The story of knotty by nature

Welcome to Knotty by Nature: A Fibre Arts Haven

Some of the best ideas start in the most unexpected moments. For us, it all began on a snow day. Our family gathered around the table, making needle-felted Christmas ornaments, when we realized we were running out of wool roving. A quick search for more led to a frustrating discovery—there was nowhere local to buy fibre arts supplies. Knitting stores were common, but a shop dedicated to felting, weaving, spinning, and fibre arts beyond knitting? That was rare.

That small moment planted a seed, and in 2008, Stephanie Papik and Ryan Davis co-founded Knotty by Nature.

A Weaver’s Journey: How Knotty by Nature Evolved

As the shop grew, so did our own creative journeys. At a Saltspring Island Fibre Festival, Ryan picked up weaving for the first time—and fell in love with it. Working as a bicycle messenger, he started weaving scarves from thrifted wool between shifts, refining his skills and developing a deep appreciation for natural fibres and sustainable materials. Over time, weaving became woven into the business itself, shaping not only what KBN offers but also its mission: to make fibre arts accessible, community-driven, and deeply connected to nature.

In 2019, Stephanie and Ryan parted ways, and Ryan became the sole owner of Knotty by Nature. But Stephanie will always be a part of the story of how we got here.

What Makes Knotty by Nature Special?

We’re not just a yarn store. While we carry plenty of knitting supplies, our heart lies in the fibre arts that often get overlooked—felting, weaving, macramé, and spinning. Our shelves are stocked with hand-dyed wool, ethically sourced fibres, and carefully selected tools that make creating easier and more enjoyable.

But we’re more than a retail shop—we’re a learning space and a community hub. Since 2008, we’ve taught multitudes of people through workshops, loom rentals, and in-store drum carding. Many of our customers start with one craft and expand, learning to spin their own fibre, weave their own textiles, and combine multiple fibre arts into their own unique projects. Seeing that creative evolution is what keeps us inspired.

We’re also committed to making fibre arts accessible to everyone. We offer:

✔️ The Yarn Library – free yarn for those who need it.

✔️ Affordable rentals for looms, drum carders, and spinning wheels.

✔️ Generous support for home learners and forest school programs.

✔️ Community events like Fibrations, which bring fibre artists together.

🌈 From the moment you step onto our rainbow-painted steps, you’ll know you’re in a place where everyone is welcome. Creativity has no limits, and neither does our commitment to inclusivity.

🐈 And of course, there’s Sokka, our beloved shop cat—guardian of the yarn, keeper of the comfy chair, and unofficial greeter of all who enter.

Join Our Creative Community

📍 Visit us in Fernwood, explore our online shop, or stop by one of our workshops—let’s create something beautiful together.