We are in our final flurry of activity at CCYC Central, getting all the info out about the yarn crawl and yikes.. we have not forgotten (as promised) to pass along individual bios on our group of eight yarn shops including a few interesting sidenotes on sightseeing spots that you won't want to miss and/or lunch recommendations to whet your appetite after all that yarn crawling.
Aberdeen's Wool Company has been in business for just over five years, and offers a fabulous collection of yarns from primarily Canadian sources, along with Tangled Gypsies, unique hand dyed yarns made in house with a fun musical twist... ask to squish a skein of Tangled Up In Ewe. Located in a Victorian building with a cosy knitting porch, this charming shop is connected to a FREE parking lot. Please note this location is not fully accessible due to stairs at entrance. Stop by Olympia for lunch, located a few blocks from the shop, or check out Mikael's for a cup of java and word has it, on Saturdays locals swoon over their cheese bagels.
Between 2 Lakes Yarn & Crafts is brand-spanking new and carries an array of beautiful yarns to suit all budgets, with fun accessories inspired by the owner's love of animals, from sheep aprons to mugs, umbrellas and totes. For kids there are some great summer craft ideas too. This shop is fully accessible with parking located at front and back. Check out the great line up of classes available too. Take time for a browse through town and drop in at the L'll Wee Quilt store and The Village Shop. When your yarn haul is complete just steps from the front door you can cool off with a Kawartha Dairy ice cream cone or cross the road to sit and knit awhile, watching the boats go through the locks.
Granny Birds Wool Shoppe celebrated its first anniversary on May 17th! Named after the owner's quirky nickname for her grandmother (Granny Bird), this shop has a lovely community feel and carries a wide variety of man made, blended and natural fibre yarns plus a large selection of needles, hooks, buttons and accessories. Watch for free parking throughout the village and please note that there is a six inch rise at the front door. Shoe collectors will want to stop in at Bigley's Shoes & Clothing, after all doesn't every new WIP need a fab pair of shoes? See if you can find this hidden gem for the best grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade soup in town- Grilled Cheese Hideaway.
Happenstance Books & Yarns has been in business for over thirty-five years, situated in an enchanting heritage building in the tiny town of Lakefield. Look for free street parking and also the municipal lot located across the street. There are two steps at store front or back to navigate, with helpful hand grips for accessibility. Uniquely charming, this shop doubles your browsing pleasure with a carefully curated collection of books and yarns, a particular fondness for alpaca, and extensive selection in all weights and fibre types from suppliers such as- Amano, Berroco, Cascade, Debbie Bliss, Estelle, King Cole, Opal, Rowan... Take a wander down Queen Street for these two lunch suggestions- The Nutty Bean Café with outdoor dining verandah or Cassis Bistro.
JanKnit's Studio has been a mainstay in the village of Haliburton for eleven years. Located across from CIBC, Jan carries an array of specialty yarns, knitting accessories, Husqvarna sewing machines, and an exclusive collection of real fur yarns which she sells worldwide. The store entrance has two steps to navigate and metered parking is available along the main street. When your trunk is full of yarn, check out Glee Park with its winding trail of artisan sculptures on display and the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre for a really wild experience. Feed your appetite at McKeck's across the street from Jan's or UpRiver Trading with its awesome coffee bar.
Muskoka Yarn Connection is celebrating twenty-five years of keeping knitters in stitches with lots of fun events this summer. Located in an old factory, this bright and airy cottage country shop offers knitters a selection of natural fibres and blended yarns complimented with original designed sweater and accessory knitting kits. Free parking is right at storefront and this shop is fully accessible. Ask to see custom-dyed colourway Muskoka Magic, inspired by twilight on the water, one of the specialty yarns in the local yarn dye-it. Mouth-watering taste temptations are hard to resist right out front at Sully's, Muskoka's gourmet food truck experience. Treat yourself to an afternoon cruise down the river on Lady Muskoka, scenic boat tours, or wander along the walking trail at the Bracebridge Falls with its quiet spots to sit and knit.
Needles In The Hay has been a downtown fixture in one of Peterborough's historical buildings for eight years and focuses on good quality, high value, natural fibres for knitting and crochet. The two flagship brands are Brooklyn Tweed and The Fibre Co. featured on the twelve foot wall of wool. Plenty of metered parking is available on the street or in adjacent municipal lots, and the store entrance has one step up. Hang out with kindred spirits in one of NITH knitting circles on Tuesday eve 7-9 or Wednesday aft 2-4. Set the mood for yarn shopping with lunch at Electric City Bread Company, St. Veronus for lunch and dinner, or Le Petit Bar for snacks and wine. Don't miss the Peterborough Lift Lock for an engineering marvel, largest hydraulic boat lift in the world.
Sheldridge Yarns is located in Woodville and has been in business for six years, featuring an enormous inventory of in house hand dyed yarns, ..... more than seventy shades to drool over in fingering, lace, dk, worsted, and bulky weights. Plus Cabin Fever 'no-sew' patterns and books to complement the extensive selection of yarns. Free parking is available right at storefront. Please note the entrance is not fully accessible. Stop for lunch in Lindsay and visit the Olde Gaol Museum for an interesting bit of area history.
Happy Crawling!
