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Yarn Shop Reviews
Massachusetts
Circles
555 Amory Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-524-5500
Open Tues-Sat noon-8 and Sun noon-5
Reviewed by Jean Chang
Being close to the Orange Line (across from the Green Street T station), Circles is a convenient stop to fulfill my yarn desires. They have a toy room with a Brio train table, yarn loom and lots of goodies keeps my two year old busy (plus I can browse all the superwash wools and cottons stored in the room), a cute little library with comfy seating to browse their book and pattern collection plus a separate classroom for classes that I hope to try someday. The main attraction is a well lit space for more beautiful yarns to fondle, admire and indulge in. Unlike many buildings, Circles' building has loads of windows for natural light and a bright airy feel, making it a treat to visit for everyone.
The people are friendly and I'm looking forward to attending some of their knitting groups (aka social circles) that they have scheduled now that said two year old can play by herself for a bit.
Classic Yarns Of Grafton
202 Worcester Street
North Grafton, MA 01536
508-839-6111
Reviewed by Samantha Ramsden
This shop has a lot to offer and the people that work there are wonderful. They are like family members to all the customers. The owner, Eileen Smith, is so knowledgeable about knitting. 2/07
Creative Warehouse
220 Reservoir St.
Needham, MA 02494
781-444-9341
Reviewed by DeeDee Slone
This shop is tucked away in a small industrial complex. Best to call for directions if you are not familiar with the area. Well worth the trip.
What do I like about this shop? In addition to having lots of yarn in all price ranges, it is the most friendly yarn store I have ever been in. Everyone there is very helpful and encouraging. They do not mind my spending two hours in the store trying to put together enough colors to do an intarsia sweater and wanting it to be just right. They understand people
who knit on a budget, which sometimes I do and sometimes I do not have to. The shop is always crowded, which is unusual in my opinion. Maybe because people like to shop there.
By the way, Needham is considered
suburban Boston.
Dee's Nimble Needles and Yarn
21 West St.
Walpole, MA
508-668-8499
Reviewed by Jeanne Goodman
Dee's is a lovely little, personal shop. It's filled with yarn and supplies from every crevice of the place. They sell high quality materials. They
offer knitting classes, but they never turn away a struggling knitter with a problem or two any time they are open.
Dee even keeps a basket full of toys to keep the children of patrons from unraveling all the yarn in the shop.
They have Sunday hours, but they are closed on Mondays.
A Good Yarn
4 Station Street
Brookline, MA 02447
617-731-4900
Reviewed by Alison Hansel
Just outside of Boston, A Good Yarn has so many wonderful knitted items on display and in the windows that one is just inspired to start knitting. They have such a beautiful wall of yarns, that you can't help but plan a new project each time you come in! In addition to carrying all the current yarns, patterns, and books as well as the requisite supplies, they offer various courses from beginning to finishing. The owner is also especially helpful in planning projects and providing tips on techniques.
Heath Hen Yarn and Quilt Shop
Tisbury Marketplace
Beach Rd.
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Martha's Vineyard Island
508-693-6730
Reviewed by Nancy Blankenship
A good selection of Lopi with many patterns and some Lambs Pride. Several novelty yarns with patterns available. Usually a good supply of Classic Elite cotton. Sale bin is usually 30% off and usually restricted to oddballs. Large selection of baby yarn and patterns. Full selection of Inox, Clover and Brittany (although Brittany's seem to be disappearing). Everything is marked so there's no surprises. Carries the usual magazines and latest books. Will order for you. Knowledgeable (some very) and
friendly staff.
Knit Wit
120 Railroad Ave.
Rockport, MA 01966
978-546-7295
(Leah, proprietor)
Reviewed by Myrna Johnsen
Large tourist area. Very professional with vast knowledge of knitting and crocheting. Leah is very helpful. Large display of Scandinavian patterns as well as unique ones for babies, toddlers, adults. Has knitting machine so is also able to help with questions regarding this as well.
Knitting Treasures Yarn Shoppe
17 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
508-747-2500
Reviewed by Ann Hale
This was a splendid shop! We went in with a repair project for advice and to see if they carried something similar in the way of the yarn it was made of many years ago. Lo and behold! They did! We were also impressed that they let us poke around in all the nooks and crannies for nearly 2 hours without getting impatient in the least and they made fantastic suggestions for purchases and projects. We made a lovely day of our visit as the shop is conveniently located in downtown Plymouth, next to restaurants and tea and coffee shops. 4/08
Mind's Eye Yarns
25 White Street
Cambridge, MA 02140
617-354-7253
Reviewed by Julia Cochrane
The owner, Lucy Lee, has knitting and spinning lessons which double as a weekly knitting or spinning circle. I look forward to the knitting group every Wednesday evening (spinning is on Thursday). It is
a highlight of my week. It is composed of a dynamic and free-spirited (and sometimes noisy..this is a good thing) group of young women of all ages as well as the occasional man!
