Where do you buy yarn?

[Donna]

I would be interested to hear where everybody buys yarn. So far, I have bought mine at:

Locally:
Weaver's Webb (my LYS), Walmart, Hancock Fabrics, and Michaels.

Online:
Beehive Wool Shop (http://www.beehivewool.com/)
Herrschners (http://www.herrschners.com/)
Mary Maxim (http://www.marymaxim.com/)

[pfirsch]

I"ve been to Weaver's Webb. Donna, I think you live near where I'm from! How funny that I'm all the way in Germany and we meet each other via Internet! :)

Even though I have been told of other stores around here, I only buy yarn at Wolle Rödel (http://www.wolle-roedel.de/). I shop there mostly because it's close and the prices aren't too bad--I just have to ration out my yarn buying money. I think I will buy more stuff off ebay because it's a little cheaper and the selection is greater. Plus, now that I know I can buy stuff from the UK with no real problems, I might start buying yarn from British web sites.

While I was in North Carolina, I bought yarn at Wal-Mart, Micheals, and at Needles in Concord. I wish I knew when Caron had their big sale at the end of the year because I think that would be cool to buy the discontinued styles and colors really cheap. Over the Christmas holidays, I missed out because we couldn't find out when the sale was. There's always next year.

[PamCrochets]

I've bought yarn from:

<a href="http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home" target="_new">Michaels</a>
<a href="http://www.acmoore.com/" target="_new">AC Moore</a>
Wal-Mart
Ames
<a href="http://www.marymaxim.com/" target="_new">Mary Maxim</a>
<a href="http://www.herrschners.com/default.aspx" target="_new">Herrschners</a>
<a href="http://justyarn.com/" target="_new">Just Yarn</a>
<a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/" target="_new">Lion Brand</a>

~Pam

[Julie]

I keep pouting about this the more I read online...

Locally, all I have are Wal-mart, Michaels and Hobby Lobby. There is a Joann's too but they are very poorly stocked so I don't bother. I like Hobby Lobby, they have a large selection compared to Wally World and Michaels, but are about 40 miles or so away so I don't go often.

I've bought yarn online from Just Yarn (http://justyarn.com/) in the past, and order mail order through Mary Maxim and Lion Brand catalogs too.

[amyscrochet]

I wish we had more places to shop around here. The biggest selection I can find is Hobby Lobby.

[enmac]

I have to go to my local general craft stores to buy wool and as you'd expect there's a fairly poor selection (although they have a truckload of the trendy eyelash yarn).

I'm a bit dubious about buying yarn online though. I think I'd always want to know what it feels like first. For those who have bought stuff online have you been happy with it?

[Julie]

I've been lucky so far, and extremely cautious too. I tend to buy what I need to complete a project, because I've learned the hard way that some computers show colors differently than others and it is really hard to see what something will look like from the little swatch they tend to show. I am more confident buying something from the catalogs, the colors tend to be true and I've always been happy.

I would have a hard time buying something that I haven't actually seen, though the completed images of projects that you all have done, and things I can find, help me to overcome that. It's easier to picture the yarns this way - at least to me.

[Ambersafghans]

I buy yarn at Jo-anns and Micheals occasionaly.
I have purchased online from www.smileys.com a few times and was pleased with that. The only problem is that now they are running out of Jamie Bonus bundles.
I have also bought from Ebay a few times and although that is diffrent with every case, I was pleased.
Amber's Afghans
www.yourcrafts.com/Ambersafghans.htm

[Donna]

pfirsch, that is wild! We moved here about three and a half years ago from the Big City. Um, I know nothing about Caron's end of year sale. Do tell! Are you talking about in little Washington? Because if so, we will have to go together this year! :)

enmac, so far, most of the yarn I have bought online is stuff that I already know about but can't get locally. If I'm not sure, I'll just order a skein or two to check it out. Then I play with it and if I like it, I order enough for my project. Yeah, that is extra $$ in postage, but better than having a big box of yarn you don't want. I save the test skein(s) for small projects or scrapghans since they will be a different dye lot. One great thing is if you can get a swatch card (with real yarn samples) for the yarn you want. Then you can feel it and see all the colors, too. Also, good stores should let you return yarn; check their policy before you order.

[pfirsch]

yarntomato, I am talking about Caron in Little Washington! This is crazy! I wish I had known you were around while I was home this summer--I'm always looking for someone to crochet with. We will definitely have to go to the sale this year. I have every intention of being in the area, but I can't say until Fall whether or not I'll be able to go home.

