by Jessica-Jean on Friday, Feb 27 2009 at 03:56PM UTC

Maybe it's me, but - despite 55 years of knitting experience - that woman makes me feel unwelcome. Even when I go in her store with every intention of making a purchase, I usually leave rather more quickly than I entered. Outside in whatever weather is more comfortable than inside under her watchful eye.
Maybe she just doesn't like really big women who show up in bicycling gear? Maybe my 6', 270 lbs. intimidates her? Her frostiness makes me rather shop at Wal-Mart than in her store. But she's the only yarn shop in the immediate area, and she's been there for at least the last 35 years, while all the others withered and died in the 70's and 80's.

by Anonymous on Wednesday, Mar 25 2009 at 06:15PM UTC

I felt the same way the three times I went there. Because of that, I decided to stop buying from this store. Now, I prefer going to other stores or buying online.

by purleygirl on Sunday, Jun 07 2009 at 07:11AM UTC

I agree with the previous reviews. I've gone in about three different times when I happened to be in the area and each time, I found the "service" to be cold and unwelcoming.

For me, most of the experience of knitting is tactile - I need to see and especially feel the yarn before purchasing. The old lady followed me around the store, harrumphing at the way I dared touch any of her over-priced yarn. The final straw was when I asked if she had a ball winder to wind up some yarn for immediate knitting. I was told to do this at home. I decided not to purchase the 4 skeins of Colinette sock yarn - she lost almost $100 in sales that day. Instead, I went to another yarn store in the Atwater area and spent about $200.

by brella on Tuesday, Oct 06 2009 at 01:28AM UTC

I did get a slightly cool vibe when I visited, but wasn't followed around or anything. My friends and I browsed the fine selection in peace. The older male cashier was perfectly civil, and was fine with my lack of French.

by Erica on Wednesday, Oct 21 2009 at 01:36AM UTC

I had a difficult time conversing as my French is fairly poor. There were many customers in the store, which also had proven to find what I was looking for a challenge.

I must admit the store had a great selection!

by Heather on Saturday, Jan 02 2010 at 03:08PM UTC

I live quite close to this shop which is unfortunate because I have decided not to go there any more - based on that woman's grumpy, condescending demeanor. Apparently she is rude to francophones as well, and people of all ages, so don't take it personally! Her husband is alright, but not outwardly friendly. The yarn is a tad pricey, but the quality and selection are good. I just wish there was another shop in my area!

by Lenore on Friday, Nov 05 2010 at 08:15PM UTC

I would have to agree that the lady is very unwelcoming. She also followed me around the store 'fixing' everything that I touched. It is too bad, because it is my neighbourhood yarn boutique, and I travel to other nieghbourhoods to spend my money.

There's a good selection, but nothing I can't find elsewhere. And the prices are on the high end.

by olive on Sunday, Nov 14 2010 at 06:47PM UTC

After reading all the comments, I don't want to go to this store.
Someone should direct this grumpy woman to this website and page. Maybe if she reads what is written about her , she might change.

by Mel Thom on Monday, Feb 14 2011 at 06:56PM UTC

I was a bit trepidatious to go here after reading these comments, but I have since gone more than once, and have found both this wife-husband team to be just fine. She even remembered me from the first time I was in, and recognized the piece I finished with the supplies I purchased. In short, she gushed, and complimented my work.

Even if she didn't, I must agree that I see knitting as tactile too, and their products are amazing. I'd rather shop in a place that has a bit of a chill and browse at my own leisure than go to a super-friendly store that only carries acrylic yarn. I'm just saying....

by Regina on Friday, Mar 25 2011 at 10:33PM UTC

I just finished a quick trip to Montreal. I am from the US, and speak minimal French. I found the owner delightful, and very willing to assist with colors, order colors, and even offer to ship to me in the US.
I do believe she is very knowledgeable.
I was pleased that she let me roam at my leisure, without interruption. This store stocks a lovely variety of excellent yarn, and the inventory system is beyond compare. No looking in dusty boxes in the back room, only to tell you no more of your color. I am an "a place for everything, and everything in its' place type of person --- so I was in heaven with the clam and order in the shop.
If I lived in Montreal this would be my home-base yarn shop. sigh....

by Thirteen on Thursday, Sep 01 2011 at 04:28AM UTC

Doesn't sound like the same shop I went to! I was there in September of 2010, and found the lady to be really friendly. We chatted about some of the new trends in knitting, and then she left me just wander about on my own.

The store is beautifully laid out, but I didn't feel at all like I shouldn't touch the yarns.

I came away with a couple of nice skeins, and won't hestitate to return when I'm next in Montréal.

by Claire Mathys on Thursday, Sep 22 2011 at 03:38PM UTC

The owner and her husband are extremely nice and welcoming. Jeannine knows about the art of knitting in an expertly fashion and always answers any questions without hesitation. I love going to À la tricoteuse as often as I can, livingt outside Montreal.

Great and beautiful knitting store which has been on Rachel Street for ages!

by Joan Jarvis on Sunday, Oct 09 2011 at 12:23AM UTC

Je suis allée à ce magasin aujourd'hui et conrairement à plusieurs personnes, j'ai trouvé cette dame assez gentille. Elle n'est pas une personne archi jasante, mais juste ce qu'il faut. Elle a de la très belle laine mais c'est dispendieux. Pour faire une pièce pour une occasion spéciale, ça peut aller, mais sinon il faut aller dans les magisins à grandes surfaces.