Did you know that there are numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits to engaging in fibre arts? Stress relief, improved motor skills, and enhanced cognitive function are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy by taking a class at Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough this spring.
Selling a curated collection of unique products and premium natural fibre yarns, Deanna Guttman’s boutique store also hosts single-day and multi-day classes for various fibre arts in The Hayloft, a workshop space located above the shop.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking for more advanced lessons, prefer learning in a one-on-one session, or want to build a community of other enthusiasts, the experienced staff will support you so you can get hooked on all the benefits of fibre arts.
“I hear all the time from people who come to classes because they want to stop doom-scrolling and keep their hands busy in some other ways,” says Guttman. “It’s great for taking our minds off everything going on in the world, and a bit like meditation because it helps you change your thought patterns.”
Since spring is the season of crochet, you can take a beginner-friendly, no-experience-required class that will guide you on making a stylish storage basket using basic stitches. For those who already have the basics covered, take on a challenge by learning something new with the two-day classes that will walk you through the art of making granny squares or a summer-ready handbag.
Since it’s more three-dimensional than knitting, crocheting is great for making home décor items, tote bags, and sunhats. Because true crochet can’t be done by machine, it will be obvious how much time and care you have put into every stitch.
If you have never touched a knitting needle in your life, you’re in luck as Guttman is once again leading a two-part beginner class. Those who already know how to knit and purl can join the Next Step in Knitting classes to gain confidence in other knitting techniques, including making a basic cable, blocking, and long tail cast-on and joining in the round.
Intermediate knitters ready to level up can join Needles in the Hay for classes on knitting a pair of socks or on the essentials of fair isle colour work. An all-new class being offered this year, Lace Knitting 101 will provide you with the foundational skills of lace knitting and top-down triangular shawl shaping, while you follow a deceptively simple shawl pattern.
For those interested in a more relaxed activity that requires no prior experience and is not skill-intensive, Needles in The Hay is also leading tapestry weaving and macrame classes that will offer basic techniques and guide you on making one-of-a-kind wall hangings.
While Guttman notes the many benefits of engaging in fibre arts, she cautions they do have a learning curve and require dedication.
“It’s not like you’re going to pick up a hook and start crocheting,” she says. “I promise you that, if you come to my class and you do the homework, by the end of week two you will know how to crochet — but you have to work at it. Once you get the muscle memory, that’s when you get all the benefits.”
Needles in the Hay is open at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about upcoming classes, visit needlesinthehay.ca/collections/classes or call 705-740-0667.
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