I was lucky to have two spectacular grandmothers and I learned a lot from both of them. The Belgian one taught me to knit and crochet; the Irish one taught me that strength could be gentle and kind. I loved them very much and I think of them often, especially during these difficult times. They both lived through WWII, saw friends and loved ones off to war. When Belgium surrendered, my grandfather was made a prisoner of war. He escaped from a forced march and found his way back to their village. What must my grandmother have been thinking, as she put her two small children to bed and sat knitting or mending in the evenings, waiting for word of him? Some thread of hope allowed these two young women to become the laughing and loving grandmothers I remember. As we move into this Holiday Season and begin to prepare our gifts and plan our surprises, I wish for everyone to have a thread of hope, the strength of my grandmothers, and lots of laughter. Cathy
Make a Festive Pair of Socks (or a Shawl!)
There’s still time to pick up a ball or skein of festive sock yarn from West Yorkshire Spinners, Rellana Garne, or our friend and Master Dyer Rhichard Devrieze.
Spread your Light Everywhere! We’re almost out of our second order of Lumos Crafting Lights but we’re taking pre-orders for more. Call the store if you would like one! They truly are wonderful! $60.00
Say hello to more Sirdar Jewelspun Aran in 12 beautiful shades! Jewelspun is a budget friendly ball of gorgeous colour. 200g/500m, 100% Acrylic; 18 stitches = 10cm on 5mm needles; $19.75/ball
A new (to us!) baby yarn from Sirdar. Snuggly Pattercake is so much fun! 150g/498m, 100% Acrylic; 22 stitches = 10cm on 4mm needles/hook; $26/cake
Give the gift of a beautiful bag! We have several options for the discerning crafter. Call the store for pictures of M. Panier’s lovely baskets!
We have 17 colours of beautiful Ilimani Royal in stock! This 100% Alpaca yarn in a Worsted weight is perfect for a luxurious scarf, a warm hat, or a soft pair of mittens! It makes an amazing Sophie Scarf by PetiteKnit. 100g/200m; $27/skein.
Once a month, our experienced knitter Joan and crocheter Miguelle host an informal gathering around the table at the store. If you would like to bring your project and receive some guidance and advice from an experienced knitter or crocheter, this is for you. Please note that these gatherings are not classes or private help sessions. They are opportunities to receive some guidance on your current project and share with others. Please come with your project cast on and underway. A nominal non-refundable fee of $10 will be charged when you reserve your spot at the table.
Knit with Joan: November 25 from 2pm to 4pm. Crochet with Miguelle: December 2 from 10am to 12pm. Please call the store to register and pay your fee. Space is limited.
Community Stitches Riverside Yarns invites you to sit around the table and knit or crochet every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 1-3pm. Please join us to chat, stitch, share stories, skills, and tips. It’s free and it’s fun!
Dani is heading out on an adventure. We will miss her good natured kindness, her efficiency, and her great skill but we sure wish her a fabulous trip! ¡Que te vaya bien querida Dani! ¡Muchas gracias por todo!
Some Festive Dates to Keep in Mind
Stay close to our social media for reminders of our fun Holiday Activities and Sales:
Saturday, November 18th! Join the River District celebration for the Santa Claus Parade and the Festival of Lights. The store will be open until 9m! Visit Riverside Yarns and put your name in the draw for two beautiful hand knits.
Friday, November 24th! We’re having a BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Check our social media and webstore on November 23rd to find out what’s on sale! Online and In-store!
Friday, December 8th! It’s Moonlight Madness in the River District! Join us in downtown Owen Sound for lots of great holiday deals. The store will be open until 9pm. We’ll have all our retired samples on sale for amazing prices plus a few other surprises!
A Word About Classes
Our neighbour The Georgian Bay School of the Arts offers a wide array of textile and fibre based classes, including Knitting and Crochet classes. If you sign up for a Knitting or Crochet class at GBArts, Riverside Yarns will offer a 15% discount on a set of needles/crochet hook and the yarn of your choice to help get you started on your class project. Just let us know you are taking a Knitting or Crochet class at GBArts.
Sandra Kilby has been knitting up a storm for her little one. This is Cascade 220 Merino and the patterns are from Tin Can Knits. Mountain Mist Matching Hat and Sweater. Can't get any cuter.
Estelle Sudz is not just for dishcloths (although it does make great dishcloths!). Julie Gagnon's little ducks are adorable.
Miguelle Mann, whom you will be seeing a lot more in the store, has crocheted this beautiful shawl using Gaia from Berroco. She's hard at work on a second one! The pattern is Painted Daisies.
Our very own Joan Spence finished this little sweater for granddaughter Sylvie. It’s the Autumn Smiles Cardigan by Drops Design and she knit it up using Estelle DK Superwash Merino. Soon on its way to the UK!
Marilyn Griffiths made this beautiful sweater for her brother. It’s her own design, including the cable stitch, which is as close to the Fleming Cable as she could get. She knit her sweater in Briggs and Little Regal. What a great sister she is!
Johanna Brown has done it again! This is her own design, knit up in Estelle Wave. She just loved the colour and it looks great on her!
Thank you to all our lovely customers. Enjoy the season!
Store Hours: Wednesday to Friday 11am to 6pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm Our Webstore riversideyarns.ca is open 24/7 519-371-4311
