pandop's Profile

Made on Wed Sep 19 05:23:38 -0700 2007 about Wingham Wool Work

This is a fascinating little place - a collection of sheds behind someones house. The focus here is on spinning, but they do carry yarn, and good yarn it is too - mostly 100% wool - and sometimes you can get breed specific aran!

They have the most amazing wooden knitting needles and crochet hooks from Indonesia - the hand turned ones are stunning and make a lovely treat.

The staff are friendly and knowledgable - and you are free to wander in the fibre sheds.

Made on Wed Sep 19 05:29:42 -0700 2007 about Boyes

This is a wool and haberdashery department in a larger store, so don't expect the range you would find in a dedicated yarn shop. Having said that, there is a lot packed into a very small space.

The yarn is mostly acrylic, but don't let that put you off. Some of it is rather good.

There is also an extensive range of patterns, a good selection of accessories and buttons. No books though.

Made on Wed Sep 19 13:36:42 -0700 2007 about Texere Yarns

I went here for the first time just a few weeks ago, and my word, it is big.

The books, luxury yarns, other craft supplies are all in a few rooms to the side of the mill, and there is a good selection in the small space. Here you will also find the sofa, and the drinks machine.

However, the main attraction is the mill. I was amazed to find that they just let you wander around their warehouse, filling your bag with yarn. There is an excellent selection, and a good variety of fibres. A lot of it is coned, making it suitable for weaving and machine knitting, as well as hand knitting and crochet.

I really was impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. The receptionist mentioned that two ladies had flown up to Leeds/Bradford from Southampton to visit. I can well see why

Made on Wed Sep 19 13:39:41 -0700 2007 about Coldspring Mill

This shop has rather an odd combination. The upstairs is full of tents and other camping equipment, and downstairs is full of yarn - and what yarn, they often have huge cones of things like Debbie Bliss Cashmerino at a deep discount.

The disadvantage is the stock seems mostly to be remainders, so you can't be sure what you will find. Still worth a trip if you are in the area though.

Made on Sat Sep 22 10:56:46 -0700 2007 about KnitMap Raffle #2

::bouncing in excitement::

I am so chuffed to have won, thankyou so much!

Made on Sat Sep 22 14:25:07 -0700 2007 about Market Cross News

Long before I started knitting, this was my LNS, as there was nothing in my home town!

I must take a look at it again.

Made on Sun Sep 23 03:34:55 -0700 2007 about Hobby Craft

This doesn't have the greatest selection of yarn, but it does have an excellent selection of patterns, in particular Rowan booklets (it does stock some Rowan yarns), needles hooks and other accessories.

There are a good range of classes available, and 'how to leaflets' and it is great for the polycraftual.

Knitting books are also in with the general craft books on the ground floor.

Made on Thu Oct 04 10:21:03 -0700 2007 about The Spinner

This is an odd little shop. The selection is mainly basic acrylics, although they are getting some nicer bamboos etc in now.

Don't look for the name, as there is nothing above the door. Also there are no opening hours anywhere on display, so it can be a bit hit and miss.

It does have an excellent selection of patterns though

Made on Wed Oct 10 00:29:20 -0700 2007 about New Feature

This is a great idea, as in some places chain stores are the only yarn stores (I am thinking of my home town to start with)

Made on Tue Oct 23 10:27:38 -0700 2007 about J.E.M.S.

I was pleasantly surprised with the selection in this shop, as the yarn area isn't huge. A good selection of brands (Debbie Bliss, Rowan, Sirdar, Regia, etc) and plenty of each sort. Nicely displayed too.

Made on Tue Oct 23 10:29:42 -0700 2007 about Enquiring Minds…

For me it is two things, the two things my local LYS lacks. A decent selection of yarn, and clearly posted opening hours that don't prevent most shoppers from ever getting there.

Made on Sat Dec 08 04:09:12 -0800 2007 about Karstadt

I went in this shop on a recent holiday to Germany, on the recommendation of a fellow raveler. I was not disappointed.

The yarn store isn't huge, but it is excellent value, and there is a good selection of needles/hooks/buttons/etc too. The fabric selection looked good too.

It is a very unpreposessing place at the back of the main department store, but definitely shouldn't be based on its looks!

Made on Sat Jan 12 11:23:42 -0800 2008 about J.E.M.S.

Please disregard the above comment, I applied it to the wrong shop.