The Loop Craft Cafe

After grabbing a second helping of beany-​ricey-​saucy goodness from Burrito Jax up the street, I wandered down to this little spot to check it out. It’s been here quite a while — I’ve been in here twice before, once to buy some double-​pointed bamboo needles and once shortly after it opened just to peek inside. This time I had a few coins in the meter across the street and nowhere in particular to be, so I took my time looking around.
My first thought was colourful chaos, which is the best kind of craft store. The shelves are filled with mostly animal fibres, but there are plant and synthetic ones too. But if there were hanks of squeaky acrylic in there, they were hiding in shame — local and fair trade wool from sheep and alpacas, along with gorgeous mohairs, cashmeres, silks, bamboo, and combinations of all these things. If you’re looking to make a piece to treasure forever, come here first. The yarns are, for the most part, softly dyed in classic colours that will stand the test of time. And sock lovers, fear not — there’s an array of hand-​dyed and self-​patterning rainbow-​hued yarns at the back. If you’re looking to make some amigurumi or throw together some mittens for a little person that will likely end up ground into a puddle on the playground, this isn’t the place to be. The yarns are pricey, but it definitely reflects their quality. Felters and embroiderers are welcome too — there are some kits up at the front and various textile workshops are offered here over the year.
The Loop has a definite Halifax vibe — pamplets and flyers promoting local festivals, events, artists and art fairs were scattered in a few areas. Glancing up, I saw a tiny loft where a few crafters were picking away on projects and sipping tea in companionable silence. The clink of dishes could be heard through a small door off the landing, which I’m told is Ciboulette, the little-​sister café to Halifax institution Chives Bistro. Since I was already stuffed with burrito I took a pass on exploring up there but will definitely be back to check that out.
The woman who was working, and who I believe is the owner, was happy to take me on a short tour, showing me all the softest, furriest yarns she had for my future fuzzy bunny slippers. She stepped away a few times to help knitters who were stuck on a technique, but always came back to discuss the merits of each of the several types of yarns she dug up for me. I could tell by the way she handled the yarns, the gentle way she spoke with the other customers, and the sheer amount of knowledge she had on the local knitting scene that she genuinely loves what she does and that she believes knitting needles belong in everyone’s hands. No snobbery here at all — if you’ve never held a pair of sticks or if you’ve been knitting since Noah got off the ark, you’re welcome.
I left empty-​handed (this time!) because I’ve already got three WIPs in a bag at home. But when it’s time to make those bunny slippers, I know exactly where to go! What a great little spot! It’s exactly what I’d want for a studio, if I was a full-​time knitter.

I’ve managed to avoid this place for a while, but I finally caved to temptation and went in when I was searching for yarn for a few projects. (That’s right, bet you didn’t know I was a knitter… am a knitter… sometimes. It’s a torrid affair.)
I agree with the previous reviewer who said it feels like stepping onto a stage. There weren’t many people there, but the staff did a good job of not being overbearing and leaving me alone to peruse when I said I was just looking around. I found the perfect yarn for my needs, picked up a ball of clearance yarn for practice, and got stitch markers while I was at it. They seem to offer a small but carefully curated selection, which is the opposite of what I’m used to.
Their prices are definitely Barrington prices. The yarn was fair-​trade and pretty gorgeous hand-​dyed yarn, though, so I can understand it. The owner who served me was friendly and chatty as we finished the transaction.
Overall, I enjoyed my visit but I wouldn’t go in here to browse around — only to find a specific hand-​painted, locally-​made yarn for that special project now and again.

There was a time when I thought I could find a crafting activity that was so simple, I could keep up with it. I thought knitting was the perfect project, because I could carry it with me to work on it on the bus, knit at lunch at work, and work on it while watching TV. Heck, I even had a knitting party once, but that quickly devolved into a liquored mess of tangled yarn and half-​finished… something resembling a dishcloth. Before I got frustrated with my inability to do more than glorified scarves that never end (still haven’t mastered casting off), I used to pop by the Loop for some skeins and supplies.
If you’re working on a project and didn’t pick up enough yarn to finish, and if that batch is not in, they’ll gladly order some and let you know when the shipment arrives. Even still, it’s easy to find a beautiful skein of yarn to inspire another project for you to work on while you wait. They have a great selection of local and imported yarn. Unfortunately, the selection is a little bit limited, and can be a bit more expensive than other yarn suppliers. What might be worth the visit, other than the quaint interior in a convenient location, is interacting with the staff. If you don’t know what you’re doing, they’re experts and can give you great advice. In fact, they often have workshops to teach basic and novice users some of the intricacies of knitting, felting, and working with fibre.
Now that my younger sister has picked up the skills and wants to teach me (I can’t let her surpass me!), I’ll likely be stopping in again to re-​supply my stock.

