Heartfelt and sweet are the words we would use to describe the owner, Linda Fiore, of Tiny Threads children’s boutique in North Haven, Connecticut. We also know you can include thoughtful and the best products in town as a guarantee for any customer that shops at the best kids clothing store in North Haven! Read below for how Linda was inspired to start her store (literally from sewing tiny threads), her top special moments at the store (sure to make you smile) and advice on keeping kids cool and stylish as summer winds down this August.
Linda's granddaughter, Gwyn, showing off a Le Top "Bee Happy" collection shirt & pin stripe short set
Tiny Threads Boutique
448 Washington Avenue
North Haven, CT 06473
203.239.7644
or go to www.tinythreads.com
for more information
CHECK-IN and JOIN
Tiny Thread’s Boutique
Facebook page and click HERE
Linda: Actually, it’s a double meaning. Say, “Nice “threads” you’re wearing!” Tiny threads (sewing) are what I produce and carry in the store, as well as boutique brands. Also, it sounded different from a lot of other children’s stores. Occasionally, someone thinks its Tiny Treads (I do not carry small tires).
2. What was your inspiration behind opening your store and how long have you been around?
Linda: I have owned Tiny Threads Boutique for 10 ½ years. I opened December 1, 2000. For many, many years I wanted to have my own store, but life happens when you’re making other plans. I actually sold my first handmade item (a potholder made of loops) to my Mother when I was 7-years-old (for a dime).
Tiny Threads hand-crocheted sweater that can be personalized with your child's name
I began sewing when I was 13 in high school and my sister, Bonnie, was 3-years-old so I would make outfits for her and Mom would let me put them on her – my first victim (Sister Lori, who was 9-years-old, wanted NO part of this.) Crocheting since I was 11, I designed doll clothes. After raising 4 kids, being a legal secretary for many years (selling my creations on the side) and getting re-married, my husband, Mike, said go ahead and try it. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay. My dream come true!
3. Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned at your store this coming summer, especially the fun deals we can expect.
Linda: My summer sale will be starting soon and I am always throwing items out on the half-price sale rack in front of the store.
Gwyn in a Le Top "Poppies" collection top & print capri set
4. There has been a heat wave in the East Coast recently – what clothing and kids accessory items from your store would you suggest as for a go-to “heat wave wardrobe and survival kit”?
Linda: I am currently working with seersucker, and anything with spaghetti straps for girls is always cool (like the Le Top Poppies set). A lot of the sun hats I carry have SPF 50 to keep the tiny tots head’s cool.
5. Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Linda: Never overprotect the little critters. Take them everywhere from an early age, teach them how to behave in public, be social, friendly, have manners and in general have joie de vivre. Now they all love to travel, daughter Colleen dabbles in politics and they passed those traits onto the grands (who are grand).
6. Describe the neighborhood of your store locations in North Haven, Connecticut. Did you grow up in any of the local area?
Grandchildren, Gwyn and Johnny, in Tiny Threads hand-made 4th of July outfits
Linda: I grew up in West Haven, right on Long Island Sound when Savin Rock was still in operation. Savin Rock was an amusement park on the shore beloved by anyone who grew up not only in West Haven, but in all of New Haven County and beyond. Steven King even wrote about it in one of his books! Alas, it’s long gone but the memories remain.
7. Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Linda: There have been so many special moments that I can’t decide. My friend, Judy’s granddaughter (Quinn), who was a Darling of the Day a few months ago, recently requested “Let’s go see your friend, Linda, but not at her house, at her store.” Her and her sister, Layla, love to try things on and model for me.
Quinn's little sis, Layla, in a Le Top "Wildflower" collection drop waist dress
When I create a Christening gown or First Communion dress from a Mom or Grandmother’s wedding gown and then receive a beautiful thank you card and photo, I’m over the moon.
I see the little girls beaming when they try on their dresses and view themselves in the “Magic Mirror”. After the fittings or the shopping trip, they get to say a magic word and low and behold, the mirror opens and they get to pick a prize (brothers and sisters, too, but NOT grownups).
Finally, when my little customers come in, some of them run right over and give me a big hug. Now, who has a better job then me????
8. Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Linda: Uncle Louie G’s Ice Cream is great. We’re Facebook friends. Grand Apizza North is right next-door and has been a great source of many customers. They host birthday parties, showers, First Communion parties, end of school sports parties, etc. On the other side of my store is The Breakfast Nook that is another great source of customers. Everyone brings the kids on Saturday morning and of course, has to poke through my sale rack out in front. Club Kids is a great place to have parties just down the road with activities and rides. The North Haven Fair is one of those famous institutions held every year in September for the last 75 years or so.
Flower the Clown and her granddaughter are regular visitors to Tiny Threads
9. What Le Top or rabbitmoon Spring/Summer 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Linda: The “Hearts Delight” collection was everyone’s favorite, including mine, and I had a lot of the different outfits including bathing suits. Most of them are gone now. I love the flowery prints combined with dots. I love prints in general. You can’t find too many solid items at Tiny Threads.
Tiny Threads Boutique
448 Washington Avenue
North Haven, CT 06473
203.239.7644
or go to www.tinythreads.com for more information
CHECK-IN and JOIN Tiny Threads Boutique Facebook page and click HERE
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