by lisarr on Wednesday, Nov 05 2008 at 06:07PM UTC

I visited this store in Jan 2007.
It was almost impossible to buy anything. You have to flag down the right kind of salesperson, who winds off what you want, and you have to pay a different person.
You are not given any kind of label or equivalent of a ball band.
However I did buy some now-completely-mysterious metallic yarn to make dressup crowns. I think it is rather flammable!
I think many people buy kits with the patterns included, and it does not seem that they sell the patterns alone (not 100% sure on that aspect).
Half of the shop is buttons and notions.

by Anonymous on Sunday, Nov 16 2008 at 05:16AM UTC

I loved this shop. I went three times when I was in Paris for a week in October of this year. Call the shop to get Metro directions. Most of yarn small gauge their own label. People friendly and did hurt to speak a few words in French. It was mobbed there!

by Anonymous on Sunday, Nov 16 2008 at 05:18AM UTC

I meant it didn't hurt to speak a few words in French.

by clairerc on Tuesday, Dec 02 2008 at 05:19AM UTC

I love this shop! Great atmosphere, amazing stock including more 'bits and bobs' than you could ever want. Some great patterns too (all in French). It's also very busy which is a joy to see given how empty some UK craft/wool shops can be!

It is true that as a newcomer the system to get served was a little complicated - especially as I don't speak French. However once I'd once I plucked up the courage you can see that how it works is rather good.

If you want to buy wool you queue up near the little booth near the entrance (stand looking into the shop, with your back to the door). As soon as an assistant is free they come over to the queue and then personally serve the next person.

The staff are great, really know their stuff and also seem to speak excellent English!

Once the member of staff has helped you and generally run around fetching your things, they will bring you a bag and a slip of paper with the prices on it.

You take this back to the booth where the cashier will ring it through the till (just like an old fashioned store!).

Just great!

by Anonymous on Tuesday, Mar 31 2009 at 05:33AM UTC

I love this shop,been many times when I lived in Paris,the system is very simple and fair,have a good look around and see what you want,(I was not aware that for wool you had a different queue)and then join the queue there is always one,then you wait for your own personnel assistant who will measure count etc what you want,its helpful if you know french nos and colours,but they are used to tourists etc,and usually very helpful,a lesson I learned was the French women took their time,and bought only what they needed,and it got on my nerves,so when it was my turn I chose 10 of this and 10 of that,then went to pay 96euros for a few beads,ribbon and buttons,so zee french are much more savvy.Karen from the uk where we just dont have shops like this.Karenann1957@hotmail.co.uk

by Paula Howe on Friday, Jun 19 2009 at 05:18AM UTC

I was here in September, 2008. It was on a Saturday, and was quite busy. I got in the line/queue to buy yarn, a pattern book, and 2 buttons. If you start off in French and apologize for your poor French, they are very helpful, kind, accomodating and friendly! I was only in the shop for about 20 minutes! Wish i'd had more time to browse! lovely shop...

by Floderten on Saturday, Jun 20 2009 at 12:58PM UTC

I've visited La Droguerie a few times (once in Spring 2008, once the year before) and it's a cozy shop. I like how the yarn hangs in long skeins on the walls! IIRC, they only sell their own house brand, but it's very nice quality. I do wish they would give you a little tag with yardage and/or gauge, but I found the staff very helpful (compared to some other French stores) and willing to take the time to help you find what you're looking for.

They also have a cute (and huge!) selection of buttons, ribbons and other notions.. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Paris!

by KnitSpirit on Wednesday, Jul 01 2009 at 12:28PM UTC

Un endroit sympa mais il y a beaucoup trop de monde.

by garngamen on Wednesday, Jul 08 2009 at 11:07PM UTC

Shopping in this yarnstore is a French adventure. Not only must you know exactly what you want, how much you want but you have no time to go back and forth. So, suggestions for visitors is browse all the hanks and decide first. Including fab bands (for Swedish Speede and to your underwear ;-) and the buttons.. ahhhh. Then walk just pass the line and find personnel. They are attentive and will follow you around. When they clear, it is time to stand in the pay line. But I promise you, the experience is divine. I always "collect" some prime cashmere, new buttons. It is like selecting on colour and feel. Im definitely a fan.

by aahhh on Sunday, Oct 18 2009 at 04:03PM UTC

Just got back from a Paris trip where I visited this shop. Such a fun place and great atmosphere inside. Be prepared to wait as it can get busy in there and it can take some time for them to wind off your yarn once you've told them what you want. Knowing a bit of French (eg. I would like) helps but the staff is really friendly and I think used to getting non-French speakers so they work with it pretty well, just remember to smile and be polite. If you want buttons, you can get them in the same queue as for your yarn, just be sure to tell them you want some as well (be warned there are lots of lovely ones and you might walk out with some even if you don't plan to like i did!). The other items (beads, ribbons, etc.) you have to go to the other 'departments' to get seperately but if I understand right you can pay for it all in one go.