3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Alexandra Currie from A Little Square Boutique in Fairfield

Alexandra Currie, owner of A Little Square Boutique in Fairfield, tells the Patch her favorite events at the store and explains how she became involved in the kids' Boutique/Craft industry.

Patch: Can you tell us about some of the services A Little Square Boutique offers?

Alexandra: We offer sewing classes and summer camps for kids and adults, knitting instruction, arts and crafts supplies, gifts, fabric by the yard and sewing accessories. We also host children's birthday parties and Mom's Night Out.

Patch: What is your favorite event at the store?

Alexandra: Sewing Classes and Birthday Parties are my favorite events because each child's imagination is completely different and I love to see what he or she makes and creates in the space.

Patch: How did you get involved in the kids' Boutique or Craft industry?

Alexandra: I have always been crafty, I love to knit and sew and make things with my hands. My favorite craft is mosaics, I am inspired by Southwestern and Mexican cultures. After I had my first child, I wanted to sell children's clothing and accessories.

Patch: What is your morning routine?

Alexandra: That's a funny question. I get my kids ready for school and feed my 6 dogs. Coffee is essential, so we drop by Greenfield Hill Market for breakfast munchies. Then I head over to the shop to work with my partner in crime, Dawn Rogers, our 'Master Crafter'. She's fabulous!

Patch: Buying a present for a child or planning a birthday party can be quite stressful, what are some tips you would give parents in a last minute bind?

Alexandra: Planning a Party? Need a Gift? Call us or stop by! Our birthday party menu is quite extensive and we have finished crafts for kids to look at. Last minute presents, shop us! We have loads of fabulous gifts that are very competitive. We carry Schylling toys, Melissa & Doug toys, Kid Made Modern crafting sets, the list goes on! We pack our gifts in fabulous green tissue and a nice white bag, ready to gift away.

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about the The Pink Pom-Pom Project?

Alexandra: The Pink Pom-Pom Project was started shortly after I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in London in 2010. I call it the 'Charity from the Chair' because I started it from the Chemotherapy Chair. I was blogging and knitting hats and scarves for other cancer survivors at the local Cancer support facility. I knitted my first hat for myself and stuck a big, bright pink pom-pom on it. My kids loved it so much they said I should start a business. Instead, I started a charity and called it The Pink Pom-Pom Project.

Patch: Are there different programs within The Pink Pom-Pom Project?

Alexandra: Yes, there are several different programs we have and they are:

Sewing Classes/Summer Camps: We teach kids ages 7yrs+ and adults how to sew, make patterns, hand sew, embroider, design their very own fabrics. Classes are offered during the day between 10-2 for adults. Cost is $45.00 for use of space, materials, 1/2 yard of fabric, and instruction over 1.5 hours. Children's classes are Monday thru Friday from 4-6pm and Saturdays 10-12 or 1-3pm. Class runs 6 weeks for $185.00. Summer Camps from June to end of August, 1 week from Monday thru Friday, half day 9-1 for $195.00 or full day from 9-3pm for $375.00. Seats sell very fast, booking in advance is best.

Creative Workshops - we provide art therapy to cancer survivors are local cancer clinics and hospitals. We are currently working with Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk and Norma Pfriem Breast Care Center in Fairfield. We provide all supplies, materials and instruction. We also creative workshops focusing on life skills to inner-city youth. We work with The Cardinal Shehan Center, The McGivney Community Center, Wakeman's Boys & Girls Club and The Child & Family Guidance Center in Bridgeport. These are free to these organizations.

V. O. T. Y. (Volunteer of the Year) Quilt:We make quilts for a special volunteer in cancer clinics, it's an award we put together within our needle crafting community. The quilt is made from beautiful cotton fabrics from very special local textile designers like Denyse Schmidt and Jennifer Paganelli.

GS PATCHES - this is where the Girl Scouts can make something really special for themselves and cancer survivors. We make and donate Lavender Sachets to local cancer clinics and hospitals. Once they finish their crafts, they get a PPPP patch! We work with girls ages 6+ up to 24 girls. A donation of $75.00 is recommended.

Stitch & Bitch Knitting Sessions - we host Stitch & Bitch Knitting on Monday morning from 10-1. These sessions are free, we provide a nice clean environment, all are welcome. Yarn and needles are available for purchase.

Beekeeping & Gardening Programs - We are proud to announce The Cardinal Shehan Center's Beekeeping & Gardening Program for Spring 2016. We are introducing beekeeping and gardening to the kids to teach them about the life of bees, crafts from beeswax and honey production. Gardening will provide fruits and veggies for the kids to prepare daily in their Cooking Classes.

Patch: Why is it important to you to give back to the community?

Alexandra: It's important to always volunteer and give back in your community. It's a wonderful way to get to know people, help others who may need help, but never ask for it. I like working with children, especially inner-city youth, because their exposure to creative outlets are mostly limited due to budget cuts in their schools -- especially in Bridgeport. I am a big 'Pinner' and get loads of fun ideas to make. We teach things they usually would not think to make at school or home like Lavender Sachets.

Patch: How can readers contact you or find our more about A Little Square Boutique or The Pink Pom-Pom Project?

Alexandra: We are located at A Little Square at 75 Hillside Road, in Greenfield Hill next to BONDA restaurant. Our phone number is 203-955-1099 and my email is alex@alittlesquare.com. Our website is http://www.alittlesquare.com.
The Pink Pom-Pom Project is at http://www.thepinkpompomproject.org.

We are present on FB at https://www.facebook.com/ALITTLESQUARELLC/ and https://www.facebook.com/thePPPP/