As a former band teacher, Lucy has the patience to teach any aspiring knitter or spinner. She also teaches inexpensive one-evening or day specialty knitting
courses, such as Fair Isle knitting and mitten-making.
She sells unique, high-quality yarn, some of it hand-dyed in the shop, plus all the necessary knitting accessories, including Crystal Palace bamboo needles. She also sells Ashford and Reeves spinning wheels and accessories, as well as drop spindles. This is a shop I'd highly recommend.
Mt. Laurel Yarn Boutique (& Polish Pottery)
425 Main St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
508-347-0130
Reviewed by Kathy Zawadzki
A great find! This shop opened in the fall of 2003 and has excellent service. This little gem is set back from the main st. a bite-but has a large sign in front. Their yarn selection includes choices from the favorite designers - rowan,noro,,jo sharp,katia,sidar and so on. They are have a nice display of finished projects to encourage you to spend more.The ladies who work there are eager to help-no question is too silly to ask. I have been there twice-and will return happily.
Necessities For Needlework
80 Main Street
Westborough, MA 01581
508-366-1132
Reviewed by Elyse Mansfield
This shop is owned by Barbara Innis, an absolutely lovely woman. Barbara is a wealth of knowledge, just as her shop holds a wealth of yarns. But not only is it a knitter's paradise, it is heaven for any stitcher. Barbara's stock includes supplies for knitters, cross-stitchers and needlepointers. She is also set up to do framing once your work is completed. This shop offers a very warm, welcoming atmosphere fora beginner to come and learn, or for a veteran to come an extend her skills. Make sure to allow a long visit as there is so much to look at in the shop. In addition, once you are involved in a conversation with
Barbara, it is indeed hard to leave! Enjoy!
Newbury Yarns
164 Newbury Street (1st floor rear)
Boston. MA
(617)572-3733
M,W,F & Sat. 10-6; Thursday 10-7; Sun. 12-6
Reviewed by Kathy Randall
Nestled amidst the wonderful shops of Newbury Street is one of the nicest shops I've seen, Newbury Yarns.
Owner Aldrich Robinson has created a very inviting destination for knitters of all skill levels. Her nicely lit shop (lots of daylight) is great for matching or studying color and texture. The shop is also well suited for classes or just to sit and visit with the wonderful selection of books...or Aldrich herself, who couldn't be nicer!
Her inventory is constantly expanding and her selection of yarns include some of the most luxurious I've touched. She has a nice selection of knitting accessories (including some great Lantern Moon baskets perfect for toting projects) and is willing to accommodate custom orders.
Despite the fact that I really don't need any more of anything knitting related, I've decided I HAVE to make Newbury Yarns a must on my list of things to do when I visit Boston!
Putting on the Knitz
1282 Washington Street
West Newton, MA 02465
617-969-8070
Reviewed by Jean Moyer
Don and Janet have the most immediate knitters' karma I have ever felt. The first time I walked into their shop I knew I had found a home. It's the place I go for strokes, in addition to knitting goods and answers . There is
a round table where lessons and projects are always in progress. The talk is by knitters about knitting, and some of us are pretty good storytellers.
The stock isn't very deep, but they will order anything from anywhere for you and if you have the patience, it's always worth the wait. Do yourself a favor and drop in soon. Tell them Jean sent you.
This shop was reviewed by a second knitter.
Reviewed by Heather McGovern
I went in there and felt right at home. I had called to see if they had something. I went in about 15 minutes later. I walked in and said Hi I just called. before I could get out another word, he got up and got what I asked for on the phone. He then helped me make up a new fun project to make with a yarn that caught my eye. They were very nice, although as my mother was picking a skein of yarn out of a bagful, he made the comment to her They are all the same, it doesn't matter. This put us both off because we thought if you are paying for yarn and want to feel every skein in the store you should feel welcome to do so. Anyway, we did have a great time for the 1/2 hr we were there. We also were encouraged to come back with any questions or for a lesson free of charge. He actually told us we could come for as long as we wanted. For those of you who live in the area, he teaches at the local High School community ed classes at night. Look him up....
