Wednesday, 8 May 2024

PLAN YOUR KNITTING ADVENTURE

 Hello Fibre and Yarn Enthusiasts,

If you are gearing up for a FUN summer adventure in Ontario's cottage country, we have compiled a list of EIGHT fabulous yarn and fibre destinations to visit along the way!!

Granny Bird's Wool Shoppe is 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 hand dyed and commercial yarns plus a large selection of needles, hooks, buttons and accessories. Look for free parking throughout the village and please note that there is a six inch rise at the front door. Ask for directions to Old Dog Brewing Co. for a refreshing sip on the patio or if its the best grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade soup in town that tempts your palate- Grilled Cheese Hideaway is a 'hidden gem' worth seeking out. Afterwards, sweeten your visit with a treat from Cake By The Lake or The Bobcaygeon Bakery located just steps away from the shopEnjoy your treat along the waterfront, while watching the boats go by.

Happenstance Books & Yarns is situated on Queen Street in an enchanting heritage building in the tiny village of Lakefield. Look for free on street parking or the municipal lot located across the street. There are two steps at store front or back to navigate, with helpful hand grips for accessibility. Unique and charming, this shop doubles your browsing pleasure with a lovely curated collection of books and an extensive yarn selection in all weights and fibre types from suppliers such as- Amano, Berroco, Cascade, James C Brett. King Cole, Opal, and West Yorkshire Spinners. Queen Street offers an interesting mix of shops and three great lunch suggestions- The Nutty Bean Café with outdoor dining verandah, Cassis French Bistro or Angle Iron Kitchen. After lunch, visit the Christ Church Community Museum featuring village history or stroll along the scenic Otonabee River and follow the interpretive sign trail.

Needles In The Hay has been a downtown fixture in Peterborough's historical Commerce Building for more than a decade with a passion for heirloom quality ethically-produced natural fibres to entice both knitters and crocheters alike. Some of NITH's flagship brands are Brooklyn Tweed, The Fibre Co., Hudson + West,  mYak, June Cashmere and Pascuali, all happily nesting in a twelve foot wall of wool. Parking is free on Saturdays, and during the week there is plenty of metered parking available on the street and in adjacent municipal lots. Set the mood for yarn shopping with a scrumptious hand-made donut from Tragically Dipped, St. Veronus for lunch and dinner. To the right of NITH, Watson & Lou has a wide selection of handmade goods by local makers. And to the left, you’ll find Plant Goals, a house plant lover's paradise!  Don't miss this local hidden gem- Peterborough Lift Lock an engineering marvel and largest hydraulic boat lift in the world.

Muskoka Yarn Connection is located in an old automotive factory in Bracebridge, but don't let the outside looks fool you, once inside, this bright and airy shop offers knitters a selection of natural fibres and blended yarns complimented with original-designed sweater and accessory knitting kits. This shop is also the home of an exclusive line of locally-dyed yarns, Muskoka Yarn Goddess. Free parking is right at storefront and this shop is fully accessible. Within the same building you'll discover two hidden gems- Veranda Outlet, a big, beautiful furniture store and Sasha Designs, featuring locally made cosy wraps and clothing, both just steps from Muskoka Yarn Connection. After a day of shopping therapy, sit and collect your thoughts in the fresh air or meander along the walking trail at the Bracebridge Falls with its shady spots to picnic and knit.

Wave Fibre Mill in Seguin Township, is a full-scale fibre production facility, workshop space and adjacent wool shop with locally-made products, all housed within an airplane hangar. The vintage mill equipment is rich in history and constantly in motion, custom processing fibre from Canadian farmers using only sustainable and ethical milling practices. Mill tours are available by appointment. and don't miss a chance to check out the neighboring Milford Bay Smokehaus or stop in for coffee and a sandwich at Wings Cafe. Ask for a window seat with a view of the airfield to watch the planes take off. 

Knitting Three Together is a mom and daughter duo with a passion for all things yarn-related. The shop is located on the way to Algonquin Park in Huntsville, and features a variety of grab n go knitting kits and you guessed it... loads of sock yarn!  If all that yarn shopping makes you hungry, you'll find a true classic Canadian dining experience at 3 Guys And A Stove just up the road, and if you're in the mood for a fun fashion shopping spree, take time to visit Fibre Huntsville, just three minutes away. A very unique boutique specializing in Canadian brand clothing for women. 

For info on these TWO exciting fibre festivals in cottage country please click on links below-

KAWARTHA YARN & FIBRE FESTIVAL June 8th from 10 to 4:00

MUSKOKA YARN & FIBREFEST Saturday June 22nd from 10 to 4 pm

Happy Adventures in COTTAGE COUNTRY!

Friday, 20 May 2022

Cottage Country Yarn Crawl 2022

 

Cottage Country Yarn Crawl 

Hey Crawlers!

It has been a hot minute hasn't it... and we've missed seeing your smiling faces.
Want to know what all the fibre fluff is about?? Read on...

