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 Café 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.  

3 comments:

  1. So if I want to knit the shawl but can’t make all 8 shops is there a way to get the skeins?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes! You can contact each of the stores directly that you may miss and have a skein mailed to you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The end result, however, has a more complicated looking ribbed design and is an attractive fashion accessory that makes an ideal gift for loved ones. garn baby

    ReplyDelete