 2021, just weeks after Cindy's passing.
"Over the COVID period Mum and Dad build the yarn store together, we had to rip up the flooring and build all the boxes. There's even video of Mum actually stacking shelves two days before she passed away." Amanda said.
"We continued with opening the store but we took a little bit of time off because it was supposed to open about three weeks after mum passed away, she was meant to open it herself."
It's clear that family plays a big part in the everyday running of the business, with Amanda's daughter, daughter in law, childhood friend and her mum's best friend taking on various roles at the cafe and the yarn store. Family also dictates opening hours, with Amanda saying family always takes priority.
"We're not open public holidays, Mum and Dad always said that was time the grandkids weren't at school, so they could spend time with family." she said.
Supporting local is also high on the agenda with the cafe, with their meats supplied by Collins Court Butcher and goods delivered regularly from Penola's Windara Bakery.
CJ's Yarn Place is located at 1/144 Penola Road, at the intersection with Wireless Road.