1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
On to the fun stuff...prizes!! Click on any of these pictures to see more detail.
The grand prize- A mini niddy noddy (will wind a 28 1/2" skein) and your choice of either:
a) 4 skeins of hand dyed yarn from our shop (100% Merino 420 yards)
b) 3 skeins of hand dyed yarn from our shop and spinning fiber blends. The brown/blue/green (3.7 oz) is 10% baby camel and 90 % merino, the peach (2.2 oz.) is 100% merino
Second place prize- $25 credit toward any purchase at our etsy shop
Third place prize-Knit Fix-Problem Solving For Knitters by Lisa Kartus
We are so excited to hear what everyone has to say! Thanks for participating!
86 comments:
1. DK or worsted in natural fiber and tweed texture.
2. Inviting atmosphere, warm where I don't feel pushed to buy, buy, buy.
3.Friends and interesting, good quality yarn.
4.No classes right now, but that could change.
5. Doll clothes and plastic stuff.
6. I'm open to new brands!
7. Patterns, needles, buttons, etc..
8. Yarn store listings and addresses from friends who know the area.
9. My schedule is flexible, but Friday is a good day to go treasure hunting.
1. Fingering, DK, worsted weight in natural fibers, occasionally a blend for babies, children.
2. Friendly, inviting, but not pushy. A place to sit and knit. Pretty displays.
3. Fresh, new merchandise. Promotions, workshops, inspirational displays.
4. Spinning, maybe dyeing.
5. Old merchandise, out-of-date patterns, pushy salespeople.
6. No, I love to try new yarns.
7. No
8. Online, message boards, friends.
9. Daytime hours. Monday through Saturday.
Your dyeing is so pretty!
Thanks for visiting my blog.
1. Fingering, DK, Worsted/wool and wool blends with luxury fibers like cashmere and silk/my current focus is on shaded solids, but paint me a rainbow and I'll find a use for every color!
2. Friendly and inviting, organized by yarn weight not color. A place where I won't feel afraid to sit and knit, that is filled with plenty of FOs of all levels to inspire.
3.Friendly, informed staff who are as excited about the knits as they are about the sale. Promotions or clubs, classes and special workshops. I once visited a store that had swatches of all their yarns. It made it so much easier to see how any given yarn would really knit up.
4. Stranded knitting, advanced techniques, dying, spinning
5. Pushy, snooty staff, the same old same old in fiber and patterns, bad lighting
6. No! I am always looking to try new things. Stuff I've read about in blogs or Ravelry or knit up in a fabulous display garment.
7. Innovative pattern books sold at competitive prices. Good button selections and different tools of the trade.
8. Ravelry, Google
9. Sunday or after work if it were near my employer
I'm posting to my blog too, but here are some short answers to your questions:
1. All of 'em? Seriously, I like soft, sproingy yarns of most any fiber. Right now, I've just discovered mohair, but a soft merino is always good! I love semi-solids and when you start mixing colors, I'm attracted to most anything!
2. Relaxed, friendly and casual. I love it when I don't feel like I should have dressed to impress to get their attention.
3. See above. It seems my favorite shops have been under the eye of a cool, fun lady in jeans with something she knitted on top, someone I could be friends with, under the right circumstances...
I love it when someone working in a shop can relate to me and can explain things to me without a lot of hassle!
4. I am DESPERATE for a two-sock class. Magic Loop or two circs. Don't care. Just NEED one. I should take a colorwork class, but right now, I'd rather let the dyer do the work for me. I'd take a lace class, just because I'm sure I am doing some things the hard way... Oh, and crochet...
5. Things you'll never have trouble with. ;) Rudeness. Pushiness.
6. That's boring!
7. Yep. Books. About fibers. Patterns. Notions.
8. Google.
9. Monday evenings, and weekends.
(Feel free to see my blog for more details. This is a GREAT questionnaire!)
1. As long as it's mostly natural fiber, it's good by me! I love, love, love silk blends and wool that is tightly plied but still springy. I mostly buy lace, fingering, or aran weights with occasional worsted or bulky for specific projects, especially gift knitting. Colors are predominantly blue/purple/green, but I break out into reds sometimes, too.
2. Friendly and well-stocked. We have a LYS here that has nice stock, but the owner is not a people person and I always feel like I'm wearing torn jeans and a dirty t-shirt at Saks or something when I'm in there. I don't go there unless I need something I can't get anywhere else.
3. Employees who are as passionate about knitting as I am. If the store has my most favorite yarns in the world, but the employees are indifferent or inexperienced, or worse yet, rude, I won't go there. By contrast, if employees are enthusiastic, friendly, informed, and interested in what I'm working on, I'll be back even if they don't have my most favorite fibers.
4. Finishing techniques, math for knitters, and anything else that I haven't tried before.
5. Rude, uninformed, indifferent employees. (See above.) And I really hate it when I find a yarn that would be perfect for a project, only to discover that the shop has only one or two skeins available AND it's been discontinued by the manufacturer. If that's the case, put the stuff in a clearance bin and don't tempt me with possibilities!
6. If I like the product, I don't much care what the brand sticker says. :)
7. Useful tools. Not just needles, but things like pretty orifice hooks, good quality oil for the wheel, and so forth.
8. Ravelry, my local knitting groups, Lime & Violet's Daily Chum, Google, the myriad knitting blogs I read. :)
9. If I'm near one, I'm in it! I work odd hours and a lot of weekends, so most of my LYS visits are during the week. If shops were open later in the evenings and I was nearby, I'd be there. Online, I often shop in the midnight hour. :)
Good luck with your shop! I've recently been nipped by the shop bug, too, but I'm only in the dreaming phase. Your contest is mentioned in my post about it on my blog. :)
1. Love all yarn! But lately, yarns that I can't find anywhere else such as those that are locally or indie handdyed. Lean toward fingering, DK, worsted, aran weight wools and wool blends. Since moving to CA last year, I do find myself seeking out more cotton and cotton blends though.
2&3. Cozy space with places to sit and knit or browse through books/patterns, friendly and knowledgable employees, organized yarn displays that include knitted swatches and prices clearly marked.
4. New techniques that are hard to learn from a book/written pattern. Don't like re-hashings of existing books or patterns.
5. Messy yarn displays, cramped spaces, rude employees, no prices displayed.
6. Not necessarily. If I saw a swatch or project knit from a new yarn and a store employee vouched for it, I might try a new yarn.
7. Not really. You mean completely non-knitting related items, right? I would prefer all the space in a yarn store go to knitting products (yarn, needles, notions, patterns, books, bags, gifts for knitters)
8. Usually Google or Yahoo search
9. Saturdays and Sundays
I like to have a variety of weights to brows through but not so much that I can't find the color I want in the weight of yarn I am going to buy. There has to be a delicate balance between variety of product and variety of color.
I love wool and that is the majority of what I buy, but it is also nice to look at and feel other fibers.
I like a friendly relaxed atmosphere in my LYS and I love that the sales people are so very friendly and knowledgeable.
I look for yarn shops online.
Good luck with your store!
1. You name it, I probably buy it.
2. Warm/friendly, just like you.
3. I haven't had a choice. But choices of yarn/helpfulness.
4. Spinning, strand work andy Elizabeth Zimmerman type.
5. I have such a hard type making up my mind want I want. :)
6. No, not necessarily.
7. just knitting/spinning stuff
8. References.
9. Pretty much any day, any time.
I came over from Cindy's blog.
1. Mostly wool/wool blends. Anywhere from lace to chunky, though alot of my purchasing has been sock or dk lately.
2. Inviting.
3. Friendly service.
4. Finishing tips, and spinning
5. Unhelpful staff. And yarn without price tags.
6. No, I'm more open to buying other brands if I can see it in person.
7. I'm a sucker for the little knick-knacks like lip balm and hand balm and candles...but maybe that's just me :)
8. I look online for stores close to me. And sometimes for reviews. But proximity is usually a winning factor. If someone recommends a store slightly farther away I'll check it out.
9. Mostly weekends, since my work day doesn't end early enough to make most yarn store hours.
Best of luck!!
. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
Sock weight, lace weight and DK weight. Love pretty much any fiber - colors, no oranges or yellows.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop? Friendly, helpful, comfortable, a place to sit and chat.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop? Friendly associates, comfortable atmosphere.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking? beginning spinning, intarsia
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop? crowded, not enough natural light
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with? No, I will try just about any of them.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature? Good books
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc? Online
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store? evenings and weekends.
Thanks. Anita posting on my blog the contest.
Thanks for holding this contest! I came here from WiKnit.
1. I buy mostly fingerling weight sock yarn. I like all color combinations, except super-girly ones (e.g. pastel pinks)
2. I like a low-key environment, where I can browse in peace, but there is somebody there who can answer questions I have.
