Interview with Inger Bussanich- Estelle Yarns Sales Rep for over 24 Years

If you are not a yarn shop owner, the thought may have crossed your mind while browsing in your local yarn store, “So where exactly does all of this yarn come from?”

Each yarn shop owner spends countless hours sourcing products, and carefully selecting each and every item that goes on their shelves, making each store a unique version of it’s owner. But it is with the help of friendly sales reps like Inger Bussanich that help make that part of the job just a little easier (and possibly less overwhelming!)

With each new season for over 24 years, Inger has regularly visited yarn shops all across Vancouver and the surrounding area, showcasing new products from  Estelle Yarns . While it is ultimately up to the store to decide what yarns are most suitable for their shelves, it is with Inger that they are able to place their orders, and address any questions or concerns they may have about the products.

After many years of service to the Vancouver Area Local Yarn Shop Community, Inger will be retiring from Estelle Yarns. We thought we would take the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her years of selling yarn, and what she plans to do with her retirement.

How did you get into the yarn industry?

I was recently divorced and needed to find some work. A friend of mine got me in contact with a friend of hers who had a company selling embroidery and notions. I worked for him for one year. In the meantime, John Peacock (of Estelle Yarns) was out in Vancouver, and in search of a sales representative for Estelle. He asked around in some local stores, and a shop called Homecraft recommended me to him.

You are from Denmark. Was knitting a large part of your upbringing/heritage?

I grew up during the Second World War, and my cousin and I would spend a lot of time at my grandmother’s big apartment. She had a room in the middle of the apartment with no windows, so when we heard the sirens indicating danger, we went into this little room instead of going into the basement (probably not too safe!) This is where my grandmother taught us to knit and crochet.

What do you love to knit?

When I was younger I knitted big sweaters for everybody, but nowadays it is small projects like baby blankets and dish cloths, just to have my hands occupied when I watch TV.

What is your favourite yarn?

There are so many that it is hard to choose! Estelle’s Cloud Cotton has been an all time stable yarn for me. It’s nice to knit with, and very durable.

How big is your yarn stash?

I only have sample balls of all the yarns that I am currently selling, including a few older yarns. Usually, once they are discontinued I give them away to either charity, or friends.

Will you continue knitting once you have retired?

Oh yes. I will definitely continue knitting in my retirement, but only smaller projects. I really love to travel, and hope to get to see many more exciting places in the world.

What will you miss most about working at Estelle Yarns?

I will miss the customers for sure. It is always nice to meet the store owners who are such nice people- many have become friends! I love to show them the latest yarns and have a chat. I look forward to the big boxes of yarn for the new season, and to get everything sorted out and ready to show. Stores have come and gone, and I want to thank everybody for their patronage over the years. It has been fun!

I will also really miss the staff at Estelle, who have always been very supportive.

And of course- I will miss the Peacock family. They have been wonderful to work for, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to sell yarn for them over the years.

Inger- From the Peacock family, from all of us at Estelle Yarns, we wish you a retirement full of adventures and good health. We thank you for all of your years with us, it has been our pleasure working with you and we wish you all the very best!

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