Grey Heron Natural Designs

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

Christmas shop hours · 14 December 12

Christmas hours @ Grey Heron

Thursday Dec. 20 – open until 8pm
Friday Dec. 21 – open 10 – 5:30
Saturday Dec. 22 – open 10 – 5
Sunday Dec. 23 – open 11 – 4
Monday Dec. 24 – open 10 – 2
Tuesday Dec. 25 – CLOSED Merry Christmas!
Wednesday Dec. 26 – CLOSED Happy Boxing Day!
Thursday Dec. 27 – CLOSED
Friday Dec. 28 – reg hrs**
Saturday Dec. 29 – reg hrs
Sunday Dec. 30 – Jan 1 – CLOSED Happy New Year!

Yarn specials – stay tuned for more details Merry Christmas and thanks for a great year, Karen
Neon Buddha clothing SALE 2 for 1 · 11 December 12

Lifestyle clothing SALE – PLUS sizing too
Lifestyle clothing collection for travel, home, work, yoga and you. Our clothing is crafted from 100% preshrunk cotton blends. Jackets; Pants; Tops SALE ends Dec 24th

Open late Thursday - Beginner knitting Yarn Sale · 18 October 12
Just a quick note to mention, we are now OPEN until 8:00pm on Thursdays, starting tomorrow night.
NEW!!! Our evening Knit & Chat will run Thursday
6:30pm to 8:00pm
In the Classroom; We will be offering a two part Beginner Knitting class November 8th and 15th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm $ 30.00
Pre-registration required. Yarn and handout included

Yarn specials; Greenland by Cascade, 16sts = 4” @ 5.5mm Superwash Merino 137yds
SALE $6.95 per ball

Happy knitting,
Karen

Email address · 18 October 12

greyheron@bellnet.ca

Please use this directly and not the form on this page.

Thanks, Karen

KnitFest by the Class · 22 September 12

Hi everyone,
We have a spaces left for our workshop on Saturday Sept. 29th so we have decided to offer you the opportunity to attend by enrolling by the class. The pricing listed below is for the class only. This doesn’t include the lunch or goodie bags.
The remaining spaces will be filled on a first come first served basis. Here’s your chance to learn fabulous techniques to enhance your knitting skills.
Happy knitting,
Karen Farmilo
705-444-0370
Knit Faster… Continental Knitting – morning = $35.00 for 3 hours @ 9:30am to 12:30pm
Continental knitting is arguably a faster method of knitting as it minimizes the number of motions in creating a stitch. It is also a handy skill to be comfortable with in order to make colour work stranded / Fair Isle knitting a bit speedier with a more even tension. But maybe even more exciting is to give your hands a bit of a different motion to help ward off repetitive strain. We will look at the differences between picking and throwing your yarn, and how to maneuver the yarn overs and increases and decreases.
Skills required: you must already know how to knit for this class … this class will focus on teaching you a new style or two to get you stitching faster but assumes you already can successfully work the basic stitches
Please bring or buy a worsted weight yarn and needles. (Probably about 4.5mm)
Instructor – Kate Atherley
Steeks Don’t Scare Me! – morning = $39.00 for 3 hours @ 9:30am to 12:30pm

Do you want to take your colour-work knitting to the next level? Do you want to hone your stranded colour-work skills and delve into the world of the courageous skill of steeking? We’ll practice different methods of reinforcement and learn about the do’s and don’ts of this fabulous technique. Come learn all about steeks, when we cut up our knitting on purpose! You too can cut your knitting with confidence!
Required skills:
Must be comfortable working in the round
Helpful to have some experience with 2 stranded knitting …knit stitches both English style (in the right hand) and Continental style (in the left hand).
There will be homework for this class: When you register for this class the homework will be given to you…either in person or by email. You will need to set aside about an hour or two to complete homework —Please bring: Stitch markers, Tapestry needle, Sharp sewing scissors
Instructor – Glenna C
Let’s Twist Again ! – Twisted Stitches & Traveling Cables – afternoon = $35.00 @ 1:00pm to 4:00pm
There is so much you can do with those perfect, tight, defined twisted stitches. join us to learn: What twisted stitches (ktbl) are and how they can be used differently from regular knit stitches; How to use twisted stitches in cables and twists to make sts travel in beautiful patterns; How to work these twisted cables with AND without a cable needle!

Please bring:

*worsted weight wool (ex. Cascade 220,) and needles for working small circumferences in the round (DPNs, Magic Loop Length, 2 circs)- a range of sizes 3.75mm – 5.0mm you are looking for needles sized so you would normally use to get 5 sts/inch over stockinette, plus two sizes smaller.

