Knit Pickers PEI
Knit Pickers PEI is a local Prince Edward Island shop based in Mayfield. They have everything from wool, weaving looms, finished knitted items, Tartans (and more) and they host weekly knitting workshops.
Scroll down to learn more Knit Pickers PEI and what inspired the owner, Margaret, to start her business.
What inspired you to start your business?
I have always found knitting to be a mentally soothing and relaxing activity. Initially, my goal was to showcase my original knitwear. But – so many folks were interested in the materials and techniques that I used! I decided to open a knitting studio where I can teach knitting to novices and help more experienced knitters hone their skills. It also gives me an opportunity to showcase only Canadian products – wool from sheep raised in Canada, milled in Canada, dyed by indie-dyers; Canadian-made knitting and weaving looms and knitting needles. Everything in the studio has been proudly sourced from within Canada.
How would you describe your business?
My studio is located in a small community known as Mayfield in rural Prince Edward Island. I host knitting workshops on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings as well as “Ewe Love to Knit” nights on Tuesday evenings! The studio is only 200 sq feet but it is packed with 100% Canadian goodies for knitters. Most of the wool I carry is from small producers – not the product that you’ll find in your local franchise craft store. I have been knitting for roughly 60 years and so thoroughly enjoy sharing this craft with others and seeing the joy of accomplishment when someone learns something that they thought they couldn’t master.
What’s your bestselling product?
Icelandic wool from a small flock of sheep raised here in Prince Edward Island.
Why do you think it’s so popular?
Firstly, the wool is absolutely stunning – so soft and squishy. I know the folks who raise the sheep and the wool is milled in the Maritimes. I partner with them for a workshop called “Looms and Lambs“. Guests spend two hours in the studio learning to knit on a wooden loom handcrafted in PEI and then head out to the farm to learn about raising Icelandic sheep. These sheep look fierce with their huge horns but they are so gentle. You can scratch them under the chin and they will wag their tails – adorable! The skeins of wool feature the natural colours of the sheep’s wool. Each skein is labelled with a photo and the name of the sheep who donated their wool! It is sold exclusively in my studio and is quite a limited quantity so, when it is sold out, it is sold out until the next shearing season.
What’s your personal favourite product from your shop?
I am hard pressed to choose a personal favourite product. I guess I would have to choose the Kollage Square knitting needles. I was suffering from something similar to carpal tunnel for knitters – aching all the way up past my elbow. My doctor suggested that I quit knitting (insert eye roll – that is never going to happen!). I read about square-shaped knitting needles and how they are supposed to be better for you ergonomically. I discovered Kollage Square needles and ordered in a single pair to test out. I loved them so much – it made a huge difference for me personally! I no longer have that carpal tunnel issue. I ended up purchasing a full interchangeable set even though I had a sausage roll of other knitting needles. Kollage is a Canadian company based in Ontario. They are wonderful to work with and their needles have a lifetime guarantee, with all proceeds from the sale of their knitting needles going to support folks with challenges find and thrive.
What’s your favourite local PEI shop?
Captain’s Cove Cafe. It is a casual waterfront cafe serving the most delicious lobster rolls! They pride themselves in using the freshest local ingredients.
