The Story of Knotty By Nature

According to Stephanie

In my mid-twenties, a family member of mine was gifted a pair of socks that a great-aunt had knit, even though she was blind. When I met her I was inspired to give knitting a try.

“If she could knit a pair of socks blind, I should be able to figure this out!”

I started my first project — a pair of socks. The first sock was very tightly knit and the ribbing on the sock cuff turned out as a garter stitch. But I did it! I knit a pair of socks (with my mom helping me from thousands of miles away over the phone).

“Don’t try to understand what is happening,” she said, “simply follow the instructions and trust the pattern.”

Many projects later, I met Ryan. Together we entered an endless world of fibre. From there, our love grew and intertwined with the fibre arts.

With the discovery of the knitter’s loom, Ryan took up weaving between his calls as a bike courier. His handwoven scarves were sold on consignment to downtown coffee patrons on Fort Street.Business sense and creativity began to emerge. The possibilities were endless — we were inspired.

From that point on, it was akin to having a second job, we worked many nights and weekends developing a business plan. After a solid year of conscious effort, Knotty by Nature Fibre Arts was born.

Fibre arts has been an integral part of many of our friendships. My friendship with Rebecca was strengthened by the stresses of work and woven together with the knitter’s loom. Her wisdom and vision was an integral part of the long term success of our business for which I am eternally grateful.

We are also grateful for the support of the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation, Coast Capital Savings, and family and friends, new and old.

Along our entrepreneurial journey, we have encountered many fabulous fibre lovers; fibre arts breeds a certain type of spirit, one who is nurturing and connected to the earth. Through our mutual enthusiasm, we created Fibrations, an annual fibre arts festival that promotes local natural products and artisans.

Fast forward to today! Since opening in September 2008, Knotty by Nature has been a pillar of the fibre arts community. We have inspired and taught more than 3000 new knitters, weavers, needle felters, wet felters and spinners. Vive la fibre revolution!

Recognition has included Business of the Year by BC Aboriginal Achievement Awards in 2011, Eco-Entrepreneur by Black Press in 2012 and Best of the City in 2019.