3. Distinct selection, good prices, and friendly staff who can answer questions about the yarn and suggest potential project ideas.
4. Yarn tastings and technique (intarsia, entrelac, seams, etc.). I'm usually not interested in classes where we all make the same project.
5. I don't like shops that are organized by color. I prefer it to be organized by brand.
6. Definitely open to new brands, though I like to touch/feel it first and see a sample swatch.
7. Love gadgets: stash organizing, totes, tools, etc.
8. Online searching, word of mouth, Ravelry!
9. During daytime on weekends, and evenings on weekdays (after 6 pm)
1. I like to buy worsted weight yarns. I use them all the time. I prefer cotton, cotton blends, wool and wool blends. I love bright colors.
2. I like a casual atmosphere in a LYS, where I can touch fibers, see swatches & FOs. I don't like to be followed around and hounded. But on the flip I don't like to be ignored.
3. The staff, selections, and prices.
4. I would be interested in spinning and dyeing classes.
5. No prices displayed, rude staff, yarn without labels, or coming unwound.
6. Not exclusively but I tend to navigate towards them.
7. Needles, books, bags, accessories such as stitch holders or markers, hand creams. Sometimes I like to see the knit related jewelry and accessories such as charms, buttons, shirts.
8. Online and word of mouth.
9. Friday afternoon, Saturday or Sunday during the day.
Good luck with your shop, I love all the colors I saw in your etsy shop.
1. I buy lots of types. Wool, alpaca, blends with soy & bamboo.
Sock, baby, lace weight, up to worsted.
Pinks, natural (undyed).
What I don't buy much are "fun" textures, and purely synthetic fibers.
2. Cozy
3. Knowledgeable staff, being recognized after several visits, interesting yarn
4. Finishing, steeking, designing, enterlac, knitting w/o a pattern
5. Snobbishness, lack of variety or new products
6. No
7. Needles & tools like stitch markers
8. I search online. Knitty or Ravelry, but also just Google.
9. Weekday afternoons. I love that my fave LYS is open on Mondays. (I'm a stay/work at home mom. Previously I would shop on the weekends).
(I linked to you here: http://thevikingprincess.blogspot.com/2008/03/today.html)
1. Sock, DK, and Aran weight, love wools with merino and alpaca. Silk and bamboo too. Love greens, blues, browns, and pinks!
2. Calm and colorful and wonderfully organized.
3. The friendliness of the owners and their helpfulness as well as the merchandise.
4. Spinning!!! Dyeing!!!
5. Crazy crowding to where I can't find anything.
6. Nope, I usually buy by the yarn content, weight, and of course if its pretty.
7. Needles, winders, bags, hooks, patterns, magazines, sometimes beads and purse handles.
8. Usually through friends or online listings.
9. Evenings and weekends.
1. Everything, but especially like fingering, worsted, and chunky yarns. Wool and wool blends. Deep, rich colors.
2. Relaxed and comfy.
3. Friendly staff and good yarn selection.
4. Socks and lace knitting.
5. High pressure salespeople.
6. No. I like trying new brands.
7. Patterns from independent designers.
8. On-line
9. Weekday evenings after work or weekend afternoons.
Your yarn looks beautiful! I've bookmarked your etsy store so I can check it often.
I'm rubyknits on ravelry.
1. I'm fond of handpainted sock yarn and sport-to-worsted weight wools. I'm particularly fond of all shades of green, dark browns, black, and greys.
2. Friendly, welcoming, nonjudgmental.
3. A pleasant atmosphere, a good selection of yarns, and spinning fiber.
4. I'm not really a class-taker. Maybe socks on 2 circs or crochet lessons.
5. Lack of clear pricing, staff who follow you like a hawk.
6. No-- I'm always willing to try new yarns.
7. Needles/hooks/patterns.
8. Online.
9. Friday-Sunday, any time after noon.
(I'm knitblogless, but I'm on Ravelry as cthulhulovesme.)
1. I'm omnivorous, but am attracted to bright, fun colours in any weight or fiber.
2. Calm and relaxed
3. Friendly staff/customers, a regular knit night
4. none (I've been knitting for a LONG time)
5. yarn snobs
6. Nope
7. patterns, local yarns, local designers
8. I always look online first.
9. weekends and evenings, since I work fulltime during the day.
Also, one of my LYS's has a little room just for kids -- it's great!
1. Lace if I'm just looking, other weights if I actually have a project. I like all fibers and I'm attracted to red and purple right now.
2. Cozy where I can ask questions, but am left alone until I do.
3. Friendly staff and good prices.
4. techniques
5. snobby sales folks
6. no.
7. needles are good.
8. do a search or hear about a good sale.
9. anytime.
zsmomma(AT)hotmail(DOT)com
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
Sock yarn... or spinning fiber. Mostly greens, blues
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
Friendly, experienced, open
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Quality of products, price,
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Felting
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
limited collection, bad advice
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with? no
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature? I am open-minded
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
I usually subscribe to newsletters from LYS
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store? If possible during morning hours
1. I love most yarns, not so much on the novelty anymore. Most weights make me happy though and i love the earth colors best. Look out the window and around the yard, out on the ocean...those colors.
2. A funky eclectic, made over attic, retro edgy comfy put your feet up under you and knit place.
3. The yarn choices, prices and the people there. Must be warm and friendly!
4. continuing ed, specialty classes such as dying, needle felting, a KAL project..
5. Seriously, anything yarn related.
6. No, i love to try new brands.
7. I would love knitting notions, buttons are so hard to find.Maybe a few small gift cards and giftbags for if you are buying yarn as a gift, or funky knitting related items to give as gifts. I also like the idea of a coffee/tea cart for those hanging out knitting. Maybe even cookies? (ok i'm stretching)
8. Mostly word of mouth but otherwise by location on internet searches.
9. The easiest day and usually when stores are closed is monday. This is the only day i have to myself, my day off with no family.
Good luck and congrats! How exciting!
oh yeah, linked you!
Turtle Lakes Knits referred me to your contest. My answers:
. Whatever strikes my fance. I've been going through a lace/sockweight phase, but any is appealing. The colors are endless for me. I love all colors.
2. Comfortable and homey. Welcoming
3. Same as above and interest in me as a knitter.
4. Techniques classes would be wonderful.
5. Crabby, snotty people
6. No. That's the joy of an LYS
7. Beads!!!! For lace knitting
8. I check the St. Louis Knitter's Guild website. They have everybody listed.
9. Depending on location, mostly weekends and evenings (working for a living makes yarn buying possible:)
1. I have no preference of weight, fiber or color. I'd rather be presented a wide selection of yarns I might not buy than see only what I'm comfortable with.
2. Like any other shop, it should be neat rather than looking like a junk shop. Lit well enough to see what you're looking at rather than the dim lighting some people consider cozy. Staff should be helpful without hovering and hopefully at least one person will be able to answer any questions that arise. Stock levels should be such that enough yarn for medium sized projects (baby blanket, 8-10 yr old's sweater)could he purchased at one time.
3. Right now I'm making repeated trips to a shop that's giving me the runaround on a special order. I don't recommend that approach. Helpful friendly staff, reasonable prices and good selection would be the normal draws.
4. None. I perfer to learn on my own. But expert answers to my questions are always welcome.
5. There are a couple of shops I hate going into because as a man they treat me like a suspect instead of a customer. One shop always assigns someone to watch over me to the point of simply leaning against the wall and staring at me.
6. No, I like to experiment.
7. I go quite often to look over patterns, but the selection of men's is ususally bleak.
8. Online
9. Good weekend hours, and weekday evenings until at least 7, maybe 8 would be nice. I doubt if I'd go late in the evening.
I will answer your questions on my blog as soon as I have time but I thought you might like to read about a shop someone on my blogroll recently visited: http://marysvirginwool.blogspot.com/
I think this shopkeeper has the right idea. You just have to keep the food/drink away from the yarns for sale.
Several knitting groups around here meet at Panera's where I assume they combine dinner with their knit-in.
1. One of the hardest things to buy in my local yarn shops is sock yarn. There are three shops. One has no sock yarn, one has one kind, and one has two kinds. I think a lot of people knit with fine yarns and I'd love to see more of them available to touch before you buy (as in not only online)
2. It should be warm and inviting. I can't stand walking into a shop with white walls. It feels too sterile and like they didn't care about making me feel welcome. I usually don't go back.
3. People that are friendly and know about knitting, crochet, spinning, yarn and fiber. Not just their for a paycheck but really like what they are doing.
4. I've seldom found value in classes. I usually just like them to move along faster. So probably I wouldn't want any. But I know others like them.
5. White walls. Acrylic (one local store only stocks acrylic and acrylic blends. They don't get much business and are going to be selling)
6. I like to branch out and try new things so I don't mind if I haven't heard of it as long as the quality is good.
7. Bags, notions, patterns, wool washes, needles and hooks, but also embroidery thread and linens for that. Usually I use a hearty thin yarn and it would be nice to see those sorts of things available sometimes.
