County Grannies PlayHouse Welcomes All

Carolyn Dormier’s mission is to provide a place for the community to gather and create craft items, hold parties and events, and shop and consign resale items.

At Country Grannies PlayHouse in Inola, rescued and handcrafted items are the specialty. Owner Carolyn Dormier loves to bring life back to nostalgic pieces she has collected along the way, as well as create new items using the crafting supplies found in her store. “My vision is to make this a place for everyone in the community to feel welcome to come in for crafting, events, fellowship, friendship, shopping and consigning,” said Carolyn.
 The store moved from its previous location on Commercial Street after Carolyn found the perfect little house on Broadway that she could transform into her resale and collectible item paradise. For the past two years, Carolyn and her husband have been cleaning and remodeling the house room by room to expand on their vision, including new floors, paint and more. They recently put the finishing touches on the kitchen and added a washer and dryer for public use. A party room is available for small gatherings, birthday parties and meetings. “I would love to see people bring their friends in for crafting parties, as well as use the space for birthday parties or family reunions,” said Carolyn. “We really just want it to serve the community’s need for a meeting space for whatever they may have going on.”
Customers will find lots of rescued thrift store type items as they browse through the rooms of Country Grannies PlayHouse. A staple in the store, and one of the things it is best known for, are the hand-crafted sock monkeys available for purchase. They can be fashioned from socks of all sizes and patterns and make great gifts. For specialty monkeys, such as sports teams, a two-week notice is requested to give time to order the socks. “I really enjoy teaching others to make the sock monkeys as well,” said Carolyn. “Individuals or groups are welcome to stop by any time for a lesson in how to put one together. The instruction is free and the material cost is minimal.”
Fabrics and yarns are available for purchase in the store for only 25 cents an ounce or yard. Carolyn also offers doll clothes, quilts, crocheted items and hand-made reusable shopping bags.
Charity work is important to the mission of Country Grannies PlayHouse. Carolyn knits and crochets hats for cancer patients, and donates items to nursing homes and local benefits. Most recently, she donated a Dr. Who sock monkey to a benefit for Inola high school senior Kaleb Lindsey, who is suffering from chemical meningitis. Carolyn is currently organizing the Citywide Yard Sale in Inola on March 19. Contact her for maps or to set up a booth.