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!

Tuesday 21 May 2019

Cottage Country Yarn Crawl Shop Bios 2019

Hey Crawlers!

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 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 we have added in a few coupons available through participating businesses and a bonus 'hidden gem' located close to each shop... something off the beaten path that only the locals know about. 
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 Poets, 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 carries a wide array of beautiful yarns to suit all budgets, with whimsical accessories 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 summer classes available too. Take time for a browse through town and drop in at the L'll Wee Quilt store and The Village Shop. Stop in at Water Street Clothesline a few doors down from B2L for a variety of sheepish sweatshirts, tees and knitted bracelets. Ask for your 10% off coupon (with B2L passport stamp). When your yarn haul is complete cool off with a Kawartha Dairy ice cream cone or cross the road to sit and knit awhile 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. 
Granny Birds Wool Shoppe celebrates its second anniversary this year! 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. Mark your crawl calendar for these special summer events- July 6th- Natural Ewe Trunk Show, August 3rd- 25% off storewide during Bobcaygeon's annual Midnight Madness, and August 10th- Songbird Fibres Trunk Show. Shoe collectors will want to stop in at the not so hidden gem- Bigley's Shoes & Clothing... after all doesn't every newly-knitted shawl need a fab pair of shoes to go with it? Ask for directions to the best grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade soup in town- Grilled Cheese Hideaway and sweeten your day with a treat from The Bobcaygeon Bakery located just steps away from the shop.
Happenstance Books & Yarns has been in business for over thirty-five years 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 carefully curated collection of books and yarns, a particular fondness for alpaca, and an extensive selection in all weights and fibre types from suppliers such as- Amano, Berroco, Cascade, Debbie Bliss, James C Brett. King Cole, Opal, West Yorkshire Spinners and Rowan. Queen Street offers an interesting mix of shops and three great lunch suggestions- The Nutty Bean CafĂ© with outdoor dining verandah, Cassis French Bistro or Angle Iron Kitchen. After lunch, stroll along the scenic Otanabee River and view the historical interpretive signs.
JanKnit's Studio has been a mainstay in the village of Haliburton for twelve years. Located across from CIBC, JanKnit's Studio carries a gorgeous array of specialty yarns, knitting accessories, Husqvarna sewing machines, Kromski spinning wheels, Rigid Heddle looms 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 JanKnit's with a 15% off coupon (with JKS passport stamp) and don't miss the hidden gem- Castle Antiques & Cafe for a glimpse into the past through a collection of curated Irish antiques where you can also rest and enjoy a hot or cold beverage with gluten free and vegan baked goodies. Free beverage tickets will be provided (with JKS passport stamp).
Muskoka Yarn Connection is the recipient of the Parry Sound Muskoka 2019 Impact Award for 'Customer Innovation' and has just celebrated twenty-five years in business. 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. Featuring local dyer, Natural Ewe yarns ethically-sourced using only plant-based dyes. Check in for monthly trunk shows scheduled this summer. Free parking is right at storefront and this shop is fully accessible. Discover a hidden gem- Years Ago-Go, a vintage clothing store tucked away just steps from Muskoka Yarn Connection and offering a 10% off coupon to all crawlers. Need a refreshment? Pick up your free coffee coupon at our sales counter (with MYC passport stamp) and tempt your tastebuds on the lovely new patio at Main St. Delicatessen. Treat yourself to an afternoon boat cruise along the river on Lady Muskoka, or meander 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 Peterborough's historical Commerce Building for nearly ten years with a passion for heirloom quality ethically-produced natural fibres to entice both knitters and crocheters. NITH's flagship brands are Brooklyn Tweed, The Fibre Co. Madeline Tosh, mYak, June Cashmere and Blue Sky Fibers... all 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's summer knitting circles on Tuesday eve 7-9 or Wednesday aft 2-4.  Set the mood for yarn shopping with lunch at Electric City Bread CompanySt. Veronus for lunch and dinner, or Le Petit Bar for snacks and wine. Right next door to NITH, Watson & Lou have a wide selection of handmade goods by local makers. Don't miss the hidden gem- Peterborough Lift Lock an engineering marvel and largest hydraulic boat lift in the world.
Shelridge Yarns has re-located to Gravenhurst and has been in business for over eight years, featuring an enormous inventory of in house hand-dyed yarns... with more than seventy shades to drool over in all weights from lace to bulky and complimented by Cabin Fever no-sew pattern and books. Free parking is available at storefront and the entrance is fully accessible. Stop for lunch at a hidden gem- Blue Willow Tea Shop located at the Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf, 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 then finish up your visit aboard the RMS Segwun, North America's oldest operating coal-fired steamship with cruises running daily until October.  