8. Usually I see something I like and I do a google search and look at the companies that have that product/colorway.
9. Usually on a Sunday is best for me or late on a weeknight. I've often thought it would be great if a yarn store was open until 10 one evening a week, even if that meant they opened at 2 in the afternoon that day. Just so those of us who are occupied/on call from 545 in the morning until 7pm actually have a chance to go on a day that isn't Sunday (when most stores seem to be closed). I buy most everything online because of this. Also having an online store is great, because many stores don't have one, just a very basic website, as they want to "give you personal service" when most of the time I know what I want and just want to order it and have it delivered rather then having to try to get there and not make it on time for several weeks (it happens a LOT to me)
Hope that helps!
1. I tend to buy soft wool/wool blends . Usually dk weight or lighter. Lately I've been drawn to tweeds/heathers and semisolid colors. My favorite colors are greens/purple-reds
2. I look for a shop that is friendly and inviting. Natural light and decor in light/bright colors feels more cozy. Good lighting is important, as is good organization and yarn/pattern/magazine selection
3. Good prices and good selection makes me come back. Friendly employees are important
4. I would be interested in a drop spindle class.
5. I dislike poor lighting, tight quarters and snobby employees
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
7. Other fiber related crafts are nice, such as embroidery and fabrics. A LYS near me also carries some Amy Butler patterns/fabrics.
8. I search online for shops where ever I'm going.
9. I usually go on the weekends, early/mid afternoon
Hi, Here are my answers, have fun reading all your comments!
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
Blue faced leicester, alpaca, merino (biologic)
100gr and favorite colours : red, blue and green
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
that you can take the whole day woundering around!
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
good service, nice people
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
hmm, I'm giving classes myself, so..
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
COLOURS!
and a lot of choice
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
NO
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
magazines, pattern, little gadgets
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
ask people on ravelry
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store
weekends and evening
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
I love alpaca and silk. Worsted weight or bulky. Blue Sky is one of my favorites. Another is Handmaidens. Their colors are incredible. I like beachy tones like peach, sea foam green, murky blue, etc.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
One that recognizes me and says hey but sits back and lets me pick out what I want without bugging me.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Proximity, yarn selection, friendliness
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Lace
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
Rude shopowners. One kept giving me dirty looks when I brought my kids in with me. Then she proceeded to follow me around like I was shoplifter.
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with? No
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature? Different knitting needles and stitch markers
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
Knitter's Review, my knitting group, knilist yahoo group
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Usually in the a.m. on Friday
Posted on my blog. www.hissyknit.blogspot.com
Thanks
1. I love all yarn!
2. Friendly clerks, but not hovering, easy to maneuver around, same weight yarns grouped together
3. Same as #2
4. Don't know right now
5. Unfriendly clerks, hard to find what I want, overpriced
6. not necessarily
7. books and notions, anything that goes with knitting/crocheting. I don't spin
8. Recommendations
9. I work Monday thru Friday regularly, sometimes on Saturday and Sunday. A couple of nights a week open late--like til 8 or 9 would be great
BTW, I love your yarns. Beautiful! I'm on the way to my blog to link to yours!
1. What yarn do you like to buy? Wool or other natural fibers, for summer bamboo, cotton, silk
What weights/fiber content/colors?
Usually DK; my fave colors are greens, greys and reds but find lots of people I knit for love purple.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
Inviting staff, enough room to move around and see the fiber. I dont like the sort of YS that has yarn crammed into every tiny place they can find... it's too overwhelming.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Friendly, encouraging staff, Decent prices, Good selection
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Finishing techniques
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
Rude, know it all, in your face staff, a sense that if you really wanted just a couple of things and had to bring your kids with you that they would be totally unwelcome in the store no matter how well behaved they are (I usually don't bring my kids to a YS, but it's nice to know I COULD).
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
No
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
Magazines and pattern books. Coffee/a place to sit and knit is a major bonus.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
The interwebs.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Saturday and Sunday when my husband can watch my girls.
I don't have a blog, but here are my answers:
1) I like many kinds of yarn, but I most often buy fingering or sportweight because I knit a lot of socks. I don't like to knit with novelty yarn because it looks best in really boring stitch patterns - mohair blends are about as far to the fuzzy side as I am willing to go. I prefer natural fibres. I like darker colours and neutrals rather than anything very bright or pastel.
2) I look for a place that feels friendly and that is not dark and crowded.
3) Friendly and helpful (but not overbearing) staff, reasonable prices, and either a convenient location or something unique that I can't get elsewhere.
4) I'd like to take a class in designing patterns or in basic spinning.
5) Overbearing or condescending staff (I've had a lot of people not take me seriously because I'm young), high prices (I understand that it costs more to run a store than to sell things online, but when everything is double the online price it's just not worth it), and shops that are so crowded and dark that you can't get a clear idea of what you're buying.
6) No. I like to try new brands, especially when the staff can tell me about them and how well they work. I like to see local brands, too.
7) Needles and notions. I hate having to go to several different stores to get what I need for one basic project.
8) I usually either ask for recommendations or just see one and wander in. I have used the yellow pages.
9) Weekends and evenings. I realize that's unfortunate for employees.
1. Love wool, alpaca, soy, pretty much anything..except novelty, ribbon and super bulky or acrylic stuff. Although, these things do have a place in my stash! All weights and love hand-painted yarns. Semi solids, too. Something that really will make the FO stand out as unique.
2. Open, airy and well lit, helpful people and not pushy people.
3. See #2
4. Finishing, certain seasonal project..like Christmas Stocking..and different techniques such as Fair Isle, Entrelac...
5. Pushy, pushy sales people who are more interested in selling what they want and less interested in what it is you are looking for.
6. Nope
7. Books, magazines, needles, notions, buttons.
8. I do an online search whenever I travel to someplace, even if I'm just passing through. I want to know if I'm in the vacinity of a LYS. You never know what you may find!
9. Most likely Saturday mornings or early afternoon...
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
I normally buy yarn if "it catches my eye", feels ooh la la, etc.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
A place that makes me feel WELCOME and I don't feel pressured to buy something because it's forced into my hands.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
The welcoming atmosphere
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
dyeing, (right off the top of my head),
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
Where I'm constantly followed and watched - I'm not a thief and if I was, I would "shop" at a bank! LOL
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
Absolutely not - whatever looks good, feels good.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
buttons and all the little do-dads that go with knitting. Maybe tea or coffee.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
online, magazine ads (I'm known for buying magazines just for the ads!)
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Most likely during the week or evenings, if shop is open then.
1. Lately I'm loving lace. But I like just about any weight. I love soft cottons, silk, bamboo, soy. I love Blue, green, & purples.
2. Cozy with an open layout; plenty of light, & a nice spot for knitting/asking questions in the middle of all the yumminess.
3. Helpful knowledgable staff & great atmosphere.
4. Finishing techniques.
5. Rude or absent staff.
6. No, I love discovering new to me yarns.
7. Patterns, Bags, Beads, Blocking paraphenalia (ex: lace blocking wires)
8. We only have 2 here. I google for any LYS' anywhere I am traveling to though.
9. LATE evening or Sat & Sun - I have 3 year triplets, so I usually only go to LYS' when DH is home to watch the girls.
HTH
1. sock, lace mostly
bamboo, alpaca, superwash merino, wool/tencel blends
2. Bright, friendly, colour
there is a big difference in a yarn atore and a knitting store.
3. Friendly staff that if they do not know will at least try to find out about whatever you are asking about...and if they can actually knit more than a scarf it would be great.
4. no more felted anything please!
design
5. snobby, cold, poor lighting, no help, no choices in yarns, lots of eyelash
6. nope
7. books, magazines, findings, beads, sock darning and blocking stuff
8. type in the city, yarn and knitting then google it
9. DOES EVERYSTORE have to be closed on mondays? especially the monday after payday?! i have $ i want to spend it!
too many people work can you stay open past 5 pm? my hubby can come home and i can leave the kids with him then. which should go with what i want in a store...if i walk in with kids who are not running, who are not putting yarn in their mouths, could you treat them nice? cuz they knit, crochet and spin, too :-)
1. At an LYS, I definately prefer to see natural fibers. I can get nice acrylics at the big box stores and unfortunately a LYS just can't compete pricewise. I've purchased everything from Aran to cobweb, but definately emphasise the sock yarns. Colors are so hard to say. I like rich jeweltones that aren't gaudy (how's that for specific!)
2. I prefer cozy most of all, especially if there is a work table in the main part of the store or an area for knitters to gather. I like to see the yarns organized by fiber and then weight, not by color.
