If I could, I would spend all of my free time in a yarn store. I would never, ever get bored. Why go to a yarn store? Is that what you said? WHY NOT? is my answer! My friends that don’t knit always look at me funny when I say I am going to the yarn store. Those closest to me know I have an apartment full of yarn, and think I don’t need anymore. Ha!! To that I say “whatever man”
Today I woke up with the yarn store as my goal and not to purchase yarn either. So why go you think, right? WRONG. Let me tell you at least 5 reasons I go to a yarn store, you ready? Let’s go….
5 Reasons to visit a Yarn store
- The first and most obvious reason is YARN! But wait I feel the need to explain here. Until my good girl friend introduced me to a REAL yarn store, when I thought of getting yarn I ran to Michaels or A.C.moore. You see I had no idea these fiber sanctuaries existed. I didn’t know I could get up close and personal with Merino, Cotton, Silk, Linen, Alpaca and Cashmere. I mean who knew these fiber oasis were open to mere mortals like me. So yea if you love yarn..you NEED, MUST find yourself a Yarn store ASAP!
Wonderland Yarns “pigments of imagination” in the color way Cheshire Cat 100% super wash merino 
For better or worsted by Anzula and luxury blend that includes cashmere - The second reason I stalk, oops I mean visit a yarn store is inspiration. A true yarn store will have samples all around the store that are wallet magnets…wait I mean inspiring. The samples give you an idea of what all that yarn you purchased could look like once it’s knit or crocheted. You can try on said samples and fall ALL the way in love and refuse to leave the store without EVERYthing you need to re-create said sample. What? I have done that a time or two,three,four..well who is counting? I am inspired, no matter what yarn spa I walk into. There is almost always something hanging up that I MUST make NOW! Like today at Do Ewe Knit. I got to touch and feel the Cane Bay Wrap yup I must make it! Gonna go back and get the yarn next week. Look ain’t it nice?
- The third reason is help! That is the sole reason I went to the yarn store today is for help. My current WIP is all but done, but I couldn’t visualize the pattern instructions at all. I did what I thought it was telling me to do and was not happy at all. So I went to see Karen, the owner of Do Ewe Knit? and we brainstormed on how I could finish this pattern. Then more of her customers came in, which meant more help! You see why I LOVE visiting yarn stores?
- The fourth reason is new fiber friends! I have met some amazing folks in yarn stores. I mean I have met designers like Stephen West and Stephen Be in a yarn store. Amazing right? Yea it is and it seems like crafters are some of the kindest folks out there. I love to sit in a yarn store and just talk Ravelry or Rhinebeck, it is an experience that you have to be in, because someone telling you just doesn’t do it justice. I have yet to walk into a yarn store and leave without a new fiber friend 🙂
- The final reason is…yarn! But wait, new yarn, yarn I had never tried or heard of or touched or squished. Yes squished, you have to squeeze the yarn that’s a requirement.
and you have to say “it’s so squishy” while you are at it! hahahahahahahahaa so like today for instance, I went for help right? Well Karen was preparing to stock some new yarn and the colors should be illegal. Like a shark to blood, my yarn radar went off. I tried not to open the package and molest the fiber, but I needed to know if it was worthy. It had to past the squish-test <—I made that up just now :p 
this Wonderland Yarn right here…O M Gee!!!! My fingers are not worthy, I needed to put on gloves, I mean, I had to bring it home with me..just one pack. I see you looking at me sideways. This is a judge free zone!! hahahahahahahahahahahaha
BONUS: they have the cutest “other stuff” 
Now it’s your turn, do you have other reasons?
Knit on my fiber friends…knit on
~GG
I find your reasons compelling…and correct! Lately, though, because of topography/geography, I’ve found myself hanging out at the larger crafts stores. I feel a little guilty, but not enough to stay away!
when you say larger (my yarn radar went off) what do you mean? LQQkin
Like Jo-Ann Crafts Stores and Michaels.
oh ok, we have them here too
Looks like Knit-A-Bit was in your radar today, too. Love both stores!! I totally agree with all of your reasons for visiting a YARN shop! I have met the greatest people, been so inspired, have felt and squished the most wonderful yarns, and have a much better appreciation for the art. Purchasing online is easy, but the only thing you interact with is your computer. You can’t touch or feel the product, no one else gets excited for your purchase, and you don’t get to sit, knit, and get inspired by the other artists around you. And don’t forget yarn frenzying with your knit buddies — that tops my list for visiting a YARN shop!
I went to Knit-a-Bit last week to grab buttons. I love the other Gay (Susan’s middle name is Gay) I can’t wait for the grand opening at the new place. Yes getting yarn in the mail is fun..but NOTHING compares to actually visiting a yarn store! let’s touch and agree.
So wonderful hanging out at my store Do Ewe Knit with ewe and new fiber friends. My goal when I opened was to make my customers feel so welcome like they were entering my home. Sitting on the French couch or at the giant table knitting ,chatting having coffee and making new friends is what I have created.. Forget about your bad day or anything else and just relax , hang out with yarn, it will always make you feel better.
and you were absolutely successful!! Thank you for having a place I can visit and relax
Your 5 reasons were spot on! The local yarn store is a sanctuary…and better than yoga or meditation. I find it relaxing. One of the best things about a local yarn store is that you get introduced to independent dyers and spinners. People who are fiber obsessed just like us.
I know your mantra is “go big or go home.” Did you see that Loopy Mango has size 100 circular needles? 😍 They are on my list along with some yarn to make chunky throw for my bed.
I am trying to behave..so I look through my fingers. But when I get a permanent job..look out! LOL! But yes yarn stores are just the absolute best!
I would like to add that when I go to a fiber store some fiber knows my name, because I can hear it calling me : “Grace, take me home.”
hahahahahahaha I know EXACTLY what you mean!!
Hey Gaye! I have to admit whenever I need yarn I usually run to Michaels or A.C. Moore when there are 2 local yarn shops in my area *hangs head in shame* To be honest, I’m scared to visit them because the way you talk about yarn shops, I’m afraid I will go in there and lose my mind hahahahaha 🙂
I will go in though because the displays are always so beautiful and inviting and if I just bring a certain amount of money with me and no cards (debit, credit) I should be okay. When I finally do visit, I’ll be sure to take some pics to share 🙂
well when you go please share your pics and your purchases. Because you will buy something
I most definitely will 🙂
Nae it’s great to have a plan, because yes you can go crazy. I look forward to pics
Hello, I like to collect yarn, so I don’t have to run to the store when inspiration strikes me. I cannot knit big projects anymore so I make sweaters for dolls in about 1mm needles 4/0-5/0. You are really good at knitting. I’ve knitted since I was about 5 years old.
Thanks for the visit and the compliment