Today, I find myself crocheting in Coral Reef Coffee Company. It seems fitting to support a local business that contributes to the Coral Reef Restoration Foundation, especially since YarnKittens is backing Ocean Conservancy this year through our own fundraising efforts. The symbiotic relationship between these organizations and our mutual love for the ocean makes this a perfect spot to spend my afternoon.
The interior design here is ocean-themed, with soothing colors of teal and pink, accented by octopus plushies lounging on the couches. There are half a dozen family board games on a shelf next to the group seating area by the window. An adorable fish tank rests on the pick-up counter, filled with vibrant fish darting around, and a large screen on the back wall continuously looping mesmerizing underwater videos of sea turtles and other aquatic life. The ambient sounds of new age music play softly in the background, blending seamlessly with the quiet murmur of conversation and the occasional hiss of the espresso machine.
The coffee is excellent too - rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of froth on my oat milk latte. It’s relaxing here, a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Others seem to enjoy it here as much as I do. One person is perched at a high table, fingers flying across a keyboard, likely deep in some creative or professional pursuit. Another sits in a comfy chair in the corner, absorbed in a thick novel.
A family arrives, their two young children immediately drawn to the octopus plushies. They hug each one with delight, their laughter and joy infectious, before carefully placing them back in their original spots. The plushies almost seem to smile, perhaps anticipating the next round of affectionate squeezes.
Customers come and go, some opting to take their orders to go, their pace hurried. I can’t help but hope that whatever they are rushing off to do is worth the cost of missing out on the therapeutic calm that this place offers. It’s a small sanctuary in a fast-paced world, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us.
During a lull in activity, the employees quietly straighten up the lobby, rearranging the plushies and tidying up. Their movements are almost choreographed, efficient yet gentle, maintaining the serene atmosphere. The barista, a younger man with a warm smile, pauses at my table to ask if I need anything. It's moments like these that make me grateful for spaces that not only serve good coffee but also foster a sense of community and support important causes.
I try to take a sip of my latte but it’s still too hot. I almost always forget to ask for a cooler temperature when ordering it. I return to my crocheting. This project is the May Monthly Challenge – a dress. I’ve decided on a simple double crochet design child’s dress for my granddaughter. It’s made with soft, thin bamboo yarn, and a 3.5 mm hook. I’m using up me existing yarn inventory so the colors for this dress are yellow, rust, and plum on the yolk and all white in the middle and skirt. I have concerns that the dress will be too big for her, but I continue working anyway because she can always grow into it.
My mind wanders a bit, thinking about what else I should make that will actually sell at the next craft fair. Because of our Ocean Conservancy fundraiser this year I want to focus more on ocean amigurumi, but we need a variety of things. It’s difficult to predict what customers want. Then suddenly all of the thoughts and plans flood my brain at once and I find myself mentally drafting a letter to the owner of the Coral Reef Coffee Co. to ask if they are interested in selling our ocean themed crochet projects on consignment. Our infant safe octopus toys and big fish plushies would fit the aesthetic here so well.
Time jump two days: I sent my email request, and I quickly received a reply from the owner of the coffee shop. He says he is interested in a consignment arrangement with us, but he’s very busy right now. We are going to have further discussions in a few weeks. I need to get this dress done so I can make more octopus, … and fish, … and sea turtles! Oh! Oh! I have new project energy! This is so exciting.
Update: Time jump four weeks: YarnKittens has 6 products available for purchase and immediate pick up at Coral Reef Coff Co.!
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