Grey Heron bits

It's time to clear out a few yarns to make room for a brand new addition to our shop. We have a few bits & pieces from Classic Elite, Berroco, Mission Falls, Sirdar, Zauberball Sock, Garnstudio, Twilley's, Naturally... and a few novelty yarns Stock up your stash for the coming year... while enjoying savings of 15% - 30% No returns one the sale yarns.

Grey Heron Holiday Hours Thursday Dec. 22nd 10 – 7 Friday Dec. 23rd 10 – 7 Saturday Dec. 24th 9:30 – 2 Sunday Dec. 25th CLOSED Monday Dec. 26th CLOSED Tuesday Dec. 27th 10 – 4 Wednesday Dec. 28th 10 – 5:30 Thursday Dec. 29th 10 – 5:30 Friday Dec. 30th 10 – 5:30 Saturday Dec. 31st 10 – 2 Sunday Jan. 1st CLOSED Monday Jan.2nd CLOSED Tuesday Jan. 3rd regular hours We wish you a very Happy Holiday & a Happy New Year Karen, Brenda, Heather

Well, in my early morning rising today I decided I stay up and keep knitting on Jim's hat. Maybe I could get it finished... and I did... One ball of www.cabinfever.ca Cabin Fever Northern Lights- Molasses colour- a brown tweedie mix... it was a simple roll back, ribbed cuff stst top with 4 dble decreases... I like the pattern of a four decrease top better than an 8 decrease top... I find it sits nicely on the top of Jim's head.. I would have a picture except that it's now on his head... anyway, now onto to the Gap-tas-tic cowl... it takes so long to make any headway... 131 sts in seed stitch... boring!!.. at least the yarn is fun.. Cascade Nikki- multi chunky weight... coral, brown, purple, grey, mix... it really is nice... Now to start a cowl for Jim... what pattern to choose.. I think a simple 2x2 rib would work.. When you live by the water the wind can be really bitter... along with the snow blowing... We're on the downward slope of Christmas week... we dropped

What knitter doesn't want a shiny new set of interchangeable Knit Picks needle set? We've got you covered.. all three- Harmony, Zypher and Nickel... These little beauties make your knitting smooth sailing.. If you haven't tried them- come on in and have a look... get them on your gift list... The Harmony sock needle sets are on the way. We sell them as fast as we get them... tried and true- they make knitting socks a breeze... Every man knows that in his tool cupboard he has the best that money can buy- knitters shouldn't be any different... Denise needle kits have just arrived- all under one cover, these are a great traveller's set. I also carry the companion cable set and extra single needle tips with 2 cables. These extras are perfect for the knitter who has many projects on the go at the same time- ok, that's all of us.. Put your name on one of our Apple Pie Sock yarn kits. www.applepietrail.ca This pattern was created by Brenda Harris just for our kits. bre

It will soon be the last day to order your Knit Picks products for arrival before Christmas. Leave a big wish list note on the fridge with your must haves- I will be placing my last order on the 15th of December to ensure delivery for Christmas. We have in stock; the interchangeable needle kits sock needle sets - nickel & harmony small circs for sock knitting numerous bits & pieces of notions straights in harmony woods- oh are they ever lovely to work with:) of course we have the Try It set- one tip of each with cables Let me know your wishes- order early to avoid disappointment...

Small business owners put great thought and planning into the product they bring into their shops. We carefully choose colours, styles, needs and extras that we think will bring joy to your knitting world. So the season of giving has arrived. Whether it's a gift for you or someone else just know that we've had you in mind. Support your local yarn shop-

It's been nineteen years since my Mom passed away. I think of her often especially when I'm knitting with her knitting needles. The elastics still in place on the ends of the DPNs... making mittens I expect. Remembrance day is the time to remember the brave young men & women who fought to keep the future generations free. Some made the ultimate sacrifice and others refrain from talking about their time in war torn areas of the world. In any case, I say Thank You from the bottom of my heart. My cousin Charlie Weir was part of the Canadian army who liberated Holland. He doesn't talk about it much but such a young man he was at the time. Here's a picture of him talking with school children at a service in London Ontario. He's a real character, still very active in his late 80's...

