KNIT SHEEPSKIN BOOTIES
Wednesday May 19, 10am – 2 pm
Registration is $40 which includes all materials

Learn how to make these great little sheepskin bottom booties with Brenda. Materials include wool, pattern, and sheepskin soles. Maximum of 6 participants. Please call or email the shop to register.

9:00 am rain or shine – yarn, fibre, books, equipment. Up to 50% off in the shop! Be sure to stop in and check it out.

FEBRUARY 2010 FELTING CLASSES
with Marilyn Rand

WET FELTING
Wednesday February 10, 10 – 3

Registration fee $55, includes materials

Participants will learn to make an article from merino wool fibre. Choose from handbag, tea cosy, or
vessel.
Please wear old clothes or bring an apron. We will do a small
triangle scarf of cobweb felt when the first articles of felt are finished.

NEEDLE FELTING for art work or embellishments
Wednesday February 17, 10 – 3

Registration fee is $55, includes materials
(merino fibre, felting foam and
felting needles)
We will work on a piece of material 11″ by 8.5″. You can
bring a design you would like to try, enlarge a favourite picture, choose
something from a colouring book, draw out a quilt block or geometric design.
Rug hooking patterns are also fun to do. If you have made an article in the
wet felting class you can embellish this as well.

SCULPTURAL NEEDLE FELTING
Wednesday February 24, 10 – 3

Registration fee is $55 includes materials
(assorted fibres, felting needles, foam block)

Participants will make small ornaments, birds, fish, Christmas ornaments or
small animals. Instruction included to build armatures for larger items.

Please bring a bag lunch to all of these classes. Coffee, tea, or cold
drinks will be provided.

Registration for classes can be done by phone with a credit card or in
person to hold your spot. Maximum of 6 per class. Class fees are not
refundable or transferable.

SUMMER/FALL ‘09

For Sale: Purebred Cotswold Ram Lambs, not registered (mother not registered). Beautiful fleece. Born May 15, 2009. $150 each.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND CLASSES:

Guest Speaker, SHIRL THE PURL

Join us Friday evening, September 18th from 7 to 9 at the Grand Pre National Historic Site where SHIRL THE PURL (Shirley A. Scott) will delight us with her prose. Knitting has a small but very important place in the Canadian psyche. It winds its way through our history and our literature, as well as having a strong presence in our material culture. In this entertaining talk, of interest to both knitters and non-knitters, Shirl will lead you along the paths of our rich Canadian knitting heritage.

Shirl is a well-known knitting writer and teacher. A native of New Brunswick, her first love is re-creating and adapting traditional knitting patterns from North Atlantic countries. Since moving to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2006 she has turned her attention to lace knitting, feeling that it symbolizes the beauty and fragility of life in hard places. Shirl is the author of Canada Knits: Craft and Comfort in a Northern Land (1990, McGraw Hill Ryerson), an easygoing history of knitting in Canada. From 1997 to 2003 she operated Knit With Us, a summer knitting school that traveled to Canada’s best-loved beauty spots. She was also the owner of Cumberland County Knitters for 10 years. Shirl now knits purely for joy, peace, tranquility, and the welcome opportunity to teach others about the knitting life.

Wine and cheese to follow.

Free will offering. All proceeds will benefit the Carey Me Fund for palliative care in the home.

Maritime Spinners Retreat
October 30-November 1, Fredericton, NB.

If interested in booking a room, contact Linda Brine at linbrine@nbnet.nb.ca. Rate: $119.00 at the Crowne Plaza/Lord Beaverbrook Hotel in Fredericton.

SEPTEMBER CLASSES:
Knitting Little Lace Shawls, Saturday, September 19th, 10-3
taught by Shirl The Purl at Gaspereau Valley Fibres. In France, where fashion is everything, a little lace shoulder covering is sometimes called a fichu. Interesting to knit, the finished product can be spectacular. A fichu is a great way to dress up an outfit, especially when you use a skein or two of delicious luxury fibre yarn.

In this course you’ll learn the basic triangular shaping method used in the knitted lace shawls of many northern countries, how to work basic lace stitches, reading lace charts, preventing and correcting mistakes, adding beads as trim, finishing and blocking techniques, and even how to drape and wear your fichu with style. In short, everything you need to know to launch your career as a lace-knitting fashionista.