*stitch markers, cable needles
Instructor – Glenna C

The Perfect Fit: Size, Fit & Altering Patterns – afternoon = $35.00 @ 1:00pm to 4:00pm
This class will teach you the skills you need to ensure your knitted garments are flattering and well-fitting. We will show you how to decide on size options – and set you well along the way to a successful and flattering sweater project. We will explain how to read sizing tables and schematics. We’ll show you how to measure yourself. And most importantly, we’ll explain garment fit, including demystifying terms like “negative ease”. Come on in to explore how to adapt and alter existing patterns, to obtain the best fit for your shape. We’ll discuss what to do to find a pattern for that perfect yarn and how to go about adapting that commercial pattern you love that does not have quite the right size for you.—Please bring paper, pencil, calculator and a tape measure. If you’ve got a specific pattern you want to work with, bring that too.
Instructor – Kate Atherley

KnitFest Fall 2012 · 28 August 12

Hi everyone,
Fall is right around the corner so it’s time for KnitFest. This workshop is full of exciting techniques to learn as both Kate Atherley and Glenna C will be returning to Collingwood for another sensational visit.
We have maintained the same pricing as last time $87.00 + HST. Lunch is provided and goodie bags will be supplied.
Choose from one morning class and one afternoon class.
Since Grey Heron has expanded their space, the workshop will be held @ 66 Pine St. Collingwood
Saturday September 29, 2012 9:30am to 4:30pm
The workshop participation has been limited to 24. Please register early so you don’t miss out on your choices.
Call with your credit card number or stop in at your earliest convenience.
Happy Knitting,
Karen Farmilo
email; greyheron@bellnet.ca directly
call; 705-444-0370

Class description as follows:
Knit Faster… Continental Knitting – morning
Continental knitting is arguably a faster method of knitting as it minimizes the number of motions in creating a stitch. It is also a handy skill to be comfortable with in order to make colour work stranded / Fair Isle knitting a bit speedier with a more even tension. But maybe even more exciting is to give your hands a bit of a different motion to help ward off repetitive strain. We will look at the differences between picking and throwing your yarn, and how to maneuver the yarn overs and increases and decreases.
Skills required: you must already know how to knit for this class … this class will focus on teaching you a new style or two to get you stitching faster but assumes you already can successfully work the basic stitches
Please bring or buy a worsted weight yarn and needles. (Probably about 4.5mm)
Instructor – Kate Atherley
Steeks Don’t Scare Me! – morning

Do you want to take your colour-work knitting to the next level? Do you want to hone your stranded colour-work skills and delve into the world of the courageous skill of steeking? We’ll practice different methods of reinforcement and learn about the do’s and don’ts of this fabulous technique. Come learn all about steeks, when we cut up our knitting on purpose! You too can cut your knitting with confidence!
Required skills:
Must be comfortable working in the round
Helpful to have some experience with 2 stranded knitting …knit stitches both English style (in the right hand) and Continental style (in the left hand).
There will be homework for this class: When you register for this class the homework will be given to you…either in person or by email. You will need to set aside about an hour or two to complete homework —Please bring: Stitch markers, Tapestry needle, Sharp sewing scissors
Instructor – Glenna C
Let’s Twist Again ! – Twisted Stitches & Traveling Cables – afternoon
There is so much you can do with those perfect, tight, defined twisted stitches. join us to learn: What twisted stitches (ktbl) are and how they can be used differently from regular knit stitches; How to use twisted stitches in cables and twists to make sts travel in beautiful patterns; How to work these twisted cables with AND without a cable needle!

Please bring:

*worsted weight wool (ex. Cascade 220,) and needles for working small circumferences in the round (DPNs, Magic Loop Length, 2 circs)- a range of sizes 3.75mm – 5.0mm you are looking for needles sized so you would normally use to get 5 sts/inch over stockinette, plus two sizes smaller.

*stitch markers, cable needles
Instructor – Glenna C

The Perfect Fit: Size, Fit & Altering Patterns – afternoon
This class will teach you the skills you need to ensure your knitted garments are flattering and well-fitting. We will show you how to decide on size options – and set you well along the way to a successful and flattering sweater project. We will explain how to read sizing tables and schematics. We’ll show you how to measure yourself. And most importantly, we’ll explain garment fit, including demystifying terms like “negative ease”. Come on in to explore how to adapt and alter existing patterns, to obtain the best fit for your shape. We’ll discuss what to do to find a pattern for that perfect yarn and how to go about adapting that commercial pattern you love that does not have quite the right size for you.—Please bring paper, pencil, calculator and a tape measure. If you’ve got a specific pattern you want to work with, bring that too.
Instructor – Kate Atherley

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

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

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Don't have time to travel the world?

News & Announcements

Christmas shop hours · 14 December 12

Neon Buddha clothing SALE 2 for 1 · 11 December 12

Open late Thursday - Beginner knitting Yarn Sale · 18 October 12

Email address · 18 October 12

KnitFest by the Class · 22 September 12

KnitFest Fall 2012 · 28 August 12

Grey Heron changes size focus · 27 December 10

Get the 411 on Greener Fabrics · 3 April 09

Natural face cleansers... · 22 May 08

Make your Own chemical free cleaners · 3 April 08

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