Awhile ago I was asked if I would like to write a few articles for Curious the Tourist Guide..I said sure, that would be such fun... My first article appeared in the November issue... http:// www.curiousguide.ca/ on page 12. This tourist guide is picked up by day trippers everywhere. The guide takes from corner to corner of the GTA and around Southern Ontario... The center fold is a handy map to keep tucked in the glove box for further needs. You will find the most interesting stories, jokes, recipes and of course wonderful shops to visit. The paper also dedicates a full page to B&B locations. You can follow the butter tart trail too- now that's fun!! Knitters Connect For years knitting circles, guilds, wool festivals and events were knitter’s places to meet. With today’s modern technologies, knitters connect 24/7 globally with each other. Surfing the websites like Ravelry have become part of our daily connections with like minded stitchers. We knit on the subway,

Knit Fest 2011- was so much fun... Set up was early for a 9am start... Jim was in the kitchen preparing lunch for 22 crazy knitters... tough job.. he managed - nicely -the food was delish!! Brenda made a tasty breakie- muffins, fruit and coffee .. The Ravenna hall had the perfect set up for the day... ring side kitchen counters, lots of table room and excited knitters... We had girls from Barrie, Meaford, Collingwood and area... and Deb from Orillia... what a day... the top down baby cardie was well under way as Deb enlighted us to the differences between YO, M1left, M1right, M1 small (her choice).. your choice to make but now that you know how each one looks, you choose the outcome.. off they went again... they continued along with their workbooks... studying the next choices... it wasn't long before lunch was served... it was a good time for a seventh inning stretch... a few girls slipped over to the Ravenna General store for a pie or two.. and on our way again... this time we ad

Last week was filled with fun... On Wednesday morning Brenda, Deb Gemmell and myself were introducing the local Rogers morning show hosts to the world of knitting. The table was full of ideas that would fill the one hour show with chat. From there, Deb came back to the shop to sit in with the afternoon class. We had our regular group of gals along with three new knitters. Deb was most kind to help Mary rekindle her knitting talents. Here's Carol with a little show and tell. She edged her shawl with a touch of ruffle... well done... Deb & Brenda deep in thought... a little Halloween treat... Carol's weekly basket of fruit n veg goodies... All n all, it was a great class- thanks to Deb for dropping by... www.cabinfever.ca

Thursday was our launch of the Thursday afternoon drop in Knit Cafe. Heather was winding yarn for her latest project - a grey felted bucket hat. Ladies started arriving with bags in tow. We discovered three projects from years past that needed finishing. All sweaters in an almost finished state- but not quite... needed Eatons Lady Fair aran colour for two of the projects. The other sweater in need of a collar was rust in colour. It had very deep sleeve cuffs so with a little discussion Shirley decided cutting the ribbed cuff off and replacing it with a beautiful rust tweed was going to do it. So, the cuffs and collar will be a beautiful rust tweed. With Heather's guidance Shirley will get started at their next knitting group meeting in Markdale and by the time our next cafe happens they rust sweater will be one it's way to completion. whew!! oh and she will stop @ Hilda's for a custom cut zipper for the closure. Now, Min's sweater needs some help but with luck Brenda w

We've been hard @ work in the creative department. Our latest pattern has been created by Heather Hufton of our Grey Heron Knit Cafe. This spectacular apple leaf pattern works all over the sock right down to the toes... We have our mohair blend and superwash merino kits already to go... Sample has been made up in Shelridge yarns ina beautiful Lime green. Stop by the shop and pick up an Apple Pie Trail sock yarn kit. It's all Canadian!! eh...

Our drop by Knit Cafe opens on Thursday Oct 27th... Come spend a fun afternoon knitting with Heather. Bring your projects- haul them out of the closet- we all have them- dust them off and head for the Cafe. We serve coffee/tea and sweets- good laughter- good fun- good learning- can't be bad for the spirit.... We will not have formal teaching as this is a drop in setting- but Heather will be able to get you on the right path if you have strayed.