A list of materials will be provided to registrants. Only stash yarn and readily accessible materials are needed for the class, but you will be invited to purchase yarn for a luxury project if you wish. Registration includes a free Fiber Trends pattern for this project.

Register early, as class size is limited to eight people. Cost: $50.00 per person.

Series of Mini Workshops in Spinning, Carding and Felting

Instructor: Marilyn Rand

Textile artist, Marilyn Rand, works from her home studio in Delhaven, Nova Scotia. After thirty years in textile related industries, Marilyn is now working full time at her craft. An avid spinner, felter and knitter, Marilyn raises a flock of fibre sheep to supply raw materials for her creations. “Ten years of crossing wool breeds to achieve quality wool has been an exciting learning curve for me.” Marilyn has taught knitting courses at Holland College, PEI, and Memorial University in Saint Johns, NF. Working through government-sponsored programs, Marilyn did a number of “on the job training programs” in Nova Scotia and Northern Quebec, working with First Nations Cree women. “Starting our farm was like a step backward in time for me. I had gone from the top of technology in knitting back to the grass roots. I am now spinning wool from my own sheep in the same way my grandmother and great-grandmother did. For me, the beauty in the yarns has always been the texture and colour.” Marilyn now creates mostly hand spun, hand knit garments and hand felted hats, scarves, purses, and accessories from her own patterns. Marilyn also teaches a wide range of courses in spinning, felting, knitting, silk fusion and dyeing.

Spinning
Tuesday, September 8th, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Beginning spinning using a drop spindle. Learn preparation of wool and drop spindling techniques. Use of drop spindle included. Materials cost: $6.00.

Tuesday September 15th, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Beginning spinning. More drop spindling. Use the drum carder and a diz to prepare your fibre. Supported drop spindling for fine fibres. Spinning from the fold. Materials cost: $6.00.

Tuesday, September 22nd, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Beginning spinning on the wheel. Participants must have use of a wheel to participate. Learn the parts and function of the wheel and create spun wool. Materials cost: $10.00.

Tuesday, September 29th, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Beginning spinning on the wheel, part two. Plying techniques to create unique yarns. Two colour plying, two texture plying, Navajo plying, cabling, spiral plying. Why we use different plys of wool and their intended purpose. Students are to come equipped with three bobbins half filled with wool, and one spare bobbin empty. If you don’t have enough bobbins, please have your single ply yarns wound into a center pull ball and have a container to control it while plying. If your yarn is on bobbins, please bring a lazy kate or other delivery system. No materials cost.

Tuesday, October 5th, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Beginning spinning on the wheel, part three. Use the drum carder to create unique textures in your wool. Blending of mixed fibres and ways to spin these fibres to create unique yarns will be taught. Materials cost: $20.00.

Felting

Tuesday, September 8th, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tea Cozy wet felting. We will create the tea cozy using merino wool and wet felting techniques. Materials cost: $15.00.

Tuesday, September 15th, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tea Cozy part two. Needle felting and embroidery techniques combined to decorate your tea cozy. This technique can be used to decorate any felted knitwear, or tightly woven materials. Materials cost: $10.00.

Register for one class or all classes! Cost per class: $20.00 (plus HST) plus materials cost. All classes will be limited to six participants with a minimum of two.
Weaving
Tuesday, September 22nd, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Triangle loom weaving. This is a unique method of weaving a triangle shawl using a triangle loom and it is entirely woven by hand. Students will pay $20 plus HST for initial lesson day and will have ongoing teaching support on two more Tuesday afternoon sessions, September 29th and October 5th. You may work out any other days that you just want to work on your project unassisted. The 7ft. shawl takes approximately 12 hours to complete. Materials are to be purchased by the student. Requirements: 750 metres of worsted or bulky weight yarn for the 5ft. shawl (ample size for a smaller person) or 1000 metres for the 7ft. shawl (suggested for a larger person). Looms will be provided.

Register for classes via phone or e-mail. Classes must be paid in advance by check or by credit card over the phone. 15% discount offered for any materials purchased on day of class.
The International Back To Back Wool Challenge results for 2009 are as follows:
1st Place: Spinning Knitwits, Newcastle, Patterson, NSW, Australia, 6 hrs., 3 mins., 20 secs.

