Grey Heron Natural Designs carry an array of clothing designed exclusively for Grey Heron, you can't find these products anywhere else!

Don't have time to travel the world?

Don’t have time to travel the world?
Grey Heron has a world of fashions for you to discover!
Come and travel in Fashion!

Stop by our wool shop to see our wonderful yarns.
Take a class – Come to a workshop – Join in our Knit Cafe



News & Announcements

WWKIP day Wednesday June 6th · 20 April 12

Come one come all… join in the fun @ Grey Heron Wool Shop

Bring your knitting, crocheting, spinning – we’re outside on the porch

Grab a lawn chair, your lunch and your friends

Door prizes too

1:00pm to 4:00pm

Taking an Easter break · 27 March 12

We will be closed over Easter weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
A little break is in order. Time to rejuvenate.
We will open again on Tuesday @ 10am

KnitFest Spring 2012 · 17 February 12

KnitFest Spring 2012

Our plans are well under way for our Spring workshop.

The venue will be held at the Ravenna Community Hall on Saturday March 31, 2012 from 9:00am to 5:00pm.


Joining us this year will be Kate Atherley (aka Wise Hilda Knits blog) from Toronto. Here’s a glimpse into her bio. Kate Atherley, a.k.a. Wise Hilda
I’m a teacher, designer and writer, based in Toronto. My book “Beyond Knit and Purl” has been praised for its fresh approach to teaching knitting.

I’m Lead Technical Editor for Knitty & KnittySpin, and the Knitting Editor of A Needle Pulling Thread magazine. Kate will be bringing her new book along for you to purchase. Get your own signed copy… http://wisehilda.blogspot.com/


The other teacher joining us is Glenna C. (aka Crazy Knitting Lady – Knitting to Stay Sane blog) Here’s a glimpse into her bio.

I live near Toronto. I started knitting as a child and really focused in on knitting during my studies. I have since added knitting design and teaching to my repertoire, have been producing knitting patterns for self-publication and for independent yarn dyers for several years
My patterns have been featured in Canadian Living Magazine, Knitty, Magknits, and online through Ravelry and Patternfish. I have designed for Tanis Fiber Arts, Indigodragonfly Yarns, The Sweet Sheep, and others. http://crazyknittinglady.wordpress.com/


You will have the choice of one morning class – either
Toe up Sock knitting with Kate OR
Understanding Lacework with Glenna

You will also have the choice of one afternoon class- either Expert Tips with Kate OR Colourwork with Glenna


Each participant will receive a welcome bag full of goodies all revolving around your classes- socks, lacework, colourwork and tips…

Yarn/patterns for each class included…. FREE draws!!.... Great Lunch…. Good fun….

Vendor market will feature yarns from Cabin Fever, Brown Sheep, Shelridge sock yarns etc… Knit Pick needles & accessories

All this for $87.00 + HST…

Register early- Class registration is taken on a first come first serve basis. We have room for 30 participants (15 in each class)

Grey Heron Wool Shop
705-444-0370

Grey Heron changes size focus · 27 December 10

In the beginning, our clothing size range started at size 12. Over the years we have started our sizes around a 6.
As we approach 2011, we have decided to define a better size range for our shop.
So, we will be specializing in sizes 14 – 22.

This will allow us more buying power and a better focus on styles.

Our size 12 and under clothing is all on clearance @ 50% off.

We are very excited about this change. We look forward to introducing new lines and styles are we head towards Spring.

Get the 411 on Greener Fabrics · 3 April 09

by Andrea Chiu City Line newsletter

Know what makes these materials better for the earth.

As we become more and more concerned with the environment, people are making increased efforts to live greener lives. This includes incorporating a greener wardrobe. No one is suggesting you throw out all of your t-shirts, jeans or dresses—that would be a waste. Instead, the next time you’re shopping for a new outfit consider some of these greener materials.

Soy: This versatile bean is not just for sushi or lattes. Soy fabric can be found in many clothing items now. It is made from tofu manufacturing waste and is surprisingly soft with a texture similar to cashmere.

Bamboo: Like soy, bamboo versatile. It can be found in kitchen cabinetry, utensils, furniture and flooring. It’s a very sustainable crop since it requires no pesticides and grows very quickly. The pulp of bamboo grass is used to make bamboo fabric. The product is thermodynamic so it keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also has a strong wicking ability so moisture is kept away from the body.

Organic cotton: Traditional cotton production uses 25 percent of the world’ insecticides and 10 percent of all pesticides. A single pair of jeans uses 3/4 pounds of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This toxic process of cotton production has encouraged many clothing manufacturers to find a healthier alternative by creating organic cotton clothing which is made without these chemicals. Roots, H&M and the Gap are just a few companies which have jumped on the bandwagon and have created special lines with organic cotton products.