Here's our first of many hat patterns for the colder weather. It can be made for just under $20.00. Made in Viking Garn chunky it knits up in a flash. It's a fun style- great for skiing- cross country skiing- winter walking

This is a new event for our area of Grey/Bruce/Simcoe counties. Well renowned Canadian knitting "Top Down" specialist Deb Gemmell will be our guest instructor for the day. We are so fortunate to have Deb live in our county. www.cabinfever.ca This class is to inspire your knitting creativity, provide you with the tools to change a basic pattern into a gem. The event takes place on Saturday October 29th from 9 - 4... lunch provided- vendor market So make the call to join in the fun. 705-444-0370 Knit Fest 2011 hosted by Grey Heron Wool Shop 66 Pine St, Collingwood www.greyherondesigns.com

two fabulous mags- and a new one too with a wonderful sweater... Knit Wear takes one sweater and creates different styles from the same pattern... good learning tool... Knitting Traditions as usual has magnificent Swedish and Finnish patterns from days gone by. They never good out of style.

APPLE PIE TRAIL WINS ONTARIO TOURISM CULINARY EXPERIENCE AWARD October 5, 2011 (Hamilton, Ontario) // The Blue Mountains Apple Pie Trail was awarded best Ontario Tourism Culinary Experience Award this week at the Ontario Tourism Summit in Hamilton, Ontario. Accepting on behalf of the Trail was Patti Kendall the Marketing Manager for the Blue Mountain Village. Kendall , excited and honoured to win the award said, “We have everything it takes to deliver amazing visitor experiences and compete with other world-class experiences in Ontario. The Apple Pie Trail combines culinary, adventure and agriculture to provide visitors a unique opportunity to get involved with our beautiful landscape, meet our locals, taste our terroir and return to the area again and again driving tourism for the region.” Kendall continued, “Special thanks to our partners and supporters including our 32 trail businesses who enthusiastically provide authentic local products and experiences all year long,

OMG !! These yarns are wonderful... Silky mulberry , merino & ewe, and more... in colours that are exciting... check it out... http://www.sweaterkits.com/ We have kits too... Stop in... they are irresistible

Georgian blues Grape Harvest We have expanded our colour range in the Apple Pie Trail sock yarns. The Georgian Blues of course created for the many shades of blue waters along our bay. The Grape Harvest is a multi mix of colours. They will arrive this month.

Grey Heron presents: KNIT FEST 2011 Knit a BASIC TOP DOWN baby cardigan & then LET'S PLAY Get your creative juices flowing – Spend the day with Deb Gemmell from Cabin Fever Vendor market – FREE draws – Lunch included Saturday October 29, 2011 – 9:00am to 4:00pm – Ravenna Hall, The Blue Mountains - $65.00 + HST ***************************************************************************** Here’s your chance to enhance your transferable knitting skills. This class is the jumping off point to adding a pattern to your socks, hats, mittens and sweaters. During the class you will knit a baby-sized Top Down cardigan following the pattern provided. This simple garment will be your blank canvas. Now let’s have some fun. Add a stitch pattern into the body of the sweater, play with the neckband, cuffs and bottom border of the sweater. Make this sweater your own creation. There will be lots of help as you take your first step away from the basic pattern. Mat

This weekend Brenda went shopping for Grey Heron. - a fine job was done!! One item on my list was a fabulous Heel cream manufactured by SOAK. I've tried and it's wonderful... leaves your heels feeling refreshed, soft, not greasy - just ready for your hand knit socks... speaking of socks.... $10.00 Kate Atherley AKA Wise Hilda blogger designed the red & white striped sock for the latest Vogue magazine. She was so kind to post the free sock pattern on her blog... http://wisehilda.blogspot.com/2011/08/free-peppermint-twist-sock-pattern.html Do take the time to read her blog. As I say "it's all about the math" read her blog- she says the same... BTW- this sock pattern covers off size women's S to men's XL... Send Kate a quick message thanking her for the download...

If you are looking for exciting patterns by delightful designers- check out this group. You will find them on ravelry or just Google their name. Have fun... April Klich, Army of Knitters, Atenti, Bag Hardware, Bekah Knits, Cocoknits Connie Chang Chinchio , Cookie A , Cosmicpluto Knits , Crafty Diversions Deep South Fibers, Designs by Romi, Dull Roar, French Press Knits FreshStitches, Grace Akhrem, Grannycore, Heirloom Stitches Imagine Knit Designs, Indigirl, Irish Girlie Knits, Joji, Kate Jackson Knits Kira K Designs, Knit and Tonic, Knitterell, Leigh Radford, Marie Grace Designs Miriam Felton, MJM Crafts, Olgajazzy, Pam Powers Knits, Pick Up Sticks Roo Designs, SKIF, SKNITSB, Stolen Stitches, The Shetland Trader Tiny Owl Knits, Tot Toppers, Tree Knitter Designs, Westknits When I Grow Up, Woolly Wormhead, Ysolda Teague