2nd Place: Toronto Spiders, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 7 hrs., 6 mins., 55 secs.

Fourteen teams from six different countries including two new teams from South Africa and the U.K. raised over $17,000 for various cancer charities.

Our local group, hosted by Brenda Gilmour of Gaspereau Valley Fibres, recorded a time of 11 hrs., 50 mins., 5 secs. Their effort raised $712.00 for the Carey Me Fund, administered by the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation of Nova Scotia. The Gaspereau Valley team members included Dale Gruchy, Tina Morse, Amanda Nash, Debbie Oxby, Marilyn Rand, Liz Miller, and Delia Burge. Shearer: Sarah Nettleton; Assessor and Timekeeper: Amanda Mansfield.

LETTER FROM JALI GIROUX

Dear Knitters, Spinners, Felters and Lovers of Fibre,

I want to thank you immensely for the generous support you sent my way in the Yarn Yard Sale where I was not able to be. I was delighted and privileged to have received so much support. This is going to help with complimentary therapies to help enhance my immune system, which is a very important part of my healing.

Thank you, each of you, and I hope what you chose will bring you as much joy and fun as it will bring me support and means in my journey.

Love,

Jali

NEW YARNS

We have just received a shipment of KOIGU, Kami
Bison from FibreIsle in PEI, new laceweight mohair from Noah's Place in
Clarence, Nova Scotia, and a sampling of the first yarn from Hilltop Hollow
Farm in Middleton. The yarn was spun at Legacy Lane Fibre Mill in Sussex,
New Brunswick and is 80% Alpaca, 20% merino, 3-ply in 5 beautiful natural
shades of grey and brown.

ALL YARNS AND FIBRES CONTAINING ALPACA are 30% OFF until September 12th.

Brenda and Manda were both surprised to look out the shop windows and see these two beauties sitting in the driveway! These two couples brought down their classic cars from Ontario and were touring the Valley and enjoying the sunshine. They stopped in to say hello to us and hear a bit about how the shop used to be an old car garage. Enjoy the rest of your stay!

We are happy to announce that we have finalized our workshop schedule for the upcoming fall season. Below you will find the classes and the prices. Please note that all participants of the workshops, will receive a 15% discount on any purchases made the day of their workshop. Participants are asked to pay for their class when they call to register. Class fees are non-refundable, but can be redeemed as a store credit if participants are unable to attend their workshop. Please call or email the shop to register or for any questions you may have.

Block a Week with Brenna
September 26, 2-4pm and every Sunday thereafter until January 23, 2011

Spend your Sunday afternoons with Brenna and create a new and beautiful block a week. These blocks will be put together at the end of the workshop to create an heirloom aran afghan. Each block will be different from the last, using different cable and aran knitting techniques. This workshop will be spaced out over 15 Sunday’s with no class on October 10 or 24, or December 26. A basic knowledge of knitting is needed for this workshop.

Workshop cost of  $200 which includes yarn, needles and instructions. Class limit of 6 people.

One Pot – Many Colours Dyeing Workshop with Marilyn Rand
Wednesday, September 29, 9am-12pm

Multi-colour dyeing for colour harmony. This is Marilyn’s favorite dyeing process for her spinning fibres. This method allows the blending of many colours in your yarns without getting the look of a variegate. Participants will learn to use the colour wheel, and experiment with triads, split complementariness, analogous mixtures and colour intensity. Each participant will dye three lots of fibre that will be supplied by Gaspereau Valley Fibres. Workshop fee will include a variety of 300gm of wool locks including Cotswold, Merino and Mohair.  Participants are asked to bring rubber gloves, apron (or old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained), a notebook, pen and a plastic grocery bag to take home your wet fibre. Workshop fee is $60 and maximum of four participants.

Painted Rovings with Marilyn Rand
Wednesday, September 29, 1-4pm

Participants will learn the technique of painting rovings. This method of dyeing uses dye made into a paint consistency to prevent running and ensures the colours will grab where you want them to. Participants will experiment will colour harmony, used in the One Pot workshop as well. This method of dyeing is popular since it has other applications, as you can paint finished knitted or woven garments as well. Workshop fee will include three lots of 100gm of rovings for participants to paint, supplied by Gaspereau Valley Fibres. Participants are asked to bring rubber gloves, apron (or old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained), a notebook, pen and a plastic grocery bag to take home your wet fibre. Workshop fee is $60 and maximum of four participants.