It's a small world after all...

Pfirsch

[Donna]

pfirsch, wow!! :eek It is a small world! Yes, yes, too bad we hadn't met before the summer when you were home!

I knew Caron was based there, but I didn't know you could actually buy yarn there! Hope you can make it over to the States for the holidays! What fun! I am so excited!

[Ambersafghans]

Hey let me know if you find out when that sale is!
I use Caron for my lap afghans.
www.yourcrafts.com/Ambersafghans.htm

[crochetme]

I tend to stick to my LYS for yarn buying; I have so much more fun working with wool or wool blends that I just don't end up happy after a run to Michael's. I think it actually ends up working out for my budget, since I end up pretty much only buying stuff I intend to use right away...

But I've been curious about online ordering, too, with the same reservations you all have brought up. Maybe we should share our experiences with different yarns, so when we're thinking of ordering we can be more informed. I'll start a thread for yarn reviews (if there isn't one already), and we can go from there...

[Donna]

But Michaels does have Lion Brand Wool-Ease (20% wool, 80% acrylic). I suppose it is considered low-end in the wool blends, but I rather like it. :)

Also, my LYS is small, and although they have some lovely things, there is not an enormous selection.

[Julie]

My dream is to open my own yarn store someday. One of those perfect little stores that carries everything or if not, can very happily and quickly get it. I wish I wish... but those things take money and I have little of that for those kinds of dreams. Maybe someday... <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif" />

[crochetme]

I'll definitely have to try out the Wool-Ease.

Confession: I'm in Cambridge, MA visiting family, and just happened upon a store called Woolcott & Co. I went in with my husband, and he convinced me to spend a ton on a gorgeous wool for an afghan for our living room. I never would have bought it if I were alone, but I couldn't resist his insistence (and isn't it always easier to spend when your partner is there with you?)... When I get home and get to use it, I'll add a review and some pics to the yarn review thread.

Now all I have to do is finish my first project, start up a go at the crochetme Inaugural Project, and then dive right into an afghan (well, maybe more like a lapghan)...

[Donna]

crochetme, I have family (on dh's side) about 15 miles away in Wayland. ;)

I'm looking forward to hearing about your yarn!

[Tiffany]

I typically buy my yarn at Joann's or Michael's, but I've really begun to like using better yarns, so I browse online stores regularly without purchasing anything yet.

I'm in a perfect location for feeding my crochet addiction because I have a Michael's and Joann's a block from my house, three LYS within a 20-minute driving distance, and two Joann's superstores within the same distance. The LYS are completely knitting oriented and I've yet to go to the largest because I'm nervous about taking my girls. I went to one and the owner wasn't the friendliest to me with a 4-yr old and a toddler browsing through yarns. So, I'm sticking with browsing through my craft stores that are within walking distance. :)

[PamCrochets]

Crochetme wrote:
>>Confession: I'm in Cambridge, MA visiting family<<

Hey, you're in my neighborhood, sort of. I used to live in East Boston. I move to New Hampshire two years ago, but I still commute to work in the Boston area. :rollin

~Pam

[Donna]

I'm enjoying hearing about where everyone buys their yarn! Thanks! :)

Hey let me know if you find out when that sale is! I use Caron for my lap afghans. I'll definitely let everyone know!

My dream is to open my own yarn store someday. Me too, Julie!

[jennmwalsh]

I usually buy from AC Moore or WalMart...especially since my local AC Moore is getting really good about their yarn choices. I have also bought from Herschnerrs and Mary Maxim, though. I also live in Uxbridge, MA, where Berroco and Bernat were first based, but the factories haven't really been up and running in years...one of them still is, but I forget which one. I live within walking distance of a LYS, but it really caters to knitters, so I don't spend that much time there, except when I'm knitting. I'll admit though, it's nice just having it there for inspiration, and a good springtime walk :D

[crochetme]

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>Hey, you're in my neighborhood, sort of. I used to live in East Boston. I move to New Hampshire two years ago, but I still commute to work in the Boston area. <hr></blockquote>

Fancy that! I just love Boston, but am so glad to be home. Especially b/c I just couldn't get any crocheting done during my entire 12-day trip!...