3. Friendliness of the staff. I will go out of my way for a shop that is staffed well with people who know the product and are friendly to customers.
4. I've never taken a class - I am a self taught knitter.
5. While I've been going to the same shop for 4 years, I hate the feeling that there is some sort of knitting club and that I don't belong to it because I don't take classes...
6. Nope - I am always willing to try something new (especially after I check it out on Ravelry)
7. Just the standard notions. I do like to look at exotic needles, but I generally don't knit with them...
8. Yellow pages listings are a must, and even just a simple website is mandatory (you can get a decent one for free with your own domain name through Microsoft Office Live.) It needs to accurately list the hours and some of the items and classes available. A full online shop is definately not needed. I would also make sure to get listed on knitmap.com
9. I go to the yarn store on Saturday and Sunday. I work full time and can't get there during the week.
1. I generally buy a range between fingering and worsted, in natural fibers, and deep, rich, earthy colors.
2. Very relaxed, friendly, helpful (but not pushy) and inviting.
3. Good selection, good prices, and most importantly, great service. I also love stores that are arranged by yarn weight instead of brand or color.
4. None at the moment.
5. I hate it when a shop has a "cliquish" feel to it.
6. I'm willing to try new brands if their yarn meets my standards.
7. Books, magazines, buttons and notions, possibly bags (if they're not overpriced designer bags.)
8. Google and Ravelry.
9. Late afternoons and weekends (I'm a full-time student.)
I'm ponka on Ravelry :)
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
I like natural fibers in DK and worsterd weight.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
Open, inviting, comfortable chairs and sofa for knitting and spinning.
Encouragement to sit and knit and try new things.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
A welcoming atmosphere. Right now I will drive almost 2 hours to a couple of shops rather than the LYS.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
I would love to take classes in spinning, knitting lace, shawls. My daughter would love classes on dyeing.
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
A closed atmosphere that makes only some people feel welcome. The shops I travel 2 hours to made me feel like a welcome friend the first time and every subsequent time.
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
No, I am always interested in trying new yarns. It would be great to see a swatch of each yarn or a store sample. If your customers will display their projects for a month or so that is so interesting to see what others will do with a particular yarn.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
pretty and unique buttons
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
online on google and ravelry
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Monday-Saturday anytime. One or two days of evening hours are attractive--maybe an evening knitting circle.
Good luck with your shop ... I was just checking out your etsy shop ... very nice selection and great pricing ! I have linked to your contest on my blog.
1. I buy mostly sock yarn and worsted weight pure wool yarns now ... I used to buy a lot of chunky weight acrylic/wool blends, but now I am into socks and felting things ... tastes change. I buy lots of specialty yarns (alpacas, cashmerinos, etc. as pet yarns) I like to visit a yarn store and see more than acryllic. Colours ... I like rich colours - orange, pinks, all shades of brown and all greens.
2. I like a relaxed, homey, low pressure atmosphere - it is going to take me time to browse, so I like to not have a sales person "on me" the whole time. I like to have a clerk who knows how to knit, how to do some of the techniques I am going to do, and who has a love of fibre.
3. Good selection, good service and knowledgeable staff who aren't pushy
4. I would take classes on how to repair common mistakes in knitting, sock workshops, felting, spinning, you name it, I'd take it!
5. I don't like clerks who are rude, and staff who do not know much about knitting
6. Nope ... if I could see a sample of how the yarn knits up and pattern options for different types of yarn, I would be willing to try new/different brands
7. I think it is beneficial to have things like ball winders, knitting notions, a small selection of project bags/baskets, and books or dvds (these things are great for our non-knitting friends/family to buy when it is birthday or christmas time!)
8. I do a search on the computer -- type in "yarn store, Nova Scotia" or whereever I am looking for it, and I get some lisitngs. I mostly use the internet for these searches ... also check the town's website I am going to to see if there is a business directory and look there for yarn stores
9. I am a working woman, so if it is local, I go on my lunch and after work, and on weekneds (Sundays for a few hours would be great!). For Yarn stores outside myu area ... weekend hours are a definate plus.
1. Natural fibers, esp mohair, angora, soft wool
2. warm, welcoming, well-lit, staff interested and willing to help
3. Unique inventory
4. advanced techniques in knitting, spinning, dyeing
5. snottiness, boring inventory
6. nope, I like being surprised
7. Fun bags & organization supplies
8. online and word of mouth
9. weekends mostly, but I am self-employed so you never know when I'm going to show up
My biggest advice: Make your store a destination shop - the kind that everyone talks about by holding lots of events, knit nights, etc. Carry rovings & yarns by local dyers and spinners. Even plain yarn and dyes like Weaving Works in Seattle. Get involved in local group events like Stitch & Pitch - goody bags, etc.
Most importantly - have fun! Your customers will respond to your enthusiasm. :) Good luck!
1. mostly sock yarn, 100% worsted weight wool for felting, chunky for fast sweaters!
2. non-pushy but friendly, knowledgeable staff
3. friendly/helpful staff, yarn selection
4. fixing mistakes, hand-dying, spinning, to name a few
5. rude/unfriendly staff, poor selection
6. no
7. buttons, knitting accessories, pattern books, swift, ball winder, knitting basket
8. google "yarn stores in mytown"
9. Saturdays mostly (I work in the only yarn store in town and can usually only get away on the weekend)
Thanks for the contest! I heard about it from Heddy at ewegottaknit.blogspot.com. I will be doing a post later tonight or tomorrow and will mention the conest.
1. I'm a new knitter so I'm learning about yarn now. A wide variety to include washable yarn. I like solid color sock yarns.
2. Warm, comfy chairs that invite you to sit and knit. Pattern table.
3. Friendly owner, good selection, nice atmostpher, and knit ins. My LYS also has a few midnight knits on Saturdays from 6-12 pm that inlcude dinner. They are very well attended.
4. Sock class, sweater class, class to learn how to fix mistakes and a yarn class.
5. Dusty.
6. No, but I would expect the store employee to know if it would be good for my project.
7. My LYS has a small frig where we can buy drinks for knit ins.
8. I found my LYS at whitepages.com and there was a link to the store web site.
9. I work. At least 2 evenings a week and weekends. I'd love to shop for yarn on Sundays too.
Jackie jacobsmomm@comcast.net
1. I love most natural fibers - wool, silk, blends. I mostly knit sweaters and until recently I would have said worsted hands down, but I am currently doing a fingering weight sweater and love it, so the answer is almost any weight.
2. I hate being rushed or made to feel like I'm in the way.
3. Great yarn and great people.
4. None - I've been knitting since I was 5.
5. See 2.
6. Nope - I'll try anything that looks and feels good.
7. Needles, stitch markers, buttons, closures.
8. Usually word of mouth or I pass by it.
9. I work so the possibilities for me are after work in the evenings, weekends, or lunchtime.
I'm posting this on my blog.
Lots of luck - how cool - a mother/daughter team.
1) Natural fibers, mostly worsted and sock yarn, but sometime bulky too.
2) I like a really friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
3) Good yarn and a non-rushed atmosphere.
4) I never take classes
5) I hate it when they don't have prices indicated and so you have to ask and they make you feel like a creep for asking. Like we all have infinite money and it's uncool to have to live within a budget.
6) I'm willing to try new brands
7) Notions.
8) I always stop in when I pass a new yarn shop to check it out.
9) Lunchtime or evenings
I found out about the contest from Elaine at elaine-knitting.
Good luck - Really great prizes!
1 Unless I have a specific pattern in mind I like to buy sock yarn. Although lately I've been into buying lace weight yarn. I can't stop buying purple yarn. At stitches I made a special effort to buy not purple yarn because it seemed to be taking over my stash. I'm allergic to mohair, so I stay away from that.
2. I like a friendly atmosphere in a yarn shop. Cozy, organized, helpful, knowledgeable, and affordable with a good selection.
3.I'll come back if they have the above.
4. Maybe something about stranded knitting or steeking. A friend of mine wants to take sock knitting classes.
5. I don't like it when the prices are higher than other stores and I really don't like it, if they ignore me or are rude.
6. nope. I like to try out new ones. One yarn store that I like has a basket display with hanks of their new yarns, so it's easy to see what's new.
7. Possibly magazines, roving, I used to look for needles.
8. Online recommendations, knitmap.com, google search.
9. weekends, or on my way home from work
I'm blogless so here's my address:
g_houk at hotmail
Good luck!
First and foremost: so very, very excited to learn about the shoppe.
1. I am a sock knitter, so sock yarns intrigue me, but of course dk and worsted weights are a staple of most knitters' diets, right?