We are back!!! 
That's right... COTTAGE COUNTRY YARN CRAWL is rolling right back at you and passing on all the info about this summer's exciting road trip (starting June 11th til September 6th) and yikes.. we have not forgotten to list individual bios on our 'group of seven' yarn shops including a few interesting side notes on sightseeing spots that you won't want to miss and lunch recommendations to whet your appetite after all that yarn crawling. This year's theme is a Vintage Road Trip and we have the added excitement of not ONE but TWO summer fibre festivals in cottage country ... a woolen mill... and a BONUS alpaca farm experience!!  

Your free PASSPORT is available in person at any of the participating seven yarn shops or click here to download a copy for printing.  Each passport includes a Scavenger Word Hunt, crawl map with shop hours and addresses, crawl rules, individual ballot to enter our amazing draws, and this year we have an exclusive FREE souvenir knitting pattern (with yarn purchase) also available at any of the 7 shops.

VIRTUAL Yarn Crawlers are welcome too!  If you would prefer to participate from the comfort of your home, just download your passport, visit each shop online, or call, msg and chat. We would love to connect with you. Ask about crawl 'specials' and this year's vintage crawl knitting project.
*A purchase at any participating shop will include a stamp on your virtual passport. Collect 3 stamps or more to obtain a ballot.

Between 2 Lakes Yarn & Crafts carries a wide array of beautiful yarns to suit all budgets with a pleasing variety of shop samples on display, whimsical giftware, needle art kits, embroidery floss, and a bevy of rainy day craft ideas for kids too. This shop is fully accessible with parking located at front and back. Antique hounds will enjoy a browse through the local shops for a step back in time, and lunch options abound at more than seven restaurants. Ask Sandi about her favorite bakery for a sweet treat to enjoy just across the road where you can sit and knit while watching the boats go through Lock 34 of the Trent Canal System. See if you can spot hidden gem, the Fenelon Falls which is visible only by walking down beside the power station. Needle felters won't want to leave town without a visit to Curious, well-stocked with wool roving supplies. 

Granny Bird's Wool Shoppe 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 hand dyed and commercial yarns plus a large selection of needles, hooks, buttons and accessories. Look for free parking throughout the village and please note that there is a six inch rise at the front door. Ask for directions to Old Dog Brewing Co. for a refreshing sip on the patio or if its the best grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade soup in town that tempts your palate- Grilled Cheese Hideaway is a 'hidden gem' worth seeking out. Afterwards, sweeten your visit with a treat from Cake By The Lake or The Bobcaygeon Bakery located just steps away from the shop. Enjoy your treat along the waterfront, while watching the boats go by.

Happenstance Books & Yarns is situated on Queen Street in an  enchanting heritage building in the tiny village of Lakefield. Look for free on street parking or the municipal lot located across the street. There are two steps at store front or back to navigate, with helpful hand grips for accessibility. Unique and charming, this shop doubles your browsing pleasure with a lovely curated collection of books and an extensive yarn selection in all weights and fibre types from suppliers such as- Amano, Berroco, Cascade, James C Brett. King Cole, Opal, and West Yorkshire Spinners. Queen Street offers an interesting mix of shops and three great lunch suggestions- The Nutty Bean Café with outdoor dining verandah, Cassis French Bistro or Angle Iron Kitchen. NEW this year is the Inn Cuisine Prepared Meals. After lunch, visit the Christ Church Community Museum featuring village history or stroll along the scenic Otonabee River and follow the interpretive sign trail.

Wanderlight Alpaca is the BONUS STOP on this year's crawl.  Located a few minutes outside the village of Lakefield, Katie and her inquisitive herd of alpacas interact with individuals and groups of all ages for a guided farm walk experience.  
Please Note: By appointment only

Needles In The Hay has been a downtown fixture in Peterborough's historical Commerce Building for more than a decade with a passion for heirloom quality ethically-produced natural fibres to entice both knitters and crocheters alike. NITH's flagship brands are Brooklyn Tweed, The Fibre Co., Hudson + West,  mYak, Rosy Green Wool, June Cashmere and Pascuali, all happily nesting in a twelve foot wall of wool. Parking is free on Saturdays, and during the week there is plenty of metered parking available on the street and in adjacent municipal lots. Set the mood for yarn shopping with a scrumptious hand-made donut from Tragically Dipped, St. Veronus for lunch and dinner, or Bijoux Bar for snacks and wine. To the right of NITH, Watson & Lou has a wide selection of handmade goods by local makers. And to the left, you’ll find Plant Goals, a house plant lover's paradise!  Don't miss this local hidden gem- Peterborough Lift Lock an engineering marvel and largest hydraulic boat lift in the world.

Mariposa Woolen Mill a NEW addition to our 2022 yarn crawl, this family enterprise is located 8 km from Lindsay, and provides a glimpse inside a working farm and a woolen mill. The shop features local made food items and plenty of ethically-produced yarns, needle felting supplies and more... accessible entrance with plenty of parking, and... oh yes! A great spot for the kids to experience farm life and be sure to bring your appetite for poutine or a burger at the chip truck.