*Please note, if you are interested taking both dyeing classes from Marilyn, we are offering a two class special of $110 for both classes.

Thrumming Workshop with Manda
Friday, October 1st 1-3pm

Explore the world of thrumming with Manda in this two hour workshop. We will look at the different fibres you can use to thrum, and the different ways to thrum. We will discuss the various projects you can make and have a hands on time for everyone to try their hand at it. Workshop cost is $25 with all materials provided for you.

Knit Sheepskin Booties
Wednesday October 27, 10am – 2 pm

Learn how to make these great little sheepskin bottom booties with Brenna. Materials include wool, pattern, and sheepskin soles. This pattern can also be adapted to work with the adult slipper bottoms as well. Workshop fee is $40 with a maximum of 6 participants. Please remember to bring a lunch for this workshop.

Beginner Spinner with Marilyn Rand
Saturday, November 6 10am – 3pm

This workshop will take you through all the different parts and function of a spinning wheel. Particiapants will learn fibre preparation and will also create spun wool. It is encouraged that participants have their own spinning wheel, but Gaspereau Valley Fibres does have two or three wheels that could be loaned for this workshop. All fibres will be included in workshop fee. Workshop fee of $50 and a maximum of six participants.

Knitting for Beginners
Wednesday, November 10 1-4pm

Spend the afternoon with Manda, learning how to knit right from the cast-on. This workshop will take you through the various methods of casting on, the knit and purl stitch, and explaining how to read patterns. Yarn and needles will be provided. Workshop fee of $30 and a maximum of six participants.

MiniKnit Socks
Saturday, November 13 12-4pm

This is the first of a series of “MiniKnit” workshops that Gaspereau Valley Fibres will be offering. In these workshops, you will be making projects that are small and quick to complete in the four hours. The main goals of these workshops are to equip you with knowledge and skills, rather than just a finished project at the end of the day. This first workshop will take you through knitting a small sock, from the cuff down. You will learn about the heel flap, how to turn the heel, and how to pick up stitches for the foot of your sock. A basic knowledge of knitting is needed for this workshop. All materials will be provided. Workshop fee of $35 maximum of six participants.

Crochet for Beginners
Wednesday, November 17 1-4pm

Learn the basics of crochet with Brenna. She will lead you through creating your first chain and how to add on from there. She will also cover how to read a crochet pattern. Yarn and hooks will be provided. Workshop fee of $25 and a maximum of six participants.

Card Weaving
Friday, November 19 11-4pm

Card Weaving is a technique that uses only cardboard cards and yarn or threads to produce narrow patterned  bands of woven fabric. The resulting bands have characteristics of both loom work, cording and braiding. Participants will learn how to set up and use the cards. They will also explore all the different techniques that can be used and projects that can be made. Workshop fee of $40 and a maximum of six participants. Please remember to pack a lunch.

MiniKnits Mittens
Saturday, November 27 12-4pm

Learn how to create your own mini mitten. Brenna will take you from the cuff up, and help you understand the construction of a mitten as well as thumb gussets. A basic knowledge of knitting is needed for this workshop. Yarn and needles will be provided. Workshop fee of $35 and a maximum of 6 participants.

Gaspereau Valley Fibres will be going mobile! Stop into the Wolfville’s Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September the 18th to say hello to Brenna and Manda as they set up shop and get ready for a fun day at the market. They will have all things Maritime including some River Road Wool, sheep milk soap, MacAusland blankets, finished knit items, cards and much, much more. Hope to see you there!

As you know, GVF was at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday past, but as fate would have it, it also happened to be World Wide Spin in Public day as well! Brenna and Manda thew in a wheel and spindle along with the other goodies from the shop and headed down to the market. A great day was had, meeting lots of people and having great conversations about the farm, sheep and shop. The highlight had to be in the afternoon though when our corner of the market contained Brenna on drop spindle and Manda on spinning wheel, Melinda and Claudia (two friends in Wolfville) on their spinning wheels and Allison from Manitoba on her mini Turkish spindle! They had people stopping in their tracks and even had the kids enthralled. Good things happen when fibre folk get together. Be sure to mark this date on your calendar for next year.