2. I gravitate toward relaxed shoppes with lots of seating.
3. The staff, the staff, the staff. . . and an ever updated inventory.
4. I'd love to take a class in finishing techniques or color work.
5. Hmmm, I don't like it to be over-crowded or for someone to push yarn. I love it when they introduce me to new stuff.
6. Actually, I like to try new stuff, so I am not limited to just what's familiar.
7. I'd love to be able to find more knitting gadgets and accessories.
8.. Honestly: ravelry and other bloggers lead me to yarn shoppes.
9. I would love to be able to visit shoppes on extended hours, ie until 7 or on Sundays.
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
I adore hand dyes, and wish I could find more cotton and bamboo in gorgeous colorways, really. Generally DK/Worsted Weight.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
friendly and welcoming, without being too trendy - I like a softer, more down home feel.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Friendly, helpful staff; welcoming hours; loyalty programs.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Techniques - things like cabling or stranded knitting; those things that have a million tutorials but are far easier to pick up if you SEE them.
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
Hours more convenient to the owners than anyone who works outside their home.. an unwillingness to be helpful
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
Nope, I LOVE trying new things.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
Little fun goodies - things like notepads or keyrings or all those fun things that shout "I knit!"
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
Recommendations from others.. searching on Ravelry.. seeing posts from other folks who've been there.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Evenings and weekends. I especially love the shops near me that have sunday hours.
Your yarns are amazing - just gorgeous!
I just noticed that you asked for a way to contact the winner. I had assumed that you'd be posting the names and since I prefer not to list my e-mail address, I didn't. But if this is the only way to have a chance to win, then I'm elweyu AT hotmail DOT com
Hi - I found your blog via Anne at The Bag Lady and The Pro. And I'm all for a good contest!
1. I love to buy classic fibers, such as wool and alpaca. I probably purchase sock yarn and worsted weight the most. I buy colors that I love, such as purple, pink, red ... but I'm trying to expand to colors I normally wouldn't buy.
2. I love a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. A place, where when you walk in, you feel at home. Friendly staff, people talking and knitting, and oh - tea, cookies, and the like are always an awesome treat!
3. I come back to a yarn store for many reasons. The friendly and helpful staff are always top on my list. I really value customer service! Selection is another thing. I like to come into a wide variety of yarn. Classics such as Cascade, but new things that I've never tried before.
4. Technique classes that also involve a project. Cables and color work are at the top of my list.
5. Oooo ... I do have a list, and mainly because there is one LYS where I live that rubs me the wrong way. Again, customer service, as I mentioned before. If you snub me because I'm new or didn't buy a whole lot, then I'm not coming back. If you don't post your prices or charge way above MSRP, then yeah - count me out. Those are the top two.
6. No. I love to try new brands of yarn!
7. A wide variety of needles (Addis as well as bamboo), hand made items for local knitters, etc.
8. For online stores ... the ads on Ravelry, Etsy, and word of mouth via other knitters' blogs. For LYS ... if I'm going to travel, I will do a Google search or ask around on Ravelry.
9. Please be open on MONDAY! I don't know of a single shop in my area that is. I always find myself needing something for a project on Mondays. Also, later hours at least one day a week, say 2pm to 9pm.
Thanks for such a great contest!
Amy (p3knitter AT yahoo DOT com)
1 fingering - bulky in any natural fiber.
2. I look for a welcoming atmosphere that recognizes that knitting is a tactile activity and so you have to touch. Also, one that recognizes that you may come in to get an idea of what you want, not buy, go home to look over patterns for inspiration and then come back to make a final purchase.
3 Yarns I like but especially the welcoming atmosphere.
4 I really never take classes
5 Ones that make you feel like a criminal if you don't buy or you touch or ask prices
6 How do you find new wonderful yarns without trying?
7 Accessories - buttons, closures, needles. I even bought a pair of funky magnifying sunglasses at my LYS. More expensive than another story, but more fun, and they were there at the cash register when I was checking out - sort of an impulse buy.
8 Google in the location I'm going to be.
9 Evenings and weekends are best for me.
I'm purple on ravelry.
Elaine of elaine-knitting sent me over
And lots of luck.
Ok, after thinking long and hard here are my suggestions:
1) I like superwash for socks, lace yarn and sport weight yarn, semi solids and varigated. What you are doing now is just fine.
2) I like a coffee shop atmosphere, a place to sit down and chat too.
3)Friendly sales people, no pressure and a clean compfy shop
4)Dying and spinning of course. For beginners and experienced.
5)I don't like pushy sales people that are only out to make a sale andy which way they can.
6)For me it doesn't have to be a certain brand name, as long as the combination of fibers is right.
7)Patterns would be nice, maybe just leaflets or computer access to knitty, magknits or of course ravelry patterns to brouse.
8)Ravelry, Yellow Pages, IK magazines.
9)When kids are in school for undistracted, whine free shopping. :)
Hi - wow congrats on your new undertaking.
I found out about the contest from Elaine's blog (elaine-knitting)
1) I like hand-painted natural fibers in almost any weight (although not much of a fan of lace weight)
2) Friendly, relaxed, browsable
3) Good atmosphere and yarns
4) Maybe a dying class
5) When they hover or are rude.
6) No
7) Patterns, needles, gadgets.
8) Ravelry, google
9) evenings and weekends
And good luck!!
I don't have a blog but I love to lurk around other's. If I win, my e-mail is dadofra AT hotmail.
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
I like all wool blends, but it has to have some wool content or I am an unhappy camper! I usually buy sock and lace weight, but occasionally go for dk and aran. It all depends on the project in my head at the time of the visit!
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
Friendly, comfy, cosy! I don't like cliques and will avoid a shop when I see that happening!
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
The owner usually, the treatment of my hard earned cash and what I want to do with it!
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
I think I need help in crocheting right now, but I basically don't do many classes unless it's really something new and different! Drumcarding! Dyeing! Spinning!
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
Pushy sales people.
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
No. Any and all yarn speaks to me!
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
Good coffee or teas maybe? Scented candles all the essentials of course!
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
All of the above. Google is my best friend!
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Weekends most likely as, I work, work, work during the day.
Great contest - great prizes.
1. I like natural fibers, hand dyed or hand painted and my favorite weight is worsted.
2. Relaxed and friendly. A place you can linger and touch.
3. The right atmosphere and great yarns.
4. Not really a class person.
5. Sales people who make you feel like you are in their way, touching their stuff. They just want you to plunk down scads of money in the minimum amount of time without asking questions (stupid things like the price).
6. No - I like to try new things.
7. Accessories. The things others have mentioned like buttons, needles, patterns or books.
8. Mr Google is my best friend.
9 Evenings/weekends.
I found out about your contest from Elaine
I am blogless and not on ravelry so I hope if I win you'll just announce my name. And I am feeling lucky!
1. Everything! I have a soft spot for hand dyed/hand spun anything but I will knit with anything that catches my eye.
2. A welcoming one. For me an LYS is an escape from daily life. A knitting circle helps to foster community between knitters. That is the atmosphere that I believe keeps people coming back. You can get yarn anywhere but finding people who can help you through a project when you dropped a stitch on the 2nd row….priceless.
3. Friendly, helpful people.
4. I’m open to anything.
5. Knitting snobs who only like you to knit in special yarns or a certain way.
6. No, I love to see new textures and types of yarn.
7. I like when an LYS has an assortment of extras like beads, handles for bags, stitch markers, holders and other items that help with finishing projects.
8. Usually word of mouth.
9. Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday after work
I saw this on christine@studioknit
I saw this contest on wiknit.blogspot.com...
1. What yarn do you like to buy? All types,I am drawn by interesting colors, textures, sample projects.I knit socks to jumbo weight yarn (size 15 & up needles) What weights/fiber content/colors?
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop? Warm and inviting, friendly salespeople who are not pushy or snobby.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop? A place that treats a customer in a friendly, helpful manner - regardless of size of purchase or level of experience. A place that encourages conversation and questions.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking? Learning new knitting techniques, learning to spin yarn.
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop? Stores with only high-ticket items, that make you feel as if you don't belong there if you need to ask the price!
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with? No, I love to try new things, and I am willing to experiment if the yarn is there to see, touch, and and to see items made with it.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature? Knitting-themed items - i.e., t-shirts, buttons, stickers, notecards, totes, anything that is fun and cute and shows love of knitting.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc? I look mostly online (Ravelry, yellowpages.com, etc.,), and by others' referrals, in particular.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store? Weekday & Sunday afternoons, Saturdays. Evenings are unlikely unless it's to attend a class.
It sounds like you will have a great shop, just from your care and concern for knitters' interests! Best of luck!
Oh, I forgot one thing: finishing items like purse handles, buttons, etc. are great to find in a yarn store, too! :)
Christine @ Studio Knit sent me!
1. sock yarn ~ wool blends in fingerwing of DK weight
2. nice and helpful staff with a place to sit and knit
3. friendly service and lots of choices of yarn.
4. beaded shawl and difficult sock classes
5. a shop with a clicky group that hangs out there and isn't inviting to new-comers.