Lifestyle clothing for travel, work, home, yoga & you. Designed in Canada 100% preshrunk cotton blends The Fall collections have just arrived!!... beautiful colours, styles & trimmings... We have changed our clothing sizes to include 14 - 24 or M/L to 3X only.. We are very excited to move forward with fun fashion in women's sizes. Our fall NB/Pure collection has flowing tunics, matching pants, wonderful sweaters (cardies & vests) to match... several stand alone jackets.. long sleeve Tees - scoop - v - crew - cowl - ruched turtleneck.. line details that shape our curves - neck ruffles ever so flattering and did I mention TUNIC length... yes indeed.. http://www.neonbuddha.net/ Gorgeous wraps for fall.. with more on the way... Do stop by... enjoy fall fashions with colour, style & details...

Grey Heron Fall 2011 knitting class info Hello everyone, Fall is fast approaching and you know what that means… sweater time… and the Poncho is back That’s right… the warm & cosy poncho is the hottest item for fall www.ravelry.com has a multitude of beautiful selections to choose from My fav is the A Very Harlot Poncho by Yarn Harlot.. easy, accommodating – just right Check out a few of Cabin Fever poncho patterns – perfect for a Mom & Daughter ************************************** This year we will be offering morning, afternoon and evening classes. Our first class will be a Refresher of Knitting Skills class Wednesday October 5 & 12 & 19 from 10:00am to 11:30am OR 7:00pm to 8:30pm Learn casting on/off; increasing; decreasing, choosing your yarn; reading your pattern, labels, gauge +++ This class will be working with straight and/or circular needles. Your choice of class project- scarf or hat Handouts provided

We will be featured in the Apple Pie Trail vendor market. Stop by.. say Hello.. and check out the Apple Pie sock yarns.... The 5th annual TASTE OF BLUE presented by Collingwood Whisky kicks off this Saturday at noon until 5pm. http://bluemountainvillage.ca/1.news.events/1.1.events.asp Guests can sample food, beer, wine and liquor from over 13 Village Patios plus the Culinary Market featuring members of the Apple Pie Trail. Live music starts at noon with Pop & Jazz Sensations Coco Love Alcorn and Brian Macmillan – back by popular demand after great success at the recent Peak to Shore Music Festival. Coco & Brian will play at noon and again at 4pm. Tasting kits are $20 each and the first 600 include a signature bag with a sampling glass from Collingwood Whisky . Also included in the bag

Can you believe it... we're approaching the end of August... and so the schedule for fall knitting classes emerges... This year we offer morning, afternoon and evening classes each Wednesday. Our refresher knitting classes will commence on Wed October 5th @ 10:30am to 12:00pm and again @ 7:00pm to 8:30pm. This will be a 2 week class followed by 2 weeks each of learning to knit with circular needles and double point needles. Our afternoon classes will continue for the intermediate knitters @ 1:00pm to 3:30pm. We will offer a mixture of technical skill enhancements and fabulous project designs. The special interest classes such as learning to knit socks, make infinity scarves, felted hats/mittens/slippers, cables, lacework, fair isle work, thrumming and more will be scheduled for each time segment. The full schedule of classes will be finalized by early Sept.

I'm excited.. The shop will be closed from Sat Aug 27th to Mon Sept 5th... We will reopen on Tuesday Sept 6th... I'm doing the yarn crawl around Ontario... Muskoka to Ottawa to Kingston to Picton and finally a little wine tasting in NOTL... relaxing, knitting, visiting, cruising, tasting... can't be bad LOL

This is an often heard lament these days from retailers in our area. The question stems from the rural retail experience for the past 150 years or so and the significant change in customer behavior over the last five years. One of the foundations of the rural community was loyalty—loyalty to your family, your neighbor, your community—including loyalty to local retailers and service businesses. When you looked for a product or service, you looked to your local businesses. Your loyalty was rewarded by a high level of service including an inventory based on your past needs, a willingness to order in special products, fair pricing and extended credit terms if necessary. It worked well for 150 years, but things have changed. There are many pressures that have changed purchasing patterns, and to name just a few: 1. The focus on price rather than on value 2. The pressure to provide immediate gratification (ie. Customer wants it now—unwilling to wait) 3. Willingness of t