I love me some yarn, and I love me a good LYS. The Loop is … okay. Depending on who’s behind the counter.
The Loop has a good selection of yarn that I like: worsted to chunky weight. They carry brands and colours I like, so I do enjoy browsing. They also have lots of bamboo needles, which I use almost exclusively.
I stopped in yesterday to pick up some yarn and needles. I believe there are two owners? One is very nice and approachable; the other … not so much. The latter was there that day. I made the mistake of joking about «stupid taxes» after being given my total. I was told with a stoney face that those taxes let me walk into a hospital and be treated without paying. Oookaaaayyy.
I just laughed it off and got out of there. But for the customer service at The Loop I would probably be a more regular customer. However, since there are other LYS’s to be visited in HRM and beyond (I’m looking at you, Have a Yarn), I’m not going to sweat it. I will be back though ’cause their location is super-​convenient for those of us who work downtown.

I’m pretty much the opposite of crafty. I usually go into a project with the best of intentions and inevitably end up with a bottle of wine on the floor, surrounded by failed attempts at creating something «with love.» So the likelihood of succeeding at a knitting project, having never done more with a ball of yarn than bat it around like a kitten, wasn’t looking good.
My visit to the loop was for a very short crash course in knitting in general. The delightful owner sat with me for the better part of an hour to show me the basics, explain the different supplies required, and send me on my way with my very first row finished. (I know… just a row… I’m a very slow learner with crafty things. We wanted to set me up for success.)
The atmosphere of the shop was a treat — it was kind of like a Biscuit General Store where there’s room for you to hang out and work away, not to mention the perk of having Ciboulette Café connected via balcony up above. Staff had an overwhelming knowledge of not just their products, but knitting in general, as I heard them giving specific advice to other, MUCH more advanced customers.
Now, an inherent lack of patience and ability to follow simple instructions will definitely keep me from being a dedicated knitter, but my time spent at The Loop was so lovely that I can’t help but want to try again. Or at least bat yarn around like a kitten as an excuse to hang out with them again…

My love for the Loop knows no bounds. If you love fibre art (knitting, felting, crocheting, whatevering), this is your heaven. The owners are some of the nicest people ever (passionate about fibre arts and our downtown) and the shelves are full of some of the prettiest and loveliest yarns ever.
Sometimes, I just like to go in and feel the different yarns and wish I could knit something with them. Other times, I go in and buy yarn without a project, just because I like it so much. I’m also able to go in for tools like needles (for knitting, felting and embroidery) or scissors (I have embroidery scissors from here in the prettiest wood holder).
You can take classes, but you can also pop in if you have a quick question about your project. And if you’re not sure what to buy for the pattern you have in hand, they’ll guide you through that as well. Sometimes things are pricey, but trust, y’all: it’s worth every penny.
As a bonus (like it needs one), it’s attached to Ciboulette, so you can pop upstairs for a coffee and get started on your knitting. Because if you’re like me, once you get what you need for a project, you can’t wait to get started.

I have stopped by this shop a few times and have to say that I feel a bit out of sorts when ever I enter. I almost feel like I’m stepping onto the stage and all eyes are on me. I enjoy yarn enough that I quickly shake this feeling and mill about.
The staff is friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable, though a bit lacking in comparison to other shops.
It’s in a great location on Barrington and not far from a Starbucks. Pick up your needles and some yarn and head down for a coffee! Can’t beat that.
I find this shop is a bit pricey and somewhat on the high end however.
It’s perfect however for artisans in superior textiles. Very very luxurious yarns and a decent selection in the finest.
If you’re looking to upscale your knitted garment, this is the place to go.

Cute as a button and as colorful as a bag of candy beans — The Loop adds a ping of life to an otherwise sleepy Barrington Street.
I’ve tiptoed into this yarn shop on a few occasions. I can’t say that the service was as sweet as the shop, but it has been fine and relatively helpful. I have eyed various wools, notably their selection of loose materials perfect for needle felting. The selection of unspun wool isn’t as bountiful as some other shops in the city, but it’s nicely displayed and has cute ‘lil signs that tell you prices and places of origin.
The window displays and meticulously crafted in-​store creations will have you tickled pink and itching to gain gold badge knitter status. Take a class or pick up a how-​to book and get yourself on the road to creation. You may not be able to whip up a sweater while rocking in your chair watching Matlock, but you’ll have fun learning and perhaps revel in the pride of your new scarf (or square).

Ahh, knitting. One of those things you assume you should be able to pick up no problem only apparently, it takes a lot of time and skill. Bummer.
If you are interested in learning to knit, ‘The Loop’ has great classes. For those of you already in possession of the afore mentioned skills, this little knitting boutique also offers crochet workshops as well as spinning and felting workshops. The Loop also offers drop in knitting classes called ‘Loop group’. Here is their monthly workshop list:
The only downside to The Loop is the cost, although some of this is a reflection of the fact that they carry organic and fair spun (fair trade) products. Definitely recommend giving one of their workshops a try! I signed up with a couple girlfriends and it was a great winter weekend activity! Be forewarned though: You won’t be leaving your first class with an Ipod/​cellphone holder, mittens or a scarf. You’ll probably only have 4 wobbly rows or so but that’s ok, right? :)