Seed Stitch Fine Yarn
10 Front Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-5557
Reviewed by Cheryl Liacos-Halstead
I went in there for help with a pattern, a Drop Stitch Pattern, and they were the nicest people. They answered my question and told me about their classes and their Thursday night get together for the local knitters. Their yarn is great! Nice colors and a great selection of different yarns. Very friendly and helpful! 5/07
Spalco
21 Pearl Street
Webster, MA 01570
508-949-0406
Reviewed by Dolores C. Haddad
Question: Who are the well-known European experts regarding knitting? Answer: the English women, of course. Located in Webster, Massachusetts (central Massachusetts just outside of Worcester), Spalco is owned and operated by a lovely English woman named Sylvia Allen. Sylvia has a 1000 square foot space in historic mill complex dedicated to your knitting and
crocheting needs. The discounted yarns featured are: Patons, Sidar, Canadiana, Jaeger, Phildar, Beehive, Plymouth, hundreds of single patterns plus books, needles, accessories and, in addition, quality wool fabrics. Mail orders are welcome.
This shop was reviewed by a second knitter.
Reviewed by Heather McGovern
This is a large shop, but all the 1000 sq ft are not dedicated to knitting and crochet. They have a lot of decorator and fashion fabrics as well as zippers and other notions. Some of the stuff appears old, and somewhat yellowed, but the yarn was not. There was a lot of skeins of what was in stock, but not a large assortment, which one might expect from a store this large. Sylva is a love. She called me and my daughter this at least 3 times. I liked her so much, I wish she had more to choose from....
Webs
75 Service Center Road
Northampton, MA
413-584-2225
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:00am-5:30pm
Reviewed by Tracy Wilson
I felt like a kid in a candy store as soon as I walked into this terrific yarn shop. Webs carries an enormous range of yarns for handknitters, machine knitters, and weavers, including not only most of the major yarns we're all familiar with, but also their own line of yarns (which are offered at a lower price than the major brands). Just
when you think you've seen everything the shop has to offer, you go through a doorway and see the warehouse behind the shop! You are virtually guaranteed to find exactly the kind of yarn you are looking for in this incredible shop. And if you can't make it to the shop, they
do mail order.
Wild and Woolly
7A Meriam St
Lexington, MA
781-861-7717
Reviewed by Laura Need
This wonderful store, tucked away on a side street in the center of Lexington, is great. You know you're in good hands as you walk in and a wall of yarn stretches back along the narrow shop space. To your right is a section devoted to children's knits with emphasis on the Dalebarn series, as well as an ever expanding selection of interesting and unusual buttons. In addition, there is a large basement area, bursting at the seams with more yarn. This store is one of the local distributors for the Rowan line of yarns, featured in their upstairs rooms, and they frequently have sample sweaters from recent Rowan publications made up. The staff are wonderful, full of advice and praise. As an added feature for the repeat visitor, there is a bulletin board right in the front of the store, featuring candid snapshots of proud customers adorned in their homemade finery.
This shop was reviewed by a second knitter.
Reviewed by Elise Hersey
There is never a time that I have been in this wonderful store that I haven't left with an idea or a new way of doing something. Besides the endless yarns, there is the staff. Everyone that works there is a master knitter or designer. If you have a large problem there is the knitting doctor with whom you can make an appointment. She will also re-write patterns to specific measurements. The manager of Wild and Woolly has a mind like a trap. Not only does she remember your name, but the project and yarn that you were working the last time you were in the store. It well worth the trip if you are in the Lexington area.
Willie's Woolen Works
10 Mass Ave.
Lunenburg, MA 01462
978-345-1300
Reviewed by Laurie Whitney
This is a wonderful yarn shop with a weaving center as well. They carry various looms inculding Schact, Norwood, Harrisville, etc.
They offer lessons in weaving, knitting. crochet, spinning, etc.
Also, if they do not have what you would like in stock, they will be happy to place a special order for you.
Wonderful shop with personal service. Whatever you need they will try to help you.
Windsor Button Shop
35 Temple Place
Boston, MA 02111
617-482-4969
Reviewed by Cindy L. Colafella
Tucked away on a side street, only a block from the start of Boston's historic Freedom Trail, is a yarn store that is a hidden treasure! The shop provides an eclectic mix of incredible yarn, needlework, sewing and craft supplies, a large array of buttons, and even a bridal department.
I just started knitting again after 20 years and I rush back to look at their incredible selection of reasonably priced yarn, including Berroco, Brown Sheep, Cascade, Plymouth, Jaeger, and the best selection of Lion Brand yarn I've ever seen. I always take one of my nieces with me and they have more fun than I do looking at all of the gorgeous sewing, knitting, and craft items on display. I love this store most of all because the staff is so friendly and so helpful and willing to offer assistance in any project that I'm working on. They also offer classes in knitting, crochet, and other crafts. It's a wonderful place to find whatever you need for your needlework and is definately worth a visit!