Starting on Thursday, February 10 and ending on Sunday, February 13, Gaspereau Valley Fibres will be holding a Valentine’s weekend sale! All red and pink fibre and yarn will be 20% off. Stop in with your sweet, and take part in the Winter, Wine and Wool event and also snatch up all those ruby, rose, and carnation colours you’ve had your eye on. Hope to see you there!

Summer/Fall 2009

February 2010

Many people have been asking what we intend to do with the new kitchen area that has been added to the shop, and now we have the answer for them. Come enjoy an evening with MaryBeth Miles RHN, (she's a knitter too!) as she leads participants in these classes on what to do with the likes of quinoa, beans, legumes and kale.

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Wine and Wool Tasting
Satruday November 26, 2-4pm

We hope you can join us in celebrating local wine and fibres with Kathryn from the Fleece Artist and Katie from Gaspereau Vineyards. They will have tasty samples of wine and wool for you to try and also to purchase.
	A special discount will be given to those who bring in their finished projects made with Fleece Artist or Handmaiden yarns. There will be many in store specials throughout the day as well. Chef Brit Podolinsky will provide wonderful food for all to enjoy. A free will donation will be collected for Chrysalis House. Hope to see you there!

Come visit us at the Wolfville Farm Market on May the 29th. We will have our own farm products from our flock of Cotswold sheep – yarn, fibre, and hand knitted items.

We will also have a sampling of products from other Maritime fibre producers including: Noah’s Place Farm, Legacy Lane, Fibre Isle, Fleece Artist, and some sheepish gifts from Nova Scotia Artisans – Catfish Moon and Sarah Reesor. We will also have some sheep’s milk soap available as well. Hope to see you there!

Gaspereau Valley Fibres and Sheep Thrills would like to extend a big thank you to all of the people who helped make this years Back to Back Challenge possible. A world wide race to shear a sheep, spin the wool and knit a sweater all in one sitting, the Back to Back is an annual fundraiser for cancer care and research. This year we were able to raise $1018 for Carey Me palliative care and Sheep Thrills completed their sweater in just less than 10 hours. Placing 9th out of 13th teams, Sheep Thrills came in first out of the three Nova Scotia teams that were competing. A big thanks to: Delia Burge who supplied the fleece for this years sweater; Marilyn Rand who took the sweater home and washed it, and properly seamed it and presented us with this beautiful final product; FibrEnsemble from PEI for creating and donating a felted shawl for a raffle prize, as well as some hand spun yarn and for giving felting workshops in the afternoon; Tina Morse for lending her hands and knowledge whenever they were needed; Sarah Nettleton for the shearing expos and for answering all the questions everyone had; our sponsors who helped make our team uniform possible; and lastly (but not least) everyone who purchased a raffle ticket and came out the day of to support the event, none of this would be possible without you. Here’s to next year!

Willow stopped into the shop with her Mom and was happy to help us announce our summer sale! All cotton, hemp, bamboo, linen and tencel blends in the shop are 30% off until August 22 (with the exception of new arrivals). Cast on for a lightweight August project or get in gear for next summer, either way be sure to stop in and see what we have to beat the heat!

There is no better time to visit the Gaspereau Valley than the next few weekends! Gaspereau Valley Fibres is hosting the Winter, Wool and Wine events for the annual Nova Scotia Icewine Festival. Stop in during the first two weekends of February to try a free sample of some delicious dessert wine from our neighbours at L’Acadie Vineyards and see all the different things that can be done with the lustrous Cotwold fleece. While in the area, be sure to visit L’Acadie and Gaspereau Winery, both just up the road from the shop, as they will be hosting events during these times as well. Finish up the day by taking part in Eagle Watch 2011. Sheffield Mills is hosting the 20th annual Eagle Watch weekend, but the Gaspereau Valley also has a large population of bald eagles that can be seen if you keep your eyes to the sky. Don’t miss these great chances to visit the valley and all it has to offer.

Gaspereau Valley Fibres is now operating under our new sumer hours. They are as follows: Tuesday – Friday 10 – 5, Saturday 10 – 4 and Sunday 11 – 4. We look forward to seeing you in the shop!

