When Lyn Mayo opened the Wee Fabric Shop in Market Square six years ago, the name fit perfectly.
Tucked into a small space inside the Seasons by-the-Sea Bistro building in Saint Andrews’ Market Square, it was a modest operation built around Mayo’s love of sewing, quilting, and handmade crafts. What she did not imagine was that six years later the business would occupy its own custom-built location, draw visitors from across Canada and beyond, and become a hub for classes, retreats, and creative community.
“I thought I’d be sitting there sewing with the odd little customer coming through,” Mayo said. “I feel like I’ve barely sewn at all in six years. We’ve been so busy.”
On May 30, Mayo celebrated the shop’s sixth anniversary, marking a journey that has taken the business far beyond its humble beginnings.
Originally from north of Toronto, Mayo moved to Saint Andrews after discovering the community while working in the information technology sector. After relocating, she worked with the local chamber of commerce, where she developed a deeper appreciation for tourism, small business, and community development.
At the same time, she continued pursuing her lifelong interest in sewing and quilting.
“My mom is quite the quilter and knitter,” Mayo said. “I’ve always loved the creativity.”
What began as a small fabric store has steadily evolved. Today, the Wee Fabric Shop carries a wide selection of fabrics, yarns, equipment, tools, and craft supplies, while also offering classes in quilting, sewing, needle felting, knitting, bag making, and other fibre arts.
More significantly, Mayo says the business has become a gathering place.
“It kind of evolved from a shop to now a community place for people to come and sew,” she said.
The move to a larger location near Kingsbrae Garden nearly a year ago provided room for both expanded retail space and a dedicated classroom. Students range from complete beginners learning to thread a sewing machine to experienced quilters looking to refine their skills.
The shop has also developed a reputation as a retreat destination, attracting visitors from across New Brunswick and as far away as Ontario and Newfoundland. Mayo regularly promotes both her business and St. Andrews at trade shows and quilting events, often finding that visitors who discover the shop become visitors to the town as well.
“A lot of people come because they saw us somewhere else first,” she said. “Then they discover Saint Andrews.”
The next phase of growth is already underway. Mayo hopes to soon open an upstairs accommodation space that would allow visitors attending classes and retreats to stay on-site, further strengthening the shop’s role as a destination for fibre arts enthusiasts.
Among the staff helping support that growth is Jeff, an instructor from Newfoundland who teaches many of the shop’s courses and specializes in long-arm quilting. Together with a growing team, they have helped build a loyal customer base that spans generations.
Mayo believes the renewed interest in sewing and other handmade crafts reflects a desire for creativity, community, and a more personal connection to the things people make and use.
Younger customers often arrive through an interest in clothing and fashion, while others are drawn by the social side of classes and workshops.
“It’s a good way to get out of the house, learn something new, and meet people,” she said.
Six years after opening its doors, the Wee Fabric Shop has grown far beyond the meaning of its name. What began as a small waterfront shop has become a destination in its own right, bringing people to Saint Andrews to learn, create, and connect.