Thursday 16 May 2019

COTTAGE COUNTRY YARN CRAWL MAP


Hey Crawlers!

Its almost time ... to get your yarn haul bags ready for another exciting summer road trip in Ontario's COTTAGE COUNTRY.

Wondering what's new for this year's COTTAGE COUNTRY YARN CRAWL??

We have a new CRAWL pattern to unveil in June.... A Group of Eight Wildflowers SHAWL has been designed with EIGHT custom-dyed wildflower mini skeins to create a lovely summer keepsake. Each shop will have their own signature wildflower mini colourway available during the crawl.  Collect all EIGHT mini skeins and pick up the FREE knitting pattern available only at our crawl shops along the route (with yarn purchase). Cast on and watch your wildflowers bloom!

Wondering what you can win this year??

Well... lets get right to the yarnie goodness!  We have a BIG grand prize draw basket loaded with $500.00 worth of treasures to win at the end of the crawl.  Just drop off your fully-stamped passport to be eligible at the last stop on your crawl before Sept. 4th. Partially-stamped passports with three or more stamps will be eligible to win the runner up prize draw. Plus... don't forget the bonus KYAFF passport stamp entitles you to enter an exclusive draw IF you attend our kick off at the Kawartha Yarn & Fibre Festival on June 8th.  This year we have also added.......... EIGHT in-store draws (with yarn purchase) and... a few surprise contests which you will hear more about right here and on social media throughout the summer. 

Wondering what else to do along the crawl route??

Last year we added in our lunch suggestions, sightseeing options (see our 2018 crawl shop stops here). This year we will update you on our summer events as well as let you know about any coupons available to our fave places and throw in a 'hidden gem' ... a place that may be off the beaten path but well worth the visit in each town. 

Wondering which EIGHT SHOPS are included this year?     

We are still the original Group of Eight bricks and mortar yarn shops located in cottage country with a brand NEW location for Shelridge Yarns who has moved from Woodville to Gravenhurst.  Please take a moment to check out our NEW map which clearly marks our Group of Eight yarn shops along the route together with Kawartha Yarn & Fibre Festival the official headquarters for KICK OFF DAY on Saturday June 8th.  If you haven't experienced all that this one day festival has to offer, here are a few of the fun things in store for you-

~ Over 70 vendors showcasing products for spinners, knitters, felters, crocheters, and other fibre enthusiasts.
~ Workshops and classes to improve your skills and encourage you to try something new.
~ On site yarn winding station.
~ A hop on/ hop off bus to take you around Fenelon Falls in style.
~ World Wide Knit In Public Day takes place on the same day so be sure to pack your knitting WIPs and spend some time socializing in one of the knitting circles.
~ Cottage Country Yarn Crawl passport handout station is set up at the festival with a BONUS stamp and entry into an exclusive prize draw for attending the festival.
~ The first stop on the Cottage Country Yarn Crawl, Between 2 Lakes Yarn & Crafts is located just a a hop, skip or bus ride away with Sandi and her crew ready to greet you ... and stamp your passport.

Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and we will keep you in the loop!

Stay tuned for our full updated list of shop bios and link to download your FREE passport right here over the coming weeks....



Happy crawling!!