Be sure to pop in and check out our Fleece Artist specials corner! Nyoni, Mini Kid, Olann, and Big Merino all make for a beautiful display as well as gives you a variety of fibre to touch and feel. Also be sure to check out the new Knitscene which has a great pattern for the Typha Scarf using Nyoni, just one of the many things you can do with this great versatile yarn.

Just a reminder that there are still spots available in our upcoming workshops: Cables 101 – The Uptown Cowl, Elizabeth Zimmermans’s Sideways Mystery Mittens and Wet Felting. Back by popular demand is another Beginner Spinning workshop. This will be held on Saturday, February 19 from 10am – 3pm. Call or email the shop to register for any of these workshops.

Brenda and Manda took a trip to Ohio at the beginning of June to check out the annual TNNA Yarn Market They were able to get a sneak peek at all the new yarns and designs for this fall.  They both took a few classes and were able to meet Norah Gaughan from Berroco and Gail Callahan, author of Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece. They shared a cookie with designer Nicky Epstein, and got to talk with Jess and Casey from Ravelry. With over 800 suppliers, they tried their best to see (and feel) everything. Some of the suppliers that caught their eyes were:Habu Textiles, The Natural Dye Studio, Ysolda Teague, Debra’s Garden, Pear Tree Yarns among many others. They returned home with their orders placed and excitement brewing for the new goods to arrive. Be sure to stop in the shop and ask to see what’s new. Things will be arriving every few weeks and we look forward to introducing some new fibres and yarns into the store. Be on the lookout for our newest addition, Berroco’s Remix, which should be arriving soon. Here is Manda modeling one of the jackets from the pattern booklet. A perfect piece to get started on for fall, and just one of many new things to come.

Here are some other pictures of their trip:

Gaspereau Valley Fibres is excited to announce the restart of their Tuesday evening knitting group! Starting on September 21, knitters, weavers, spinners, felters, hookers and all fibre enthusiasts are welcome to stop into the shop from 6-9 for an evening of good fibre crafts and even better conversation. So mark your calendars and we hope to see you there!

Pear Tree spinning fibre is the perfect pick for any project. This lightly variegated pencil roving is soft and lovely to work with. Use it or spinning, felting, or even knitting, this fibre is a crowd pleaser. With an assortment of colours, you are sure to find one that will want to go home with you.

It’s hard to think about wooly wonderful things when it’s 30 degrees outside, but now is the perfect time to spin up some lovely fibre for the colder months ahead. We have just received our order from Anzula which consists of these gorgeous fibre braids made of Baby Alpaca, Baby Camel, Yak and Silk and Camel and Silk. All are hand dyed and waiting to be spun. If you are more interested in something right off the sheep’s back, we also have some local North Country Cheviot fleeces that are $30 a fleece and tax free, as well as some beautiful fleeces from Australia (English Leicester and Merino) in natural colours.

With Autumn quickly approaching, Gaspereau Valley Fibres is gearing up for the fall workshops. Below you will find all the different classes that will be held this fall. Call or email the shop to register for your spot today!

Felting Workshops with Elaine & Louise from FibrEnsemble

Fairy Fingers Scarf
Friday, September 10 1-4pm

Use super fine merino wool dyed in a brilliant array of colours to learn basic drafting and felting techniques and produce an eye catching scarf you can wear all fall and winter. They will even teach you their special way of wearing it to show off the “fingers” to their best advantage! This class is suitable for beginners to more advanced felters.
Workshop cost of $42 per person: includes instructions, use of felting equipment and all materials. Limit of 12 people.

Felt Bags
Saturday, September 11, 10am – 4pm

Use Blue Faced Leicester wool to create a bag that meets your needs and expresses who you are! Please remember to pack a lunch for this workshop.
Workshop cost: $70 per person – includes instruction, use of felting equipment and a variety of prefelts and yarns for embellishment as well as 100g of dyed merino top from Gaspereau Valley Fibres.
Enrollment limit of 12 people

Block a Week with Brenna Swinamer
September 26 2-4pm and every Sunday there after until Christmas

Spend your Sunday afternoons with Brenna and create a new and beautiful block a week. These blocks will be put together at the end of the workshop to create an heirloom aran afghan. Each block will be different from the last, using different cable and aran knitting techniques. This workshop will be spaced out over 15 Sunday’s with no class on October 10 or 24. A basic knowledge of knitting is needed for this workshop.

