Historically speaking, gatherings such as knitting circles have been a prime means for people, though for women in particular, to gather and share their thoughts. While we, as a society, have hopefully moved away from some of the more constrictive beliefs which made these circles more than just a want, but a need for many women who wished to express themselves, the principle of these gatherings, which is that there can be a comfortable place for anyone to come “stitch and a certain b-word that it conveniently rhymes with” is something that owner Miranda had in mind when she opened String Theory Yarn Shop in October 2020. While the pandemic caused changes to these plans, such as rolling lockdowns limiting people’s ability to sit by the welcoming fireplace in her bright shop, String Theory Yarn Shop adapted, finding other ways to bring people together, until it could finally open its doors properly once more.
Located on St. Andrew St in Fergus, right on main street, String Theory Yarn Shop is located perfectly for you to grab a drink at any of the nearby cafes (or make some of the tea provided) and have a gab with either a friend you’ve brought or with whomever happens to be about.
It’s not only a relaxing way to spend an hour or two, but it’s practical as well. Having a community around you while you work means that you have somebody nearby to rely on when you have questions. Miranda herself can answer most knitting and crochet questions that come her way, whether they are related to starting a project (choosing the right yarn, or tools for the project), or figuring out how to solve a problem that you might encounter along the way.
Have you ever wondered, when you’re starting a project, or roaming around a store, which yarn is best? Whether you should look towards something natural, or stick with perhaps familiar synthetics? Think how much easier it would be, if when you do begin to wonder, there’s someone right there to provide the answer.
A common misconception I know that I brought with me into String Theory Yarn Shop is that wool is a scratchy uncomfortable fibre, and that synthetics are therefore softer. However, I quickly learned that it entirely depends on the type or age of the animal from which the wool came from, and how it is processed. So, while a thick, traditional Scottish wool usually has that slightly rougher texture you’ve come to expect from the product, yarn from say the first sheering of an Alpaca will be infinitely softer. Of course, with a variety of blends giving one the ability to mix wools of all types, it means that there are nearly endless options in texture and style, right at your fingertips.
What you choose can depend entirely on preference and project, though Miranda always recommends that everyone tries to buy the highest quality wool that they can afford. After all, your time is important, so you should invest it in the materials that will give you the best final product. This is one of the many reasons why Miranda works to stock her store with a wide variety of products, often from local vendors and producers, to ensure that there is something for everyone, in nearly every price range.
For those of you who are now wondering just how much opportunity there is to get local yarn, I would like to direct you to the Fergus Fibre Festival. While we have unfortunately missed it for this year, it will be an annual event taking place at the end of May every year. Miranda partnered with Fergus Yarn Co, a local hand dyer who she often works with during this year’s festival.
One of the biggest goals of the Fergus Fibre Festival was to bring more awareness to the wool industry and the small but steady part that Ontario plays within it, which many people are often unaware of. However, it is no less important to foster this industry, to help create, and support a natural, organic resource within our own local communities.
Proving this, among the many other local brands that Miranda carries, there is one in particular, Lady Slipper Alpacas, which can claim to be 100% local. It is farmed in Belwood and processed in Elora before finally being sold by Miranda in Fergus.
Now, I honestly could go on for another twenty pages, but I will stop here and leave you with this thought instead: next time you have a few moments to yourself, and are about to pull out your latest knitting, crocheting, or even sewing project, why don’t you do yourself a favour and head to downtown Fergus instead, grab a coffee at The Vault, or make a tea right at String Theory Yarn Shop, and sit in the company of others to ‘stitch and bit-’… chat, definitely just chat!
WRITTEN BY: JILLIAN KENT
