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Needle in a Haystack Picton ON

Yarn Crawl: The Needle in a Haystack

It’s funny what sometimes lays right beneath one’s nose. This little gem, The Needle in a Haystack, is located right on Main Street in Picton. It is often overlooked it because it’s a little farther up the street beyond the regular beat. It’s a great little shop owned by a very popular knitter, Lisa, and stocks some unexpected goodies.

Briggs & Little

For one thing, there is a full spectrum of the Canadian workhorse, Briggs & Little. Every good Canadian knitter I know has a soft <and somewhat nostalgically scratchy> spot for the good ol’ B&L, and many were taught to knit with the homey, wooly yarn by their mothers and grandmothers. Briggs & Little still produces the traditionally Canadian yarns that have been milled, carded, spun and dyed in York Mills, New Brunswick for over 150 years. Their sock yarns, Tuffy and Durasport, are legendary for their ability to keep out cold, repel moisture and last for years. I know people who have inherited socks knitted with B&L! Recently, Briggs & Little have responded to the knitting community’s love of softer yarns and have begun to offer Softspun, Softspun Hand Painted and Softspun Lite & Fancy which is a single ply. Needle in a Haystack carries a wide range of colors.

Needle in a Haystack is full of surprises, too. When I stopped in to visit with Lisa on Friday, I was shocked to find an entire wall of Lopi in the work room! Who knew??

Lopi

Tahiti!I  like to stop in at Needle in a Haystack frequently because Lisa stocks a good selection of that rarest of yarns, the coveted SOCK SOLID(!) as well as Paton’s Kroy (which I love) and interesting sock blends for those who cannot wear wool. She’s also got some really unusual gradients and gradual stripes. A favorite of mine, originally purchased last year, is the really lovely and under-sung SMC Tahiti, the silky cotton fingering weight I’m using in a new shawl pattern.

So, if you’re in Picton this summer, do yourself a favor. Park at the Metro store as close as possible to the cross walk. It will take you safely almost right to Lisa’s door. You won’t find the shop otherwise because it is literally a needle in a haystack. You won’t find her online and you won’t find her in the shop on weekends. Lisa is very committed to her family and is only open during the week. Bring cash or your debit card. She doesn’t take credit cards.

( I love finding shops like this…the little gems, the ‘sleepers’. I feel like I’m in an extra special club…kind of like finding a great dive bar! 😉

Needle in a Haystack

10 Comments

  1. Reply

    Gayle

    March 29, 2016

    I love this store as well! Lisa is so knowledgeable and friendly. I always feel so inspired after a visit in her store.

    • Reply

      Little Church Knits

      March 30, 2016

      Yup! She’s a good one!

  2. Reply

    Andi

    March 28, 2016

    What a gem of a shop. I love finding treasures like this!

    • Reply

      Little Church Knits

      March 29, 2016

      Me too! I somehow feel ‘special’…like I discovered the next big band or song. Then I get to say…” I’ve been going there for years!” 😀

  3. Reply

    Judy Blemkie

    March 26, 2016

    This is the best place ever! No one knows knitting like Lisa! She is so knowledgeable, helpful, patient etc! I wouldn’t be the knitter I am if not for Lisa! She recently taught my 7 year old granddaughter to knit! What a girl! Lisa is the best!

    • Reply

      Little Church Knits

      March 28, 2016

      Isn’t she! I’m so glad I got to meet her!

  4. Reply

    Amy C

    March 24, 2016

    Oh that looks like a very intriguing shop! I first found Briggs and Little by accident, when my husband and I were traveling back into Maine after visiting Cape Breton Island. I saw a sign to “Canada’s Oldest Woolen Mill” and an arrow. What a lovely discovery! I have finally managed to wear thin a pair of socks made with Tuffy, but with a bit of mending they’ll be good for another few years (if I can force myself to treat a few of the patients in my sock hospital instead of succumbing to the lure of knitting new things.)

    • Reply

      Little Church Knits

      March 24, 2016

      I’m sorry to say…I’ve never been out to the Maritimes or to New England! Definitely on my list!

  5. Reply

    Jodi

    March 24, 2016

    Thanks for the reminder, Cheryl. I haven’t been in there in years. I’m doing a hit-and-run for Easter dinner at Mom’s. Do you know if Lisa (and/or Lesley) are open on Monday?

    Cheers – Jodi

    • Reply

      Little Church Knits

      March 24, 2016

      I don’t think Lisa will be…not sure about Lesley. Happy Easter!

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