Workshop cost of  $200 which includes yarn, needles and instructions. Class limit of 6 people.

The following are also classes we will be having, but dates and costs are still being decided. You can still call the shop to put your name down, and we will get back to you on the dates and costs.

Fibre Preparation

This class will take a look at how to best select a fleece, and prepare it for spinning.

Spinning Workshop for beginners

This workshop will give you an introduction to spinning on a spinning wheel.

Baby Sheepskin Slipper Sole Bootie Workshop

Learn how to make great little baby booties with sheepskin soles. This workshop will also give you the skills and knowledge to make an adult size pair of booties as well.

Thrumming Workshop

Learn how to thrum and all the great projects that can you use this technique with. A knowledge of knitting is needed for this workshop.

Sock Workshop

This workshop will take you step by step through knitting a baby sock from top to bottom on double pointed needles. These skills and knowledge can then by applied to an adult sock for you!

Weaving on the Triangle Loom

This is a unique method of weaving a triangle shawl using a triangle loom and it is entirely woven by hand.

Weaving on the Rigid Heddle Loom

Explore the color and design possibilities of hand-woven fabric.  Using a rigid heddle loom and flat stick shuttles learn the basics of setting up the loom and weaving a project to be completed by the end of the class.

Card Weaving

Want to try weaving but don’t have the room for a loom? Card weaving is the perfect solution. Using square cards, you will be able to get your feet wet in the world of weaving using only square cards with a few holes in them!

Crochet for Beginners

Learn from the beginning the basics of crochet and how to read crochet patterns.

International Back to Back Sheep to Shawl Challenge
June 5, 9am – close

Come cheer on our local team “Sheep Thrills” as they shear a sheep, spin the wool and knit a sweater all in one sitting. The Back to Back is a world wide race with teams all over the world racing for the best time. Our local team consists of Debra Oxby, Delia Burge, Amanda Nash, Brenna Swinamer, Dale Gruchy, Liz Miller and Deb Orridge Barnhill.

Raffle tickets are being sold in the shop on the finished sweater, a MacAusland Blanket and gift certificates from all over Wolfville. All proceeds going to Carey Me palliative care program at the Valley Regional Hospital.

Shearing demonstrations will be taking place throughout the day by master shearer Sarah Nettleton and local fleeces will be available for purchase. Be sure to stop in and bring the family as the kids love to see the sheep up close!

Mark your calendars for the 10th Annual Maritime Spinner’s Retreat! This year it is being held at the Rodd Mill River Resort, PEI on October 22 – 24, 2010. This years theme is Spin Wild – what does Spin Wild mean for you? Wild color?  Wild fibre?  Wild techniques?  Wild textures?  What could you make using your Wild spun fibre? They want to see it! Get ready to join them for a Wild weekend at the 10th Annual Retreat!

Hotel: $95/night with 2-4 people per room with 2 queen size beds
Retreat: $130 per person
Book your room now: 1-800-565-7633 or online at www.roddhotelsandresorts.com and remember to mention that you  are coming for the Spinning Retreat.

For more information, be sure to check out their website here.

Calling all sheep producers! PSBANS is holding their 3rd annual Fleece and Wool Competition once again at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition in Truro, NS on August 24-28, 2010. The entry form and information have been attached to the newsletter, or feel free to call the shop for more information. Fleeces can be dropped off with entry forms at Gaspereau Valley Fibres, where Gwyneth Jones will pick them up to take them to the competition. Put your best fleece forward and good luck!

We were very excited to have the Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia stop in to the shop for a visit on Saturday. They were on a group trip to the valley and stopped in and took some photos of the shop, barn and animals. It was a pleasure having them around and we look forward to seeing some of their shots from the day. Photographers from left to right: Wayne Garland, Dean Hirtle, Marion Boyer, Rober VanNostrand, Hubert Boudreau, Joyce Chew and Paul Boyer. Come back anytime!

baby booties

Mark your calendars! Gaspereau Valley Fibres will be having our year end sale with at least 20% off store wide (with the exception of spinning wheels, looms and carding equipment). December 22 & 23, 28, 29 and 30 will be the days to grab any last minute gifts and to get a jump on your New Year knitting.

