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.
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??
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! 😉
Gayle
I love this store as well! Lisa is so knowledgeable and friendly. I always feel so inspired after a visit in her store.
Little Church Knits
Yup! She’s a good one!
Andi
What a gem of a shop. I love finding treasures like this!
Little Church Knits
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!” 😀
Judy Blemkie
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!
Little Church Knits
Isn’t she! I’m so glad I got to meet her!
Amy C
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.)
Little Church Knits
I’m sorry to say…I’ve never been out to the Maritimes or to New England! Definitely on my list!
Jodi
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
Little Church Knits
I don’t think Lisa will be…not sure about Lesley. Happy Easter!