Furrier has Timmins fanbase for her hats and mitts made of northern pelts

When shoppers venture into Albert’s Sports and Workwear in Timmins to pick up some rugged outdoor gear, they might just have to do a little impulse buying when they get to the checkout counter.

That’s where this reporter saw the fur hat of her dreams, and made a split second decision it was just the thing to get through a Timmins winter.

“I carry them because they’re high quality, locally made, and hand made,” said Albert’s owner Chantal Cauchon of the fur mittens and hats made by retired furrier Christl Stendel.

“I buy whatever she has time to make—whatever she makes I buy. She’s got four pairs of beaver fur mitts— those are the hottest ticket items. I already have a (waiting) list of people, and I don’t think she was able to make so many,” said Cauchon.

Stendel, who has been summerin