	Year End Sale Starting on Saturday, December 18th, all yarn, fibre, needles and books will be a minimum of 20% off! Stop in and grab that last minute present or get a jump on your knitting for the new year.

Holiday Hours Gaspereau Valley Fibres’ holiday hours are as follows: December 23 10-3, December 24-27 closed, December 31 10-2. All the staff at GVF would like to thank everyone who stopped into the shop this year. Whether you had a question, needed help, were here for a workshop or just popping in to say hello, the shop would not be what it is without all of you.

Fleece on earth and good wool to ewe – Happy holidays and a very, merry new year.

GVF is excited to announce that they will be hosting the 11th annual Maritime Handspinner’s Retreat at the Old Orchard Inn in Greenwich, NS. “Spin Local” is the theme – focusing on fibres that are local to you, and just how many different kinds of fibre there are in the Maritimes – and it will take place on October 14, 15 and 16th 2011. Be sure to watch the website for updates and information. We hope to see you there!

Looking for a home for this registered Cotswold ram, born this past winter (February 2010). The Cotswold breed are known for their lovely, long, lustrous fleeces, and this little guy is no exception. Asking $250, call or email (902) 542-2656 or brenda@gaspereauvalleyfibres.ca

Marg Zillig stopped into the shop the other day and dropped of this beautiful Icelandic lamb skin for us to display and sell in the shop. This skin was donated by Bill and Kathy Crowson of Carwyn Farm and Marg hand tanned it herself.  The Icelandic sheep are a rare breed, and this fleece is something to behold. The proceeds of this lambskin will go to the “Zillig Memorial Fund” at the NSAC in memory of Gernot and Edith Zillig. The fleece is being sold for $200 and would made a beautiful addition under the Christmas tree. A great fleece for a great cause!

We at GVF feel this yarn deserves its own special spotlight. Our latest order of Big Merino has arrived from Fleece Artist and we cannot get enough of it. This merino wool is a lofty, bulky weight yarn that knits up beautifully. It is perfect for the beginner, looking to make a quick first scarf, but is also perfect for the more experienced knitter who might like a nice, squishy cowl or pair of adult sheepskin slippers (seen below). The Fleece Artist team has outdone themselves with a wide assortment of colours to choose from. Do not miss out on this great yarn, priced at $8 a skein, it won’t be here for long!

We are also happy to announce that we completed the pattern for these adult sheepskin bottom slippers. The pattern has been adapted from the baby bootie pattern, and is a quick knit using Big Merino. Stop in to grab a copy and give them a whirl!

As many of you know, Gaspereau Valley Fibres is neighbors with the wonderful L’Acadie Vineyards. There has been talk of having the sheep help them with their pruning for some time now, but this last month we were finally able to make this a reality! Here are the sheep in the vineyard munching on some grass and exploring their new surroundings. Be on the lookout in the new year for the Nova Scotia Ice Wine Festival as GVF will be hosting some events featuring the amazing ice wine of L’Acadie Vineyards.

Looking for some ideas of what to get your fibre loving friends this year? Check out some of our top sellers:


The Fibersphere or Wristlet bag. The Fibersphere allows you to have your ball of wool anywhere without the worry of it becoming tangled or snarled. The silk Wristlet fits the 5″ balls perfectly and is also a beautiful accessory all on its own. Like the pink? 5% of all sales of the pink spheres go towards Breast Cancer research.


Needle Gauge Pendants. Combine function with fashion with these pendants! Wear them around your neck, on your wrist or hang them from your keychain, these gauges will always be near by to size your needles for you.


Magazines make a great stocking stuffer. Wild Fibers, Spin Off and Interweave Knits are just a few you can choose from.


Or why not make up a kit to give to someone? Grab a favorite sock pattern, a pair or 9″ Hiya Hiya circular sock needles and a skein of “Gaspereau Sock” (GVF’s newest sock yarn, 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon) and fill their stocking with all the things needed to make some stockings of their own!


The Knit Kit – seven essential knitting tools all in one compact kit! Great for traveling, knitting groups, and for keeping all your tools in one spot.


These are just a few suggestions. Be sure to check out our Accessories page to see what else we have!

Matchless double treadle spinning wheel, gently used. Retail price of $999, we are asking $700 tax free. Call or email the shop if interested.