Wonderful Things
232 Stockbridge Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Hours: Mon.- Sat. 9:30 - 5:30, Sun. 12-4
413-528-2473
Fax: 413-528-0526
Reviewed by Kathleen Charest
I was visiting the Berkshires for some sightseeing and relaxation and saw an ad proclaiming Largest Selection of Yarn in the Berkshires. Yeah, right, I thought, how many times have I heard something like that only to find a very limited selection once I get there. Well... this place was well worth the short trip out of our way!! On the outside it doesn't look like much, but walk in and you find rooms and rooms of every kind of yarn imaginable.
A lot of places specialize in one type of yarn, either wool, cotton, or what have you. This place had everything. A little pricey, but I could have spent the whole day looking. There were other things too, needlework and such, but I spent about two hours and had no time to look at anything else.
Not only a great selection of types of yarn, but also lots of colors available for many yarns.
This shop was reviewed by a second knitter.
Reviewed by Aileen Kawabe
Wonderful Things also has an incredible yarn orphanage. It is a small room tucked away in the back that is about the size of a large walk-in closet. There are shelves from floor to ceiling and once in a while when I've gone the shelves have been stuffed full with more bags of yarn on the floor. At its most sparse, I have seen the orphanage only 1/4 full. All yarn in the orphanage is 50% off which can make for some incredible deals on lovely yarns that haven't sold. It is the largest discount section I have seen at any yarn shop.
The Wool Basket Inc.
P.O. Box 1791
19 Depot Street
Duxbury, MA 02331
781-934-2700
Reviewed by Sharon Wason
A small but very well stocked store in a beautiful town south of Boston. A great selection including Dale, Rowan, Jamieson (there's a wonderful group of Fair Isles displayed in shop), etc. I always pick up a bargain or two along with the expensive stuff.
The Woolpack
340 Great Road
Acton Woods Plaza
Acton, MA 01720
978-263-3131
Hours: Mon 10-5pm, Tues - Thurs 10-7pm, Fri-Sat 10-5pm, Sun 12-4pm
Reviewed by Maryanne Cleary
The Woolpack is unlike any shop I have ever been in. An wide open area with tables and friendly faces greets you as you enter. The lower level is relaxing with tables for work, tea for drinking and a fluffy chair or two for knitting or a patient spouse. There is a large play house for the little ones and books galore. A kid-fun ramp leads up to an area that is a candy-store for knitters - color and textures are plentiful. I love all the samples, projects and swatches of the yarn. The place is big (though it looks small from the outside) and I like being able to move without feeling that I am going to knock things over as in other shops. The yarn ranges from funky novelities that I like to make gift scarves at holidays to lush cashmeres and silks. I especially love the fine lace yarns - handpaints, mohairs, and wools. Just wonderful.
I can spend hours just touching and dreaming of knitting and yarn there. And I am always welcome to just sit and knit. It is my home away from home.
The Yarn Basket
165 Massachusetts Ave.
Lunenburg, MA 01462
978-353-6796
Reviewed by Sandy Long
An extensive variety of yarns from the basics to the most exotic of
novelties. Great selections of yarns and patterns from companies like Berroco, Skacel, Reynolds,
Plymouth, Sirdar, KFI, Fibertrends, Erdal, Patons and Lion Brand. Prices
are very competitive and help is always available from the staff with selecting
the appropriate yarns and patterns.
Yarn Shop
27 Mendon St.
Uxbridge, MA 01569
508-278-7748
Open: Mon-Sat
Owner: Kathleen Paquin
Reviewed by Lisa Brinkman
This wonderful yarn shop has an ever expanding array of yarn which is exceptionally well organized. You'll find old favorites and current trends, wools, cottons and blends (such as Berroco, Brown Sheep, Ironstone, Plymouth and Paton's). Lots of needles (including Inox circular and the popular straight bamboo), a large display of buttons, and many patterns (both current and vintage) supplement the sumptuous yarns. Sample garments tempt the knitter to new endeavors. There's a great bargain table and knitting classes.
Best of all, there's the owner, Kathleen Paquin, a knitter for 50 years as well as a knitwear designer. Friendly, ever helpful with expert advice, she can clarify or change a pattern or take you step by step through a difficult knitting concept. Kathy's true enthusiasm for the craft makes this thriving yarn shop a pleasure to visit.
This shop was reviewed by a second knitter.
Reviewed by Heather McGovern
This was fun!! So many novelty yarns and new ideas. They were so nice. I wish I had more time there because I live far away, but they had lots of new ideas and examples right on the table for easy viewing. The yarns were in bright, interesting colors too. I tend to see a lot of beige, navy, and black in a lot of shops. They had a lot of pinks, reds, purple, greens and light colors. It seemed to me the yarns were cheaper than I had seen them elsewhere, but I have not comparison shopped. Please visit if you're in the area. You'll get lots of new ideas.
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