Specialities of the Shoppe

Hillcreek Yarn Shoppe and Hillcreek Fiber Studio are run by people with a conscience. They specialize in locally grown and produced materials and actively promote independent artisans, who make one-of-a-kind and original products. They also import Fair Trade materials, in an effort to ensure that the worker who produced the material gets fair pay for his/her workmanship.

One of the companies that Hillcreek Yarn Shoppe is proud to distribute is Philosopher's Wool. Eugene has written the full story of their company.

In short, Eugene and Ann Bourgeois began a company in 1986 that has benefitted Ontario farmers as well as knitters around the world. Eugene says it all began when he sold some wool at market and then, on his way home, bought some yarn for Ann. He realized that he'd sold his wool for pennies and then bought wool yarn for dollars. He figured there had to be a way for Ontario wool growers to make a fair living, and he set out to find the way.


Along the way, Eugene and Ann have become teachers in the best sense of the word. Yes, they do teach their special version of Fair Isle knitting in person, on video, and in their books. HYS carries their video and books, and proudly sponsored their workshop two years ago. No one who attended that workshop will forget the trunks of beautiful sweaters that were distributed among the students to try out and wear as they learned how to knit the pattern. Nor will they forget the initial surge of terror as Ann explained steeking to the class!

The message of Philosopher's Wool--that one family--can make a difference in the world rings loud and strong. Be sure to stop by and visit Ann and Eugene at Stitches Midwest. Rebecca will be there, too, renewing a long-time friendship.

----Denyse for Bex of Hillcreek Yarn Shoppe

ps - Check out Eugene -- one of the top 10 men in knitting!