by Anonymous on Monday, Sep 10 2007 at 11:17AM UTC

If I could give service 0 stars I would. Shop here at your own risk, but be prepared for attitude and price gouging.

by knotology on Monday, Oct 01 2007 at 02:42PM UTC

This is a duplicate of this listing:
http://www.knitmap.com/locations/the-yarn-company.html

by Anonymous on Wednesday, Nov 26 2008 at 04:24PM UTC

So they have a bad rep when it comes to service. Any westsider who knits has heard it. Not the friendliest stores on certain days, yet on others they are super friendly. Depends on the certain people working that day. By far the most beautiful yarns in the area. They do a good job displaying in my opinion. Haven't taken a class so can't vouch for that. The prices are not low but if fall in love with a yarn there, they will find a pattern for you. I stopped going for a couple of years because of the attitude (and Knitty City opening) but there are some new people there which make the place a pleasure when they are there. Nice accessories too. Go in with thick skin just in case and ask for help if you need it. They will help. Everyone there is very experienced.

by Anonymous on Friday, Jan 09 2009 at 08:53AM UTC

I've heard the same thing...bad service. I usually go to Knitty City too since their location is better and they are already so friendly.

by schuie on Tuesday, May 05 2009 at 05:23PM UTC

Hey I liked it! The day I visited was warm, I ended up sweaty and looked very touristy! No one was rude, in spite of their celebrity. There were other customers in the store, one was getting some help from the owner, the other calmly browsing with her young daughter. I found the place cozy and friendly. I bought South American Cotton in orange, very soft. I've designed a vest and I'm almost done. The Yarn Girls taught me how to knit simple with their books, now I can do it on my own.
Don't listen to the rumers, go check it out! Maybe you just need to smile first. That's the way we do it out in the country.

by linny b on Monday, Nov 02 2009 at 11:14PM UTC

Horrid place. Famous among locals for being consistently rude and overpriced, it's places like this that give NY a bad name. I went in as a total novice and the owner was nasty, completely ignored what I said I wanted, charged me too much for things I didn't need, then walked away without so much as a perfunctory "thank you." Stock may be good quality but there's very little to choose from and none of it is reasonably priced. Knitty City is friendlier, cheaper, has a much larger selection and is only 3 blocks away, so who needs all that attitude when buying yarn?

by Anonymous on Friday, Feb 19 2010 at 04:02PM UTC

I agree that this place has major attitude. I don't like going there because I feel like I'm unwanted or bothering them and that they really couldn't care less if I dropped dead in their store. Knitting is supposed to be sort of a communal thing where we share with each other, help each other out and teach each other but the Yarn Co people definitely didn't get the memo. It's too bad because they do have nice yarn. I just don't like to be made to feel like an idiot when I'm shopping for something I love. It takes the joy out of the experience.

by UWSknitter on Wednesday, Mar 17 2010 at 06:33PM UTC

I agree with most of the negative comments above.
Believe me, I wanted to like it...I really did! It's only a few blocks from home! But on several visits over the years I have never had an enjoyable experience there. It certainly is a nice space in a convenient location with quality products, but the owners and staff are cold and distant, and it appears they are purely focused on the bottom line. I always have the feeling of being an outsider who has crashed an exclusive club. I'm ignored until I ask a question and then I'm helped in only the most perfunctory way. So I will not return anymore.

Given the competition from the fairly new knitty city store only 3 blocks away, you would think they would try harder at the yarn co. to attract and retain customers by being warm and welcoming, and also by lowering some of their amped up prices, but no. Wondering how much longer they will last..

by Knikki on Monday, Sep 20 2010 at 01:49AM UTC

This was the first LYS I visited when I discovered knitting and had a very positive and pleasant experience with Nicky (sp?). I had her undivided attention with project help and therefore returned for many other projects. I was always so inspired by their selection and samples. I spent a lot of time there and unfortunately did witness some poor customer service. I moved to NC 3 yrs ago and really miss the UWS and The Yarn Co. It's too bad they have such a bad reputation. They have definitely lost business to other new LYS that have since opened.

by Allie Pleiter on Saturday, Aug 20 2011 at 09:59PM UTC

I did an in-depth feature on this store and some great places to eat/shop around it. If you're interested, click over to
www.destiKNITions.blogspot.com

by knittwhitt on Wednesday, Jun 20 2012 at 12:20PM UTC

Last year the store changed owners. The previous owners were among the worst snobs and only helped those who they judged were "worthy". All of the awful comments are regarding the previous owners.
The new owner has totally changed everything about the store. She opened up the space. She has an amazing selection of yarns including small companies. She has been working with some of the small owners to create exclusive lines and colors that are AMAZING. She now also includes sewing and spinning classes and supplies. She offers great classes and special events. I have been to several events and taken classes with great instructors. Regarding service it is one of the best yarn shops in the city. She has very knowledgeable staff that truly enjoy working there and with yarn. It is my go to shop even though I live in Brooklyn and there are yarn shops within walking distance.

by Nancy B on Monday, Aug 27 2012 at 10:52PM UTC

I was there recently with my mother, an excellent and experienced knitter. She was trying to copy a sweater of mine. The staff was less than helpful. One of the staff found a similar pattern and was going to have someone write up instructions. They even had her knit a sample for sizing purposes. Not only was the size off by about 50%, the pattern supplied was knit one row, purl the next. We will never go back.

by GGmadeit on Wednesday, Apr 17 2013 at 06:38PM UTC

ok clearly I went to this shop at the right time. I met the current owner and instantly felt at home. She walked around showed me what brands she had to offer and that was after we got to know what I loved to work with. This was the day of the Signature Needles sample party. Love this place and anytime I find someone to drive my scary butt into NY I will go back!