A retro gas station and mechanic's shop, just a stone's throw from downtown McGraw, is the new home to Stramba Fiber Mill & Felt Studio. The charmingly reimagined space is filled with sunlight and a rainbow of one-of-a-kind yarn, roving, batts and felt. The artisan mill specializes in full-service small-batch processing for growers and sells yarns, roving, spinning, and felting supplies, all handmade in-house. Not the crafty type? Drop in and shop their ever-evolving collection of ready-to-wear artisan pieces and home goods. We asked Terri Stramba if she would take a few minutes from her creative day to answer a few questions about McGraw's newest boutique.
What inspired you to open Stramba Fiber Mill Studio & Store?
We had alpacas which are known for their fine fiber, and we could not get our fiber processed in a timely manner. Wait times were 2 years or more, so we looked into starting our own mill and made the jump taking delivery of our equipment on May 29, 2009. It was initially on our farm in Wampum, PA. (40 Miles North West of Pittsburgh near the Ohio line where all the train wrecks are these days.)
What inspired the name Stramba Fiber Mill Studio & Store?
We started as Stramba Farm & Fiber Mill as it was simple and what we were about. Our Tag line was grown here, spun here, sold here. When we moved off the Farm into our larger space in the small town of Wampum, we no longer were on the farm but now had a large Fiber Art Studio and Storefront under the same roof. Again just simply our name and what we do.
Why choose McGraw for your shopfront?
Fate - Our beautiful 6000 sq ft building that we were leasing in Wampum fell into disrepair, and we had to move out quickly due to structural damage. We are originally from the area and moved back to be closer to family. Our original intent was to put it on our new farm, but the time and cost to upgrade our barn were daunting, and then a family member let us know they owned the old gas station in McGraw, and it was not currently being rented. We took one look and snapped it up. I'm willing to bet I'm one of the only fiber mills around with a full-size car lift in the wash bay! It's a quirky, fun building in a great small town. We moved our equipment at the end of October and opened in December. We are excited to be part of small-town life again.
If your shop was a song, what would it be and why?
Twistin' the Night Away - it's a fun song, and we twist a lot of yarn here. We also twist and shout a lot too!
I know you just opened, but are any exciting projects (or future projects) in the works?
We will be participating in McGraws Around-the-Block Sales on June 3rd. Ours will be a Fiber Art focused yard sale and will have lots of overstock and supplies available at bargain prices for local fiber artists as well as finished wearable art pieces and lots of silk scarfs. I'm looking forward to networking with other fiber artists and hope to get some classes put together soon as well.
What item do you have in your shop that is a staple in your home?
Felt - Coasters, Trivets, bags, pillows, insoles and rugs.
What is your favorite locally made item (perhaps one you sell)?
Hot Black Coffee!
What is Cortland County’s best-kept secret?
The fabulous sunset views from the hilltops and the proximity to so many places. In a few hours, you can be in NYC or on an Adirondack Mountain or cruising the finger lakes or the great lakes......... I love to wander.
Describe Cortland County in three words.
Home Sweet Home.
Visit Stramba Fiber Mill & Felt Studio at:
6W Main Street
McGraw, NY
(724) 614-8798
Email: info@strambafarmalpacas.com