6. no, I like to try all brands :)
7. knitting bags, needles, any sheep items, wool wash soap, notions and notion bags.
8. etsy and other blogs (referrals)
9. Saturdays and Sundays
Nachaele Olson
Knittin' with the Boys
www.knit-eat-sleep.blogspot.com
doxyluvr2@comcast.net
1. Cotton, cotton blends, silk, bamboo, and merino wool. I do buy wool but mostly for felting. We have wool allergies so look for non-wool choices. Any weight. Colors--all :-)
2. Relaxed environment, people knitting is great as long as you don't feel like you aren't cool enough for the store. A few comfy chairs or table and chairs would be nice, coffee, tea, cold drinks are a plus.
3. Helpful, friendly owners. One owner at a lys makes you feel like you are interrupting her knitting to answer your questions.
4. right now none but I have take seaming and mistake fixing. Maybe lace...but please have classes when the store is closed if you only have one room. It's frustrating to try to shop around a class that is up against the wall with the cascade, or the sock yarn or whatever.
5. Snobs, either yarn snobs (you know the ones who look at you like you are crazy for not buying their favorite yarn) or people snobs who can't be bothered to help you. Or owners who follow you around with suggestions.
6. no I love to try new stuff.
7. Blocking boards (no one carries them), fabric would be a nice addition for lining bags or just people like me who have craft ADD.
8. Online, ravelry, recommendations of others in blogs or message boards.
9. I'm easy here, but if you say you will be open until 4 on Saturday please, please stay open until 4 unless there is a true emergency. If you are taking a snow day please let people know.
Good luck with your store!
1. Like most other knitters, sock yarn is always a favorite! I also love laceweight wool or alpaca (non-mohair) and feltable worsteds.
2. I love yarn shops that have a "homey" feel to them. Where they know your name after the first or second visit and you just feel at home there. I don't want to feel pressured to buy... if I just want to come in and knit/look around I'm just as welcome as if I had made a 500.00 purchase.
3. The people, selection, and service. Know my name after my first few visits, maybe remember something about me. It makes people feel good and welcome. Have a variety of brands, blends, and weights. Be willing to do special orders or refer people to places where they can get what they are looking for. I also greatly appreciate supplies for spinners, needle felters, etc.
4. Technique classes... 2 socks on 2 circs, that kind of thing. Also I would love to have a time to sit down with a master knitter or something and just learn all the cast on methods, or cables, or something.
5. A small variety of brands and types of yarn and too much novelty yarn.
6. No! I will try anything that I find appealing. I'm a lover of all yarns. I when a store offers local handspun for sale also.
7. Large hole beads, dyes, needle felting stuff, blocking stuff, weaving stuff.
8. Online listings have been the best for me, as well as word of mouth.
9. No real days, though it's nice to be able to go on Sundays! So many places are closed then and it's my only real free day. Time... it's nice when they're open a little later than 5pm. People work, go to school, etc and evenings are really the only available time to go anywhere fun.
Hi! I am new to your site and your Etsy shop, but I'm glad I found it - such lovely yarn! Christy from Having a Hissyknit sent me ;) And here are my answers:
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
Weights - I LOVE to buy sock yarn. Usually, I tend to stick to the fingering-to-worsted range, mainly the fingering and DK.
Fiber content - I'm a big fan of wool (both superwash and the regular variety) especially merino. Recently, however, I've been branching out to the mixed fiber yarns, especially those that contain some bamboo. I've been eyeing linen for a while, just trying to work up the intestinal fortitude.
Colors - All! I definitely lean toward solids and solid-variagated.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
I'm a pretty quiet, private person, so I lean towards shops that are friendly but not overly suffocating. A huge part of a successful yarn shop is having friendly employees. I have been to WAY too many shops where the employees are rude, curt, etc.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
The selection and price of yarn, and how I felt in the shop. If there is a clique of regulars (or employees) who make me feel out of place, I probably won't come back.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Hmmm... I'd really like a class where you go through making a sweater or top. Not that I haven't knitted sweaters, but I guess a forum where everyone can customize the fit of their garment, learn new techniques, etc.
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
Being followed around as if I am about to steal something, when yarn is placed completely randomly around the shop, and employees who refuse to help you find a replacement yarn for a project. If I can't afford a certain brand but still want to make a pattern, then I will still not afford the ritzy brand, no matter how many times you tell me it is 'perfect' for the project! Compared to those, higher prices are not even a big deal!
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
No. I am an equal opportunity brand chooser.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
Recently on Etsy there have been a lot of cute knitting-related items like cute tape measures, pins/cups/t shirts with knitting logos, stitch markers, etc and I think a tiny selection of them would be a cute register-area addition to some stores.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
First stop is checking the forums on Ravelry, both for LYS info and reviews of LYSes. If I'm still looking, I'll Google it.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Hmmmm..... gosh, there is no LYS around here so I get the majority of my yarn online. Back when I had a yarn store in the area, I usually went on Saturdays during the day, though my favorite times were morning or early afternoon on weekdays because it was so much quieter and less crowded.
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
Wool, bamboo, soy silk. Lace weight and sock weight. Variety of colors.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
Friendly. Friendly staff, kid friendly. People with patience.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Products.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Dye classes
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
People who ignore you. Ones that hover over you if you have children with you. Rude employees.
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
Not necessarily.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
Not especially.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
Usually word of mouth.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Any day. I usually would need a store to be open after 6pm.
Your contest is posted on my blog (or will be in a second)…here are my answers. It’s a bit hard for me since I live in a pretty rural area and have only been in 4 or 5 yarn shops in my life (when I go to the ‘big cities’!). I knew which ones I liked immediately though so am basing my answers on that information. Good luck to you on this adventure!
1. Since I started branching out in knitting, I’ve been buying more lace-weight yarns, sock yarns, and aran/worsted weight for sweaters (which I will add that I don’t tend to see much lace in local stores for some reason…may just be the ones I’ve visited). Tend toward wool but have cotton, hemp, and some silk in my stash.
2. I like friendly, informative, but no pressure to buy. I also love the stores where you walk in at any given time and folks are sitting around knitting. I also tend to buy based on projects I see…so the best stores in my opinion have lots of samples made up in the yarn offered. Finally the selection of yarn should be a range of not only colors/types etc, but also price.
3. Atmosphere. A store can have an amazing selection of yarn but if I don’t like the feel, I will probably not want to go back.
4. Socks for sure…I’m learning top down but classes with magic loop, two at a time, toe-up etc. I’d also be very interested in a class on seaming/finishing, a class on fixing mistakes, and a class on colorwork!
5. Sterile environment, few choices.
6. Definitely not.
7. Good variety of needles. I’m close to a great yarn store right now but I have to still order needles online! And patterns, both in books and sold just as one pattern.
8. Google search or yellow pages if I’m in the area long enough to find a phone book!
9. My schedule is pretty wonky but also fairly flexible. ..which means I can go in the middle of the day if I want to…when there aren’t as many people there.
1. brown sheep, esp. lamb's pride worsted. i also like any good wool/mohair or wool/alpaca blends that are soft and suitable for the large amt. of baby garments i knit
2. friendly and easy going. i loved the yarn shop in the town we lived in before this one - it had a little coffee counter, comfy sofas, and lots of moms with kids (and a great box of kids toys and books).
3. price and selection.
4. and sort of advanced technique i might have trouble figuring out on my own.
5.hmmm...when the one woman at the counter is too busy helping a regular figure out her pattern for 20 minutes while i'm waiting to find out of they have any more of yarn X in the back. i know she's a regular, and it's great that you're helping her, but take a break for 2 minutes so you can wait on a customer!
6.not necessarily, especially if i saw a yarn knitted up into a sample i really admired.
7.knitting books. coffee.
8.yellow pages, and word of mouth from local spinners and knitters.
9.in the evenings or on saturdays while my hubby has the kids. or mabye on a weekday morning while they're at preschool.
Fingering weight yarn, because that's what I mostly used in the shawls in my book and it goes with the needle sizes most comfortable in my hands with lacework (8s and 9s), but I've knit those same patterns in laceweight baby alpaca and size 6, and they came out absolutely gorgeous. Anyway. Natural fibers, silk always a plus, baby alpaca I love and baby alpaca/silk in combination is WONDERFUL.
Baruffa makes the softest of the merino laceweights out of the fifteen or twenty brands I've knit with.
Oh, and, what makes me come back to a yarn shop? Nice people and a sense of belonging there. I'll adjust to their hours if need be to support a good one.
One local shop, which recently closed because the owner had been doing two fulltime jobs, the owner treated people with so much consideration and kindness that people would go out of their way to make being there a pleasant experience for others so they'd come back too: offering help with knitting problems, for instance, to anyone who looked like they might need it if the owner was swamped just then. It sometimes confused new customers that several people would offer, "Can I help you?" and then they'd find out that they didn't actually work there. But we wanted Karen's shop to succeed. In the end, it wasn't the shop, it was the 80+ hour weeks that did her in.