After our Wednesday with Lucy N DVD, we all are inspired to knit with beads. So many ways to add touches of charm, glitz & glam.. makes one's head spin... try it and see how it goes... We viewed the section on lace work too... The Leaves & Bead Smoke Ring had just arrived so perfect timing for a picture. Pat K is working on a gorgeous cowl in soft white with pearl beads - a gift for a friend... I wonder who''s next on her list?? I'm working on a beaded bracelet pattern for a quick knitted gift... pics to follow..

Hand knit socks are gems to have. If you knit socks for someone special - this post is for you. Follow along with Wise Hilda and gather "footsie" measurements. WH is working on better finished sizing for sock patterns. http://wisehilda.blogspot.com/2011/07/because-size-matters-foot-size-survey.html Check her blog for the email address. My tape measures are ready for knitting class tomorrow-

It's that time of year again when our streets are closed and the sounds of "Blue Suede Shoes" is rockin the speakers... Yesterday at knit class we celebrated with the famous "Elvis King cookies" made by our local Tim Horton's. Jan Trude and group have been making these cookies for years now. ALL proceeds are donated to the Collingwood General and Marine http://www.cgmh.on.ca/ for their education programs. It was our summer movie afternoon knit class. The temperatures were soaring outside while we were coolin off with Lucy Neatby DVD viewing. Once again the class discovered new techniques and fun ways to add changes to their projects. Diane is working away on here EZ denim blue cable sweater. Ruth is working on a secret project for a fall gift. Dallas was knitting on sock #2 using the famous nicknamed "Parrot" Zauberball sock yarn. Heather was just getting started on her Man socks for the fall fair judging contest. Arlene was showing off her beaut

http://www.georgianhillsvineyards.ca/#/home Come to visit our area winery.. have a tasting, or a cheese pairing... the vineyard is in full swing...

It's here- finally the newest Cabin Fever baby book... http://cabinfever.ca/ what a lovely array of patterns... just as cute as can be... My customer Joyce will be so happy when she comes in on Friday... cotton tweed in Oatmeal is back in stock for her sweater and the baby book is here too... The A-line cardie pattern arrived too... this pattern has been added to my "to do" list.. for the full figured gal who wants 3/4 sleeves, longer length and style- this pattern is for you... With a call from my customer who lives in South Africa and fabulous customers- today has finished up on a happy note. Until tomorrow- Elvis is coming to Collingwood... stay tuned..

I love southern Ontario. It's a wonderful place to live and explore. Our Monday drive took us to our favourite cheese n turkey shop in Listowel. A little turkey and a lot of cheese- Danish cheese at its best!! some blue, havarti, esrom, gouda... all great choices... Then a little yarn purchase here and there... lunch out in Mount Forest... then a quick drop by the Mount Forest Chamber office... http://www.mountforest.ca/ to pick up area info... fabulous promotion of Ontario tourism.. and then back home to Georgian Bay... http://www.visitsouthgeorgianbay.ca/ where you can do just about anything... free Jazz by the Bay in Thornbury every Sunday night.. head for a swim @ our 3 area Blue Flag beaches... or of course shop for yummy yarns at your LYS= Grey Heron... Ciao for now, Karen

In keeping with our Apple Pie Trail product line, we have just finished our children's Apple hat. The pattern will only be available in our hat kit with instructions to make up in sport, DK & worsted weight yarn. The rolled edge followed by ribbing sets off a nice edge. The sample is made up in Mission Falls yarn. Look for it on our shelves next week. www.applepietrail.ca

It's a wonderful issue- hats- cardies- lacework... all just beautiful... check it out for yourself... http://www.knitscene.com/issue/Fall-2011-projects.asp Once again, we are spoiled for choice... The Grand Palais Shawl is my fav... soft natural white- lace trim- slightly chunky yarn... gorgeous over my fall coat... one more one my must do list ...