Shelridge Yarns is located in Gravenhurst and has been in business for over a decade, featuring an inventory of in house specialty hand-dyed yarns... with a rainbow of shades to drool over in all weights from lace to bulky, complimented by Cabin Fever no-sew patterns and booklets. Free parking is available at storefront and the entrance is fully accessible. Stop for lunch at one of the fabulous food trucks or hop on over to Sawdust City Brewing Co. for a pint and take a tour of this fascinating enterprise followed by a visit to the Bethune Memorial House, a national historic site just a block away from the brewery and finish up your visit with a sightseeing experience aboard the RMS Segwun, North America's oldest operating coal-fired steamship with cruises running daily until October.

Muskoka Yarn Connection is located in an old automotive factory in Bracebridge, but don't let the outside looks fool you, once inside, this bright and airy shop offers knitters a selection of natural fibres and blended yarns complimented with original-designed sweater and accessory knitting kits. This summer the shop is highlighting an exclusive line of locally-dyed yarns by Muskoka Yarn Goddess. Free parking is right at storefront and this shop is fully accessible. Within the same building you'll discover two hidden gems- Years Ago-Go, a vintage clothing store and The Green Forest Gallery, filled with colourful local art and gift items, both just steps from Muskoka Yarn Connection. Pick up your FREE coupon for a refreshing gelato and sit and collect your thoughts in the fresh air or meander along the walking trail at the Bracebridge Falls with its quiet spots to picnic and knit.

For info on TWO exciting fibre festivals in cottage country please click on links below-

KAWARTHA YARN & FIBRE FESTIVAL June 11th from 10 to 4:30

MUSKOKA YARN & FIBREFEST Saturday July 2nd from 10 to 4 pm

Happy Crawling!



Saturday, 21 September 2019

ANNOUNCING OUR 2019 WINNERS...

Here we go...



The winners of this year's bounty of beautiful prizes are as follows-

RUNNER UP Prize Basket goes to Pat Runnings

BONUS Kawartha Yarn & Fibre Festival Prize goes to Debbie Johnston

and the COTTAGE COUNTRY YARN CRAWL GRAND PRIZE Basket goes to...

Alice Smith from Kingston!!

Congratulations to all our winners!!

Hope to see you next year

Thursday, 5 September 2019

Its been a blast...

THANK YOU for all the smiles, for sharing the adventure with family and friends, for your enthusiasm and participation, and for supporting small business owners...

It means the world to us!

COTTAGE COUNTRY YARN CRAWL 2019 has officially ended as of September 4th at 5 pm but... there are still prizes to be won!!

We are gathering all the ballots and once we have set our DRAW time and date you will be the first to know... right here!


Wednesday, 26 June 2019

SHAWL PATTERN REVISION

If you have received a copy of A Group of Eight Wildflowers SHAWL PATTERN prior to June 26th please NOTE that there is a revision you will require before proceeding past your first wildflower section. 

Please email us at ccyarncrawl@gmail.com to receive the current revision.


Thursday, 6 June 2019

A Group Of Eight Wildflowers

A GROUP OF EIGHT WILDFLOWERS are yours for the picking this summer!  Collect them all and watch how they bloom in your keepsake crawl shawl.

Our participating shops have been busy this spring planting seeds to create their own signature mini with a chosen local dyer. Each colourway has been uniquely picked to represent a native wildflower which grows in COTTAGE COUNTRY.

Collect all EIGHT minis and pick up your FREE crawl shawl pattern designed especially as a souvenir of this amazing summer adventure at any of our participating shops from June 8th to September 4th (available with yarn purchase).

The FIRST crawler to collect all EIGHT wildflower minis and to post the pic on social media with hashtag #ccyarncrawl WINS a PRIZE!!

For a list of participating shops click here




Tuesday, 28 May 2019

A Passport to Cottage Country 2019

Now that we are getting closer to the kick off date, the excitement is building and its time to announce that your COTTAGE COUNTRY PASSPORT is ready for printing!  

Just click on the link here to print in colour or black and white, remember to click two-sided under printing options.

Bring it with you to the Kawartha Yarn and Fibre Festival on June 8th for a 
~ B O N U S ~ stamp and receive an entry ballot for a chance to win a special prize just for crawlers who are attending this awesome one day festival!  

Keep your passport handy for all your upcoming road trips in cottage country this summer and when you are visiting each ONE of our EIGHT yarn shops (see shop bios) be sure to have it stamped. The more stamps... the closer you are to winning the GRAND PRIZE!!  

Enter to WIN in store draws at each shop along the way.  

There is MORE....MUCH More!  Collect all EIGHT custom-dyed minis to knit your very own keepsake shawl!  A Group Of Eight Wildflowers SHAWL Pattern is available FREE with yarn purchase at any of the participating shops. 

The FIRST Crawler to collect all EIGHT Wildflower minis and post a pic on social media with the hashtag #ccyarncrawl will win a PRIZE!

Happy crawling!