1. What yarn do you like to buy?
What weights/fiber content/colors?
When I go into an LYS, immediately check out their wools and sock yarns. As for colors, I love the handpainted sock yarns and a good variety of basic colors for wool.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
Friendly and inviting.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Good lighting, well organized, friendly staff.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
How to Finish a Sweater, Fair Isle, Socks, Needle Felting
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
Rude staff, poor lighting, clutter, no variety.
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
Not always. There are lots of good brands out there, but if it was something I wasn't familiar with, I'd be more likely to only buy one skein and test it before I bought more.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
Anything else knitting or spinning related, like magnets, cards, etc..
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
Word of mouth is the biggest thing. News of a new yarn shop spreads like wildfire. :-) Secondly, I'd try online and the yellow pages.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Mostly Fridays and Saturdays.
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
I like to buy everything, but lean more toward natural materials, muted colors and worsted weight or less.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
I love a shop with lots of samples, even if its just a swatch of the yarn knitted up. I like lots of room and friendly, knowledgable staff.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
I generally come back to stores where I enjoy the people that work there and find lots of inspiration.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
I just took up spinning, so I'm very interested in that. Also would enjoy more intermediate/advanced techniques.
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop? I don't like crowded yarn stores, large collections of cheap and trendy yarns or stores that aren't competitively priced.
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
Nope, I'm open to anything that appeals to me.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
I love to see unique buttons, shawl pins, etc. and products for washing my hand knits.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
I typically look on line via Google or check on Ravelry
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Since I work a 9-5 job, weekends and evenings are when I do most of my shopping.
1. I buy all types of weights, mostly wool, however I am starting to look into soy and bamboo (yarns that tend to be "greener") as for color, bright saturated colors are best for me.
2. Cozy, inviting, a place that you would be able to hang out and feel comfortable in. Big cushy chairs, organized cubes of yarn and big smiles on the shopkeepers. Vintage feel not modern like some of the shops here in Chicago.
3. The owner is willing to help me. The shop is organized and wll lit. The owners let you hang out and knit. A good variety of yarn is available and a comparable price.
4. Designing your own sweater pattern. Spinning. Making cables. Advanced knitting. Socks! Mittens! Scarfs! Knitting for you baby. Knitting "Green."
5. There is one shop that I don't like going to because the yarn is ridiculously over priced and the owner is not very nice. She is well know among the Chicago knitters as being cranky. I haven't had many good experiences with her.
6. Now way! I really like to find new brands especially made by local artists or small business types. Are the supplies free trade too? I also don't mind paying extra for it. I believe in supporting artists.
7. Books, patterns, needles, maybe knitting pieces, such as scarfs, sweaters etc...lotions for worn out hands. Cute bags to hold knitting supplies. Knitting theme cards, invites.
8. I look at blogs and the internet mostly. I look at knitting guilds, magazines, but mostly it is word of mouth and blogs. I like to get on their email mailing list too to find out great sales or what is going on in the shop.
9. Saturday and sunday 10-5 are always best for me.
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
Dk & worsted, mostly, in nonwool fibers. I buy a lotta lotta cotton.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
Friendly & inviting. Tolerant of newb questions
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Good environment, yarns I can handle without an allergic reaction, good sales/clearance rack or at least good prices
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Anything that didn't involve felting! Classes that would help me learn new techniques.
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
Snooty or elitist-feeling stores where I get the feeling I'm not welcome, and certainly not welcome to touch anything!
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
If so, I'd get bored rather quickly ! I like my favorite brands but I'm always willing to try something new with a nice hand.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
Notions, primarily.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
Online... although at my current place of residence, I pass the only LYS to get into my apt complex.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
between 5:30 & 7:30 on weekdays, between 10 & on weekends.
1. What yarn do you like to buy? I love to buy sock yarn.
What weights/fiber content/colors?
I like fingering weight sock yarn with either 100% wool or mostly wool and a little bit of nylon. For colors I like pinks and oranges a lot.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
I like it to be easy to find yarn and for the workers to be available to help you find something if you need it.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Having a lot of yarns that I like and having good customer service.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
I would be interested in taking a class on colorwork.
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
I don't like it when the yarn is organized by color not by brand and line.
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
No. I am always up to try new brands of yarn.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
I really like a store to have books and patterns that go with the yarns that they sell.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
I tend to go by reccomondations from friends that I know who knit.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
I am likely to visit a yarn store during the day on weekdays.
I grew up in a fabric & yarn store. There was a T-shaped table where my mother sat writing patterns & fixing mistakes people made. Women would pack lunches & sit for hours. I'm sure that helped shaped my idea of what a LYS should be.
1. I buy all sorts of yarn depending on what I'm doing with it. When I'm knitting for my grandsons (1 & 2 years old), it't gotta be machine washable or it doesn't get worn!
2. Like others have said, welcoming, friendly, not cliquey (ignoring you if you're new or not spending a bundle). It helps if they are passionate about knitting. Nothing like someone else getting excited with you about the next project.
3. All of the above. After a recent NYC yarn crawl, the standout had all the above PLUS a large selection of yarn, well displayed, deep stock, many books & magazines (including past issues) to choose from (with a bit of the Border's attitude to taking them out & piling them up ["not to worry"]). Sales are hard to pass up (stash time!).
But I will tolerate alot of unpleasant features (snootiness, etc) if there is a talented, knowledgable pattern writer! I can hear a yarn telling me what it wants to be, but I haven't, yet, learned how to write the pattern myself!
4. My schedule is so demanding, I'm not really into classes.
5. Snootiness; writing you off because you're not spending a bundle; early closing during the week, limited returns.
6. no
7. Pattern books/magazines.
8. For the NYC crawl (my daughter just moved there & needed to get grounded), we got alot of leads from blogs. Locally, from other knitters.
9. My preference is weekend when I am not rushed. I can know what I want to make & still take hours finding the right yarn!
PS: Tante J's blog cued me! (I'm so honest; it's pathetic!)
1. I like to buy 100% wool, alpaca as well as the above blended with silk. I especially like deep plums, purples and burgundy. As for weight I don't really get anything thinner than fingering weight for my knitting, and right now I am really enjoying Dk weight.
2. Relaxed, good energy with enough help that I need, but so much that I feel like the staff is standing over me.
3. Helpful staff, friendly staff, nice selection, good prices and a bargain here and there.
4. A class where I would truly learn something new. I went to a class once where we supposedly were supposed to learn how to do fancy embelishments on garments, and all that was taught was to increase and decrease. very dissapointing. I would attend a class with a knitter I admire to hear their insights also.
5. Dust and uncleanliness. Pushy salespeople.
6. No.
7. Things to add to the finished product, such as buttons, pearls, beads, embroidery etc.
8. The internet.
9. On my days off - the entire day. On the days I work, in the evening, after 6pm.
1. Sock and Lace weight. Wool, silk and alpaca
2. Warm and welcoming. A comfortable place to sit and knit. Lots of store samples.
3. Good yarn variety. Friendly staff. Comfortable atmosphere. Easy to shop - yarns displayed on walls etc.
4. Something that teaches new techniques - cast-ons, cast-offs, sock heels...
5. Nice yarn stuck in cheap bins. Disorganization. Pushy staff.
6. Not if I can touch it and feel it and see store samples.
7. Needles and patterns.
8. I check online. Places like Ravelry and knitters review. I also do searches. A nice website makes a difference even if I want to go to the brick and mortar store.
9. weekends
Thanks for letting me voice my opinion.
What beautiful prizes. Amazing!
1. I love DK weight in natural fibers of wool, silk, soy in purples or lime green.
2. A clean shop that smells nice and is bright enough to really see colors. Well organized.
3. Friendly service and helpful salespeople will make me return to a shop. Of course a good variety of yarn is great also.
4. I've always wanted to make an Irish knit sweater with all the cables and variety of stitches.
5. I don't like boxes or things on the floor that are easy to trip over. Or sale tables that are piled high.
6. I would try any brand of yarn if a helpful salesperson showed me a completed swatch or project from that yarn.
7. I love to look a new yarn pattern books and also a good supply of needles and hooks are great.
8. I used to look in the yellow pages but now realize that online is more up to date with new listings.
9. I only shop during the weekdays and I go early as possible.
Good luck with your contest.
1. yarn that feels good and is in colors that I like! Depends on what I am doing as to what I am looking for - am always open for suggestions!
2. I like fun, cozy, well lit, comfortable seating, relaxed atmosphere.
3. The people and the variety offered and price.
4. I would like to re-learn knitting. I haven't knitted in years and need to relearn from some with patience, patience, patience!!
