Shipping increases

Posted by Brenda Alexander on November 28, 2022

Our shipping rates will be increasing as of December 1st, 2022.

As many of you will know the cost of postage within Canada has risen over the last few months. We've absorbed these rate hikes for over a year and now, regretfully have to raise our flat rate to reflect the reality of what we're being charged by Canada Post. As a small business it's hard to absorb a 40% difference between our estimate and actual shipping costs. 

On average a small package that we collect $10 for costs us $15-$16 within BC and $16 and up for the rest of Canada. That same small package can be as much as $25 + to a rural location anywhere East of Manitoba.

If at anytime Canada Post lowers it's fuel surcharge we'll re-visit our rates. 

May 2022 news..

Posted by Brenda Alexander on May 07, 2022

Welcome to May! We've had a few decent days here on the West Coast, but mostly chilly evenings and lots of rain! A great opportunity to use up that stash and start new projects. 

Business news from our perspective is about the same as the last time I posted way back in February 2021 in terms of shipping delays and product on the shelf. We (and you, our customer) have had to be very, very patient waiting for things to wend their way through the still slow shipping channels.

We have lots of stock, especially of yarns and fibres we can get within Canada. We are very thankful that Brassard continues to ship to us regularly and businesses like Nordic Yarn Imports and Estelle Yarns (our wholesalers) continue to ship within Canada in a timely way. Without exception, we have a sample garment for every yarn we carry so you can see them all "in action".

We carry a lot of product from Ashford Wheels and Looms and are thrilled to be in the TOP 10 Canadian dealers for 2021 once again. Although we have seen a few delays receiving shipments, their products are always worth the wait. Rather than just selling online and leaving you on your own, any product you buy from us we've used ourselves and can give you advice and help when needed. 

There hasn't been one supplier that hasn't raised their prices over the past 12 months. Most of these increases are due to the raising price of fuel and raw materials. As a small business we can't absorb these increases so have had to regretfully raise prices on some of our core items. 

Schacht, Majacraft and Harrisville continue to have large delays (2-3 months) in production and shipping. If you're ordering something from these companies it's a good idea to check with us first before placing your order. Unfortunately we don't have the ability to have our inventory on our site, a quick phone call to us will avoid disappointment. 

 

February 2021 update...

Posted by Brenda Alexander on February 12, 2021

I'm terrible at keeping up with a blog.. but it's been almost a year since my last post (!) so here's a quick update. Despite shortages with some yarns and equipment we have lots of stock. Brassard weaving cottons, lots of new knitting yarns (and re-stocks) including Cascade 128 Superwash Merino, Cascade Fingering, Cascade 220, many lines of Drops, Brett baby yarns, Briggs and Little in all sizes and still arriving, -  cottons and cotton blends for Spring/Summer. 

The big story for myself and many other retailers has been the lack of availability of product and shipping delays. Delays continue for Harrisville Designs, Henry's Attic and Briggs and Little in particular. If you order any of these brands it may be worth sending us an email to see if the colour/size you want is in stock. Harrisville has many colours in the Shetland and Highland lines that won't be back in stock until April 2021. 

Our big project for the past two months has been adding all our knitting yarns to the website.. we're almost 50% done so be sure to check out the "Knitting Yarn" tab we have available. The "Yarn" tab is mostly weaving yarns with some crossover.

Lastly, we're thrilled to be one of Ashford's Top 10 Dealers for the 6th year in a row! We love selling Ashford equipment, fibre and yarn and have lots of inventory available, demo looms on display and advice for you - in person, over the phone or via email. Ashford Canada is expecting a big shipment late February and again late March - if we don't have what you're looking for, we'll have it soon! 

Take care and happy crafting, Brenda :) 

 

The state of things...

Posted by Brenda Alexander on April 01, 2020

As many of you know, in addition to running the shop, Penelope's produces Fibres West. More than half way through our set-up day, Thursday, March 12, the BC Government announced that any gathering of over 250 people was not allowed to proceed. Seventy vendors including myself, had to pack up and go home.. This has had serious consequences for my small business and many others who rely on the income from the show to kick start their Spring/Summer season. 

I most sincerely agree with the decision of the BC and Federal Governments, no question that we all need to, and are, doing our part. We have re-booked the show to July 3/4, 2020 and will announce any changes to that date as we know more. 

For the time being, the new normal at my shop is lots of mail order! I've put a sale code on the site, all orders 10% off, and orders over $100 receive free shipping. This sale will continue for the month of April. 

I've had a bit of extra time and have started adding our knitting yarns that are in the store but never made it onto the website - this is being done in no particular order, so please check back regularly. I've also created a new tab, Spring Sale 2020 - also in progress.. 

Eventually products that I sell from the US will no longer be available or slower to be received. Harrisville, Schacht, Henry's Attic and Jagger Spun are closed temporarily or are working with a smaller than usual work force and when they re-open shipping will be slower to Canada than it was to my US PO Box. I'll do my best to continue to stock these products but will be monitoring shipping cost and duties. I may decide to temporarily stop ordering until I can access my US PO Box once again. 

Keep well... keep knitting, spinning, weaving and felting!

Brenda :)

* Our new space *

Posted by Brenda Alexander on September 17, 2017

We're finally open after two busy months of renos, painting and stocking... Our new location is located in a small strip mall in the Ocean Park area of South Surrey.

1665 128th Street, Surrey, BC

Existing signage at our building is a little unclear - we're down the interior hallway on the left. There's a travel agent, clothing store and cafe on the front of the building. 

 

Work continues...

Posted by Brenda Alexander on July 20, 2017

Coming soon.. our brand new retail space.. we'll continue to stock the high quality weaving, spinning, felting and knitting products we always have (now with room to expand!), but we're excited to be able to provide more knitting yarns, needles, books and other supplies for you to enjoy.. Stay tuned! 

Exciting plans are underway...

Posted by Brenda Alexander on July 06, 2017

Stay tuned..  We'll be announcing a big change for Penelope shortly.. In the meantime, we're still open for in person sales and shopping - please check the Home Page for updated info re: hours this Summer. 

Wall Hangings, this months featured products

Posted by Brenda Alexander on June 01, 2017

This month on our Home Page we're featuring 4 of our most popular products to create the wall hangings that are all over Pinterest and Etsy. Our Ashford Weaving Frames (small and large), *new* Tapestry Beater and Weaving Needles from Ashford, Ashford 100% Corriedale Sliver and Brassard Seine Twine are all you need to get started making your own, unique wall hangings.

With the addition of stash yarns, ribbons, fabrics and other embellishments, it's easy to make a lovely project for yourself or to give away.. 

 

December 2017 hours

Posted by Brenda Alexander on December 05, 2016

It's hard to believe it's December already, the year certainly has flown by.  For us November and December have been very busy filling online orders, seeing you in person at the store and, of course, planning for Fibres West in 2017 (our Ninth Annual show is March 17/18, 2017).

Here are our hours for the rest of the month (we'll be open again Jan.6/7) 

Friday, Dec. 23, 9:30-12. (we are around other times if you'd like to make an appt)

 

Fibres West 2015, recap

Posted by Brenda Alexander on March 30, 2015

Thank-you to all who attended, taught and vended!  The new venue worked out well. The renovations that the City of Surrey and the Rodeo Association completed on the Agriplex have certainly worked out well for us. Improvements to lighting and the new floor were great! We've booked for next year  - dates are Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, 2016. We certainly heard from customers and vendors that they enjoyed everything under one roof, free parking, lots of light... and of course... lots of colour and texture to inspire!