If you’re new to the Calgary knitting and sewing scene and curious about suppliers, this list is for you. When you’re looking for someone that knows their way around a magic loop or a blanket stitch, your latest project will be in good hands with these expert sewing outlets.
You’re not going to find a happier or more dedicated community of knitters than at The Loop, Calgary’s newest yarn store. These wool-savvy girls know what a great yarn store should offer. All are hardcore knitters and/or former store managers. The Loop offers knitting classes for all skill levels from beginner to advanced, and courses in crochet lace and cable stitch. They’ll even teach you how to spin your own yarn.
STASH is a lovely spot in Inglewood owned by a transplanted Newfoundlander who grew up in a family of knitters. The shop offers a complete range of knitting supplies including rich and colourful yarns, accessories and classes. Get help picking out supplies for your next project or you just drop by to talk about knitting. You can even take a course in the Japanese art of amigurumi, but you’ll really love the shop’s collection of buttons and free patterns.
Yarn stores come and go, but this one has raised generations of knitters and supplied countless hobbyists with their earliest lessons and basic materials since 1970. A second-generation family boutique, Gina Brown’s continues to carry the most beautiful yarns and provides local crafters with support and expertise.
When it’s time to graduate from knitting to spinning and dyeing, you’ll want to head over to Shuttleworks. The shop stocks the latest in weaving and spinning equipment as well as needles, dyes and other essential supplies. With so many spindles and wheels to choose from, you’ll definitely find something for your skill level and plenty of sound advice.
Whatever your project is, Fabric Depot should be your first stop. It features two levels packed with merchandise, including fabrics, curtains and drapes, trim, foam and notions. Even if you’re just browsing, you’ll likely find something new or find inspiration for your next big project. The shop carries materials from taffeta, ultra-suede and muslin to fleeces, cotton prints and corduroy – and that’s barely scratching the surface.
Olga’s specializes in high-quality and chic fabrics for the finest custom designs and wedding gowns. Come here to seek inspiration for the outfit of your dreams and get professional advice and referrals to the city’s best seamstresses. Olga’s imports fabric from throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe and ships nationwide. Its selection of imported laces and trims is second to none.
When you’re having a hard time finding that one piece of material to complete your project, PacCana can help. A major distributor of sewing products by leading manufacturers, their retail store is a one-stop shop for all your project needs from fabric to threads and a huge array of fasteners, buckles and binding products. They’ll also cut to size and help you locate hard-to-source items.
Reena Fabrics carries a huge selection of materials that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. The shop has been around for over 30 years, and specializes in dance and skating fabrics for those super-flashy outfits that complement choreographed routines. Prices reflect the exclusive merchandise, but you get great service and and may well discover fabrics you haven’t considered.
The local quilting community gathers here. Stop in for all your needlework supplies and expert advice to help you through your project. Out of Hand offers a full slate of classes, insight into the latest trends and techniques and occasionally features visits by celebrity quilt makers and authors. This is also your source for teddy bear patterns and golliwog kits plus Out of Hand’s own unique designs.