5. Pushy sales people and made to feel like I am not important.
6. See answer to #1
7. I like gadgets! Cool stuff that is done by locals.
8. Word of mouth -there is this great group of ladies that know EVERYTHING!!!!!
9. Afternoons or early evenings - like right after work. Maybe a Saturday afternoon. No no on mornings.
1. DK, Worsted, some bulky in 100% cotton or wool or their mixed blend
2. Comfy & relaxing with natural lighting. Friendly & knowledgeable staff
3. Deals and Friendly & honest Knowledgeable Customer service
4. Dying, Steeking, Fair Isle
5. Customer service reps that aren't know edible about the products they’re selling.
6. Love exploring new yarns but wont if the price isn’t right. Its only a test run so I don’t want to spend much
7. Knitting books, Yarn Storage stuff like totes or cute bins. Cool knit centric t-shirts
8. Online from random searches, but also if I go to a specific yarn’s manufacture website they’ll have a Store locator where that yarn is sold.
9. I get off work around 6pm so I would visit between 6 – 8pm Monday thru Friday and Saturdays from 10am – 9pm
Thanks for the contest
1. I love buying fun, colorful, soft sock yarn. Wool is my fav at the moment.
2. Friendly atmosphere. A lot of natural light. A place to sit. Lots of colors to gawk at.
3. A sale. :) And customer service that goes above and beyond my expectations.
4. Intarsia, cabling, spinning, different ways to knit a sock.
5. Rude customer service.
6. No. I like hearing recommendations. I like to be introduced to new yarns.
7. Maybe artisan items. Like items one could find on etsy.com but made from friends and people who live in the area.
8. Ravelry, yellow pages, online search, asking a local knitter.
9. I don't work at the moment so anytime is great. :)
1. I really ilke to buy wool-especially merino wool- dk or worsted weight. Solid colors. I liek solids for socks, too. I have gotten into the habit of not buying yarn just to use what is in my stash already, though...and it depends on if i am buying it for the kids or myself.
2. I want to be greeted like i am being welcomed into someone's home. adn treated like i at least know what the heck i am doing in a yarn shop!
3. Friendliness, if it is cozy, the selection will usually just if i need it.
4. Designing! how to design my own sweaters/vests, etc-
5.I went into one oen time and the ladies barely greeted me...and then they treated me like i didn't even know what yarn was! or knitting or crochet or any fiber art...it made me feel low and i dont' like to go back there.
6. NO. I like to try new things, especially if the price is right.
7. Needles and books or patterns.
8. I look online for LYS shops.
9 On the weekends, sundays are teh best tiem for me to get out.
thanks for the opportunity!
heather :)
Okay, I can't sleep, and I figure, why NOT be number 81!. Best wishes on your new store.
1. What yarn do you like to buy?
reasonably priced yarn. I like coordinating colors for sweaters and socks.....ww or sock weight in wool or cotton blends. I also like GOOD acrylic. Cotton is nice to see as well.What weights/fiber content/colors?
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop? HOMEY!
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop? Honestly, proximity. Then friendliness, helpfulness, price. I need someone to talk through a project with me. I will pay for that.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking? Fair isle, intarsia, spinning
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop? High priced yarn sold by snobby people
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with? Nope
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature? Nope
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc? online and yellow pages
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store? I'm a pain. Mid morning, mid afternoon during a weekday.
I've always wished for a knitting area in a lys where clients could hang out, chat and help each other out. Comfy chairs and good light.
Good luck!
1. I like a nice variety of yarns in natural fibers, DK, Worsted, and some lace weight.
2. A cozy atmosphere, friendly, a place you don't feel rushed or ignored.
3. Friendly people, good product, good prices and good service.
4. I want to learn lace knitting, but I'm also interested in putting together sweater pieces, again a nice variety.
5. I realize a core group of customers is a good thing, and that this core group are usually friends, but don't exclude new customers or make them feel they are intruding on a private party.
Salespeople who rush you through a purchase so they can get back to their own project or who aren't knowledgeable.
Be open the hours that are posted at the store. If you have to leave for a half hour, be back in a half hour, because I am, too!
6. I love to see new brands of yarn!
7. Notions, knitting books and magazines. Fun knitting accessories.
8. Yellow pages, online, yarn magazine ads.
9. During the day Monday - Saturday, maybe a little later Friday and Saturday.
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
I enjoy all weight of yarn, although I tend to use DK and worsted weights the most. I love pinks, fuschia's, oranges and blues.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
I love knowing the people in my LYS. It is always nice when they make you feel like a special customer,whether you spend ten dollars or three hundred! It is also nice if you are not the most experienced knitter that they help you without getting annoyed! This has been a huge turn off with many yarn shops in the past. Snobby sales people turn off a new knitter immediately.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Kindness of the shop and willingness to be of assistance. And of course a good selection of yarn and notions.
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Beginning spinning and dyeing would be fun. Also, I would love to see a few more daytime classes during the weekdays. I can't drive at night and it makes me feel left out!
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
Messy yarn, lack of inventory, not having the right supplies on hand. Showing projects and then not having the right supplies to do it.....grrrr!! Snotty sales people, who make you feel imcompetent because you are not the same level of knitter they are!
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
Absolutely, as that is the fun of going to see the newest things available to us knitters.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
I love seeing new notions, yarns, and bags. Again if if they are too pricey it's tough, but everyone needs to splurge now and then :).
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
I find a lot by word of mouth, but online of course works, so it's important to have a good link to your store. I do tend to google LYS when I travel. So, the internet is key for out of town visitors and locals too.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Any day really, but usally in the late morning. I hate that most stores are closed on Sunday and Mondays too, because of course those are the days I NEED something. (teasing) But it does seem to happen that way.
I don't have a blog or ravelry page, so here is my email. Itznotez2begreen@aol.com. This was fun, thanks for letting me be heard!
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
I love all vibrant colors, and, of course, there has to be brown, black, and gray there, too. I do NOT like too many variegated colorways, though semi-solids are beautiful. Variegateds are nice, but I won't buy them very often. I love all natural fibers, but knit most often with wool. My absolute favorite is alpaca. I prefer smooth, non-novelty yarns with no slubs or "interesting" texture. I use worsteds for most of my knitting, but I would kill for a shop with a great selection of laceweight (in solid colors and with no mohair), sock/fingering weight yarns, etc. Not a big bulky yarn fan.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
Any will do, really, as long as the staff is friendly and unintrusive and the shop is well-stocked and organized.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
Reasonable prices, comfort with the sales staff, great selection, and hours that fit my schedule (see below).
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
I'm not a big class person.
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
I hate disorganization most of all. I like to be able to figure out where to find a certain type of yarn without the staff's help. I hate hovery staff, staff that has no clue, and staff that acts suspicious towards me. I hate not having a wide selection of different yarns.
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
No! For me, the whole point of going to a yarn store is to try new things!
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
Books and magazines are great.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
I Google "Yarn store in (city)"
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
I work late, so stores that are open either before 10 am or past 6 pm are great. Weekends are good, too.
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors?
I am drawn to alpaca, wool, wool blends, cottons, and silks. If it feels nice when I touch it, I will always consider it! I'm not big on pastels or really bright colors. Other than that, it just depends on the project.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop?
It's always nice when the people there are nice and helpful.
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop?
If they are easy for me to get to, they are open when I have the time to get there, and if I enjoy the people who are there, I will make the time to be there!
4. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Spinning, Finishing techniques, advanced techniques, beaded knitting, etc.
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop?
When the shop owner is either unfriendly or not helpful. Had that experience before. :(
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with?
Nope! I am always willing to try something new!
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature?
I am always on the lookout for notions, needles, hooks, and various accessories.
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc?
I have looked in the yellow pages, but online seems to be the best way to find good stores.
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
During the week in the evening or an the weekend in the morning.
I have posted to you on my blog: http://roavings.blogspot.com.
Thanks!
1. What yarn do you like to buy? What weights/fiber content/colors? sock yarns in very fine weight. I love seasilk, 100% silk all very fine though.
2. What type of atmosphere do you look for in a yarn shop? Comfortable chairs
3. What makes you come back to a yarn shop? great pricing and nice people
4. What classes would you be interested in taking? advanced knitting
5. What don't you like in a yarn shop? mean people, over pricing. I once saw a skein of Opal for $22.00!!!! I had just the night before purchased the same yarn for $7.50 online.
6. Would you only buy brands that you are familiar with? Nope, I buy new stuff all the time.
7. Is there anything besides yarn and spinning supplies that you are interested in purchasing when you go into a store of this nature? Fiber for spinning, books, mags, dyes
8. How do you go about looking for a LYS, online/yellow pages/yarn store listings/etc? I Google
9. What days/hours are you likely to visit a yarn store?
Saturday or nights during the week
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