The things we make are the things we leave behind

By KIMBERLY M. WEYANDT

NARROWSBURG, NY — Through the door of the little antique shop and down the tiny hall, past the hanging windowsill and the door-less frame lies a safe haven for artistic flair.

Welcome to 4Corners, the new shop located on Main Street in Narrowsburg.

Each corner of the little shop brings forth a new element. Creative garden and kitchen gifts hold their own against the future poets’ corner and the walls lined with colorful yarn and accessories for the fiber arts. After allowing the appropriate time for gazing and exploring all the unique and locally made gifts the shop has to offer, one can’t help but be drawn to the large table and mismatched chairs taking center stage in the shop. This is the table where strangers disappear forever as friendly advice is exchanged and stories are shared.

The shop, owned by Wendy and Dale Caufman, not only supplies local artists; it also to supports them.

“We really want to keep crafters involved and alive and introduce new people to their crafts,” said Wendy Caufman. Aside from the dozens of how-to books ranging from knitting to jewelry making, the store holds classes on a regular basis to get people involved. A workshop called “Cabin Fever” is one such class. Held once a month, the class gives local artists a chance to share their craft with others.

“The Cabin Fever workshop is about making things and finding that creative energy inside of you that wants to be expressed,” said Caufman.

“I’ve been dreaming of having yarn in Narrowsburg,” said Yulan resident, Carla Giuffrida.

The newest addition to the store is the fully stocked shelves of the fiber arts corner. Beginners and experts in knitting or crocheting are all welcome to explore the wide range of colorful yarns and exciting fun furs for sale in the shop. A large black binder floats around the room, offering ideas and patterns for everything from scarves to sweaters. Classes for beginners will be held on Thursday evenings, starting March 3, and Sunday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, starting March 5. A sweaters class will be offered on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and all fiber artists are welcome to gather at the community table on Sunday afternoons, beginning March 6, for a weekly knit-in.

All knitting classes will be taught by Yulan, NY resident Carla Giuffrida, who has been working with yarn for over 35 years.

But the little shop is more than yarn and basket weaving, it’s about community.

“There’s a dynamic that happens when you make things together,” said Caufman.

So regardless of your interest or talent, be it knitting, poetry, planting, basket weaving, or something entirely different, 4Corners has something for everyone.

“It’s all about having something be there when you walk away,” Caufman said.

For more information call 845/557-6310.