Treena Evans was eight when she began knitting. Forty-five years later, Evans is still knitting, and in the process, giving back to society.
Evans launched Project Warmth on Jan. 20, 2024, outside her yarn store, Spin Me A Yarn, on Lakeshore Boulevard West.
Project Warmth provides warm clothing for those who need it. Evans keeps items including mittens, hats, and mufflers on a lamppost outside her store for anyone who might need them.
The lamppost outside the south Etobicoke store has become a centre of attraction of sorts.
A woman using a mirror checks out hats donated by crafters at Spin Me A Yarn store on Lakeshore Boulevard West in south Etobicoke. Project Warmth is a community-driven volunteer drive to ensure people stay warm during the winter. Photo credit: Etti Bali
A woman with a coffee and cigarette in hand sat on a bench outside the store waiting for a friend.
She saw her friend approaching as she lit her third cigarette.
Almost like an expert, the woman took her friend to the lamppost that had small bags strung on it and told her about the free woollen items.
They both tried some on and looked at each other for feedback.
Soon, a small mirror was pulled out from a purse to check how the hats looked. Satisfied with one green and one red hat, they both walked away happier and warmer.
Within three weeks, more than 100 pieces have been picked up from the bag Evans and volunteers keep filled.
Treena Evans showed items at her store. She launched Project Warmth from her Lakeshore Boulevard West store to help people stay warm by offering free knitted mitts, hats and scarves. Photo credit: Etti Bali
“When the temperatures drop, it’s nice to know that we can help people find some warmth,” Evans said.
She opened the store in 2017. In addition to knitting paraphernalia and finished goods like sweaters, Evans also has a small treasure trove of nostalgia.
“This is Rebecca,” Evans said, reaching for a doll she had since she was a little girl in England. “I made my first knit for her.”
Rebecca is still dressed in the same cardigan.
“She is a reminder that any age can knit,” she said.
Peggy Goodman knitting at the Spin Me A Yarn store. The items she knits are given away to those who need them to stay warm. Photo credit: Etti Bali
In the seven years since she opened the store, Evans has received support from others like her who find similar joy in knitting and crocheting.
“There are people always dropping in. They come to drop off projects for blocking, or just to sit and be social. We have a cashmere club with over 25 members. We also have a merino club,” she said.
Peggy Goodman, 92, sat in a cozy corner at the back of the store, knitting a bright red yarn. A Toronto local, she was born in India and has been knitting since she was three.
“I am starting on a new batch of slippers to donate to the Canadian Legion,” Goodman said, referring to the Canadian veterans’ organization.
A common thread of community and comfort binds them all.
Luxmi Thiru, 25, started crocheting five years ago. She said it felt good to be part of a group of people with common interests.
“Crocheting kind of saved my life in a way,” Thiru said, without elaborating. “I do like to stop by and crochet with everyone. It’s nice to feel like a part of a community that creates.”
Evans urges others to donate items if they can.
She has kept a small bucket with crafting knit-along kits and sample patterns for those who want to knit but don’t have the material.
“They can take the kit and bring the hat back,” Evans said.