I can't believe my eyes. Standing at my shop door this morning was a package with the new Knit Scene mag and the new hardcover book "Knit One Knit All". Its delightful photos of recipe cards in Elizabeth's hand writing, fabulous pictures and of course outstanding designs- hats, jackets... which one to make?? I am taking orders... call me Grey Heron 705-444-0370

I love Lucy... not Ricardo but Neatby!!.. We had such fun yesterday. I planned to host a Lemonade & Popcorn party every Wednesday afternoon with the knit group so we could watch Lucy Neatby DVDs. Yesterday was our first show. How much fun did we have?? TONS!!... so much so they want to watch the same DVD again. The cast ons, & offs followed by the Inc & Dec was so interesting- they want to view it again... The helpful tips and how to/why info combos was such a good fit. Sometimes one has to get into knitting for a while so when a DVD of info come along it opens the mind to new concepts instead of confusing one. They are keeners now to try a few of their new techniques. Next week pictures... We were pleased to have join our group Marsha from PA USA. Her husband was on the golf course and she had dropped into the shop the day before, we chatted about the movie afternoon and she joined right in. If you might think Lucy's DVDs would be interesting- try it you'll like it

Heather strikes again..this little beauty is covered in apple leaf patterning... the picture is not my best work but when the camera acts up... It's a cuff down- Shelridge apple green sock yarn... one of our Apple Pie Trail sock kits.... www.applepietrail.ca/ ... Our standard ribbed cuff down pattern is included in the box... as well the apple leaf pattern or the apple blossom "Tat" pattern... Brenda Harris designed the plain sock pattern for us- cabinfever.ca That's Brenda of the Cabin Fever fame.. www.brendaknits.ca If you haven't yet picked up your copy of the Need a Sock book, there's no time like the present. Socks of all shapes & sizes... add this book to your knitting library & you won't need another... We do have a wonderful selection of sock yarns- stop by & check us out.

Well, Heather's been at it again. Using the Shelridge sock yarn in pinks & purpley shades this gorgeous "Tat" sock emerges. Our apple blossom tat is positioned just about the ankle bone. Who needs a permanent tattoo, just make our "Tat" sock and feel cool... This pattern is part of our Apple Pie Trail sock kit. www.applepietrail.ca Check out this trail. It takes you all over our Southern Georgian Bay region. You will have a wonderful day... Contact greyheron@bellnet.ca for sock kit inquiries.

I have choosen Softspun from Briggs & Little to make a beautiful scarf from the latest Knits Weekend mag. I'm starting the Wheat Field Scarflette by Cecily Glowik MacDonald. It's cute and do-able in a short time, even though cast on is 422sts... no time for chatting while that's happening. stay tuned for more pics!!

The new knits weekend edition has arrived at the shop. Oh boy... so many wonderful things to make. I have my eye on a cute little wheat colour scarf... The sweater shown on the mag front is so nice- side to side - garter - Noro- all great features. This just might have to be my fall sweater... $15.99 only 3 left... hot item..

Well, I simply can't believe it's summer holiday time for Brenda... http://brendaknits.ca/ Where has the year gone?? We had a wonderful luncheon send off party yesterday @ the shop in honor of US... and Brenda of course... salads, sandwiches and "Girlie" cupcakes made for us by Bob the Baker from Thornbury Bakery Cafe in Thornbury. http://thornburybakerycafe.com/ We missed Carol & Audrey @ the lunch - they are off on holidays... but Ruth pulled in from Timmons just in time to share lunch with us... We are gearing up for Canada Day... so have a great celebration!! I'll be in Thornbury with my family taking in the festivities... http://thornbury.ca

Every Wednesday the knitters arrive for a fun afternoon of laughter & learning. They've had wonderful successes - just look... Audrey = socks - Berroco Sox, Kroy, Lang, Zauberball, Ruth = EZ cable sweater + "Buttons" Cabin Fever Top down Baby sweater Diane = EZ cable sweater Lyn = Sally Melville vest Carol = Fair Isle Philosopher's sweater - set to be steeked!! + John Deere roll neck sweater Arlene = Baby Surprise Jacket + Sally Melville baby hat Dallas = socks + wave hat + felted lambs Heather = Apple Leaf & Apple Blossom socks Pat = lace yoke sweater It is a productive class... each one learning a new technique and/or tip each week...