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!
