If you’re holiday shopping for some crafters and fibre artists this year, Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough is stocked with a wide selection of gifts they are sure to love.
Founded in 2010 and owned by Deanna Guttman since 2016, the boutique yarn and fibre arts supply store on Water Street is one of the longest-running shops in Peterborough’s downtown and features everything needed to craft one-of-a-kind creations. Alongside a wide range of premium natural fibre yarns in a selection of price points, colours, and brands, you’ll find hooks and needles, project books, and accessories for knitting, crocheting, and other fibre arts.
This year, Needles in the Hay has curated a collection of “Great Gifts for Makers.” From guidebooks and fabric combs and brushes to threads, yarns and handy organizers, the collection is stocked with many ideas on quality items to gift the makers in your life — and that includes yourself!
Amongst the selection, you’ll find the adorable and functional aviary, winter, or “crow-chet” themed stitch marker packs from Firefly Notes, a small batch maker based in British Columbia. For loved ones with many tools to keep track of, the collection includes craft caddies and project wallets, including the On the Go wallet from Thread & Maple. Stocked with tapestry needles, mini scissors, and stitch markers, the pocket-size leather wallet was made in Ukraine and distributed through a women-owned business in Montréal.
Needles in the Hay’s online gift guide, available at needlesinthehay.ca/collections/great-gifts-for-makers, will continue to be updated throughout the season. Shoppers interested in supporting Canadian makers can also browse Needles in the Hay’s curated Canadian collection at needlesinthehay.ca/collections/canadian.
If you or someone on your list wants to learn knitting or crocheting, there’s no better time to start than in the new year. Forget the gym and instead curl up with some needles and yarn in The Hayloft above Needles in the Hay and get hooked on a new hobby.
Guttman will be hosting multi-day beginner knitting and beginner crochet classes throughout January and February. Held on weekend afternoons and weekday evenings, each class will include two two-hour sessions that will prepare you with the basics of the craft.
“You don’t have to be talented — you just need to be determined and want to learn,” says Guttman. “It’s not hard but it does take a bit of persistence, like learning an instrument.”
While the classes are intended to support those with little to no experience, they are also intended to foster a positive and supportive learning environment to build community around what otherwise can be a solitary hobby. Guttman says The Hayloft was created as a place to “learn, connect, and enjoy” the craft and offer workshops that help participants reach their goals.
To keep up to date on upcoming classes, visit needlesinthehay.ca/collections/classes.
Located at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, Needles in the Hay is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. You can also browse and buy online at needlesinthehay.ca.
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