Hemp: Hemp is considered another eco-friendly material because it is resilient and requires no pesticides or insecticides. If a material is made with 50 percent hemp or more, it can block more UV rays than any other fabric. Compared to cotton, hemp is also stronger, more absorbent and mildew-resistant.

My only comment would be inform yourself about the product in question. If the source of the manufacturing is of interest to you, always ask. Not everything is as it seems!!

Natural face cleansers... · 22 May 08

Sweet exfoliator

Sugar is a preferred exfoliant to salt because it tends not to tear at the skin. When dead skin collects on the surface of skin, it’s important to slough it away. This helps clear up clogged pores. When skin isn’t exfoliated, it can appear dull and ashy.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp warm water
PREPARATION:
Stir sugar into warm water so that it melts.
Make sure granules are dissolved, otherwise they could tear your skin.
Apply to the face.
Gently massage around the skin. Rinse with warm water.

Rosewater face mask

This mask, based on roses, is perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin.

INGREDIENTS:
Optional: 6 fresh rose petals
2 tbsps rosewater
1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat)
1 tbsp runny honey (to get honey runny, you can warm it in a microwave for a few seconds).
PREPARATION:
Soak rose petals, then crush them in a bowl.
Add the rosewater, yogurt and honey.
Mix well and apply to the skin.
Leave on for 10 minutes.
Rinse.

Witch Hazel Cleaning Tonic

Witch hazel has long been known to have astringent qualities. The liquid you can find in the shelves of drug store is an herbal extract with exceptional cleansing, soothing, and healing properties. It was originally used by Native Americans, who used witch hazel bark and twigs in many therapeutic applications and passed on their knowledge to the settlers.

To make your own old fashioned witch hazel astringent, combine 1 cup of witch-hazel with 2 tablespoons of alcohol and apply it to your skin with cotton ball. If you are sensitive to alcohol, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of white vinegar.

Citrus Blackhead Treatment

Removing blackheads can easily be done with lemon. Citrus naturally exfoliates, which makes lemon useful when it comes to fighting blackheads in your cleansing routine.
Cut the lemon in half then rub it directly on your face before going to bed.

You can also extract lemon juice with a citrus reamer, remove the seeds and then add 2 tablespoons of rosewater. Mix the lemon juice and rosewater together and your tonic will be more fragrant.

I can’t guarantee these cleansers will work for you. If you have allergies or sensitivities, please consult with your Dr. before trying any of these cleansers.

Make your Own chemical free cleaners · 3 April 08

White vinegar
To disinfect and deodorize, dilute vinegar with an equal amount of water for floors, tiles, stoves and counters; use full strength on toilets, sinks and the humidifier calcium and lime build up.
Refrain from using on Marble or Grout.

Baking soda
Gentle abrasion helps scrub away dirt and stains, with deodorizing action as well. Mix with three equal parts water and scrub the fridge, the sink and the oven.

Borax
Mix with four parts water to create a bleach substitute; mix with two parts water for a disinfecting tub, tile and toilet cleaner; and sprinkle on carpets, then vacuum, to clean and deodorize.

Lemon juice
Cut grease or bleach out stains with a fresh scent as an added bonus. Mix with baking soda to wash dishes, or with olive oil to polish furniture. Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) to the washing machine to bleach laundry.

The Story Behind Grey Heron Natural Designs Inc. · 6 December 05

Opportunity was knocking and I listened. After spending more than two decades in finance areas, I decided to venture out in a different direction.

In February 2000 my husband Jim and I moved to Copenhagen Denmark. Jim’s job took us on a wonderful adventure. We both worked for the same company located just outside of Copenhagen.

We immersed ourselves in the Danish culture. We studied the Danish language so we could converse with our colleagues and local shopkeepers. Even our five children came to Denmark to experience their own version of “Christmas in Copenhagen”

As we were getting ready move home, it was at this point that I realized it was time to make a change in careers. At first I thought about something small and home based. I had grown to love the Scandinavian clothing designs I was wearing so by adding a few Irish designers to the mix Grey Heron Natural Designs was created.

With the help of carpenter son Brent, daughter Melanie and husband Jim, my once imaginary shop design was born.

Together we have taken my ideas and created the cozy eclectic surroundings found here. I have chosen to carry high quality product from designers in Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Scotland and the Faroe Islands. Their passion for design is reflected in the superb quality, functionality and clean lines of each of their designs.

With the help and support of our children, family and friends, we were delighted when our doors opened on September 25th 2004.
Come by and browse through the designs. Surround yourself in cozy merino woollens.

Suit yourself for the office in a beautiful linen outfit.
Dress it up with a Scandinavian designed leather handbag from Adax.

“You just don’t find a shop like this any more”

Story by Karen Farmilo, Proprietor. Grey Heron Natural Designs