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

Where can I find art and fibre art shops and 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.
• 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.
• **Grinsheep Fibre Productions:** Local Ashford dealer of looms, spinning wheels and spindles. Stocks 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 the Nanaimo area:

• Beehive Yarns (Victoria): Large selection of a variety of yarns 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. Ashford dealer. Not wheelchair accessible.
• Spinnacle Yarn Café (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.

Other creative stores not to miss:

• Iron Oxide Art Supplies: Local indie art supplier, a five-minute walk from the Old City Quarter.