Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdqPj8dECYo&t=3s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGX1hll3gA8&list=PLn7Vq9LlLhI4_F7EbB04MrPRMAKHLgX3D&index=16&t=1s

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The information here is an AI summary of the advice people in our Discord have shared. Their experiences may not always reflect the accurate process. None of this should be considered financial, immigration, or real estate advice.

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Where can I find art and fibre art shops supplies?

Vancouver Island punches well above its weight in fibre arts, with a strong spinning, dyeing, and knitting culture. Key shops in the Nanaimo area:

• Yarn-Tastic (Nanaimo and Qualicum (1 hr north)): Newer shop focused on Canadian and local fibre artists. Strong selection of BC and UK/Nordic yarns. Highly praised by the community.
• Mad About Ewe (Wesley Street, Old City Quarter): Established, stocked to the rafters, including Canadian yarns like Briggs and Little, Estelle, and Handmaiden. They dye some of their own yarns. Large selection of luxe yarns, tools and needles.
• Grinsheep Fibre Productions - https://www.grinsheep.com/ grinsheep is the local Ashford dealer of looms, spinning wheels and spindles. They stock weaving and Knitting yarns, spinning fibre and fibre arts tools. Open M-F, 1:30-5:30 or by appointment.
• All Tied Up Yarn and Crafts (Duncan, ~45 min south): The main Duncan option.
• The Loom (just outside Duncan): Weaving and spinning focus. Check Facebook for hours.
• Tofino Knits (Tofino, ~2 hours west): Small dyer's studio. By appointment.

Outside of Nanaimo area:

• Beehive Yarns (Victoria) - large selection of a variety of yarns from sock and baby Knitting to chunkier or luxurious yarns. The perfect place to buy that sweater quantity you’ve always wanted! All in a gorgeous heritage building in downtown Victoria. (Call ahead to put out the ramp if you need it.)
• Knotty by Nature (Victoria): weaving and spinning focused yarn shop in eclectic Fairview neighbourhood of Victoria. Ashford dealer. Not wheelchair accessible.
• Spinnacle Yarn Cafe (Langford, northeast of Victoria) - recently re-launched yarn Café featuring a variety of yarns and spinning fibre.

Important: Most small independent yarn and craft shops on Vancouver Island are closed on Sundays and/or Mondays. Plan your shopping for Friday or Saturday.

The island also has two major fibre festivals in the spring (100 mile fleece & Fibre, in Errington) and summer (Fibrations in Victoria), and the Tzhouhalem (Duncan) spinning and weaving guild hosts twice-monthly events and have a great fibre arts tool and supply library for members.

Other creative stores to not miss:

• Iron Oxide Art Supplies. Local indie art supplier a five minute walk from Maffeo Sutton Park (behind White Sails) selling a fantastic array of pro and amateur art supplies from oils, acrylics and watercolours, bookbinding, resin casting, illustration, printmaking, calligraphy and more.
• Artzi stuff: selling local artist works from paintings, cards, art prints, clothing, jewellery and decor. A great place to buy an elevated and personal momento of your trip for yourself or people you love.