NYC Yarn Haul!This weekend we were in NYC for the opening of my ex-husband's new store, a très hip home furnishings store in Brooklyn called Hasker--if you're on Smith Street, check it out. "That was so nice of you to come all this way..." people remarked. Those of you who live in a small town and are beholden to the whims of your LYS owners and their inscrutable ways could probably guess that there was more to this trip that altruism. Yes, this was an opportunity to enhance stash. So, without further ado....let me present my 18 hour A.D.D. yarn tour of NY:
Stitches EastStitches East: Nothing spectacular, but at least it didn't live up to its reputation as 'Bitches East'--maybe the heavy hitters don't work Saturdays. I found the employees to be helpfulish although not overwhelmingly friendly. Their selection was fine and they had some killer needlepoint canvases, but this store didn't overly appeal to me as I was already familiar with most of the yarns they carry. The pleasure of a new yarn store is a combination between having brands you are familiar with and ones that you've heard the buzz about but have never seen before. At Stitches East I bought some Filatura di Crosa 501 to start the Irish Hiking Scarf with, you can see my progress below. All in all, Stitches East was fine, not great, just fine.
Purl Purl : Wow. The Robin's egg blue door on this joint was basically a gateway to paradise...Luckily I was on a budget at this point in my day because I could have done some serious damage here. I'm talking about the kind of damage that maxes out Amex cards and causes irreparable marital strife...Here I got some special Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn created just for Purl Soho (sad how I'm such a sucker for this type of marketing ploy). The employees were two totally adorable slacker/twee kids that were cheerful and helpful. My experience here was very positive, two thumbs way, way up!
KnitawayMy last visit was to the yarn store in NY that I am most familiar with, Knitaway on Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn. This store has a fantastic selection and is very large, esp. compared to the tight quarters at Purl. The owner is friendly albeit slightly nutty (don't even think about using her swift unless you have been trained by some sort of specialized winding guild, she's very touchy about that and don't ask to use the bathroom, ever). But I like her wiggy ways,she has a huge variety of yarn and she works her ass off every day of the week to give bratty knitters like me something to blog about! I bought some Cascade 220 Tweed from her and I can't wait to start in on it--after I wind it on my own, of course.
6 comments:
Oooh, sounds like a wonderful yarn crawl. Thanks for the terrific yarn store reviews.
Sounds like you had a ball. I had the same experience at Stitches East and hadn't been back since, mind you, I live in NY. I walked in and people were looking at me like I had three heads or something. Next time you're in town, maybe you can stop by Knit NY and Knitting 321.
Hope you enjoyed your time in my neck of the woods! I'll be sure to stop by your husband's store next time I find myself on Smith Street. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that the yarn store on Atlantic is a bit strange. I find that the owner is nice some days and strange the next. I think it is the best store in NYC for needles and Lamb's Pride. But I would never dare ask to use that swift! I'm leaving in a few minutes to pick my package up from the post office. I'll post pictures of my new stash soon!
I love this stuff. And give thanks that you are an Anglican!!! We always were a mad bunch!!! God be praised.
Wow! Sounds like a great trip! Yarn store crawling what a concept. I've always wanted to go to New York, now there are more reasons than ever. I am plagued by a sudden and severe case of stash envy!
Hey! Thanks for the comment on my blog. It totally made my day. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who felt that way about Stitches East - because I had a similar experience. Next time you're in NY, I suggest that you also check out Seaport Yarn. It's my fave - the place is HUGE and the prices are the best I've seen in the city.
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