[morici]

let me guess -- the ac moore in bellingham?

it has gotten much better lately true

[jennmwalsh]

LOL, yes. I LOVE that AC Moore...I tried one in Natick a few weekends ago, and it seems so disorganized compared to mine...yarn in seperated aisles. Have you ever been to the yarn shop in Uxbridge? It's nice, albeit small. It's worth a walk through just bc it's the closest LYS around me at least.

[morici]

i go to the one in natick sometimes just because they carry different colors sometimes.

no i've never been to the yarn shop in uxbridge although i've driven past it a couple of times -- but always on a sunday -- i think they're closed on sundays

there's a shop in milford but i'm not crazy about it. it's too small and all they seem to carry is novelty yarns for making scarves. enough with the scarves already!

one day i'd like to have my own shop -- but it would be bigger and have big comfy chairs and i would have coffee and tea and baked goods -- i just need to find the perfect spot for it.

[jennmwalsh]

I'm all about the comfy chairs :D Plus one that's knit AND crochet friendly would be nice. All the local ys here has (or did have, I believe they just took it down) is a wooden table and some chairs. Not a "crafter friendly" enviroment, unless you're writing the pattern right there. LOL

[morici]

oh it would definitely be crochet friendly. i might even have needlepoint supplies if the demand were there. and big comfy chairs for hanging out.

[Jen]

no one at my local lincraft has the slightest clue about crochet, they are all PYT's(pretty young things) who knit all the samples are knitted and they have a limited range of crochet hooks, I've never even seen a bamboo crochet hook!

I'm going on an adventure too to find a wool shop about an hour away that sells hand dyed stuff, but until then i'm stuck with my lincraft (which is a big chain craft & habby store)

[MommaChelle]

Oh I would love that! To go to a yarn shop that has both crochet and knitting supplies, a wide range of yarns, and having the table and chairs with baked goods and drinks! I bet you would meet so many other women there and make new crochet friends. It would be a great place to go shop and relax, and trade tips or patterns with other crocheters! Yep, that's the place where I'd be! ;)


Chelle

[Julie]

When I was at Joann's yesterday, the lady at checkout asked if I was knitting or crocheting. I don't think she liked my smiling answer very much, or I'm not nearly as charming as I used to be.

[morici]

i don't think it was your response so much having the unenviable position of having to work as a joann cashier. i'm not saying it's not happening by any means, but i think that maybe "hookers" need to not have such a chip on their shoulder about their favorite craft. i've been knitting and crocheting for years and i remember being in college and getting funny looks for pulling out my knitting needles and knitting in public. now, it's the "in" thing.

a LYS that wants to continue prospering will just have to adapt and if people come in asking for crochet supplies they'll start supplying them.

[Tiffany]

I think we need to combine all of our ideas for the perfect LYS, decide on a name, and when we have the ability, each of us can open our own branches across the country (and world!). We'll have a head start on becoming the first "chain" crochet-oriented yarn store!

Last night I had dreams of sitting in a nice comfy chair crocheting and chatting with others at a yarn store. :)

I went to a quilt store that had a kid's play area, where I even got in "trouble" from the owner for not taking my girls there when I entered the store and making them walk around with me. I think a little kid's area would be a great addition to an LYS, especially one that has toys with a creative/crafting theme.

[Julie]

Maybe if the condition of the yarn section in the store had been in better shape, nicer layout, actually stocked, etc, I'd have felt differently. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif" />

My mother used to drag us around through fabric stores when we were little. It didn't do much at the time, but I'm sure helped add to my desire to craft later. It seemed natural to me. Kids areas are great, but maybe you miss out a little on the teaching process. Of course... if it were my store I'd probably be pushing the kids area like crazy! <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif" />

[jennrz4]

Locally we have Michaels, JoAnne's, and Walmart. I tend to go to Walmart more than the others. I love WM's discount rack. I still have over 10 skeins of homespun I got there last year for under $2 each. I do think there are some "yarn" or "knitting" stores around, but I have yet to venture out to them. (I'm afraid of the temptation and eventual $$ I'll spend :b )

I have bought yarn online. My first purchase was Bernat's Cot-N-Tots and I was familiar with the yarn and colors so I wasn't to worried about the purchase. Some of my other purchases have been on Ebay - mostly buying up other people's stashes. I've gotten a lot of great yarns for very little money. Sometimes the shipping was more than the actual price of the yarn.

Another favorite yarn spot for me is thrift stores. I have a few around me that I've had some *great* finds at. I got four large grocery bags full of yarn last December for under $10. It was all good clean yarn and already sorted by colors. (using it for Jeremy's Afghan - posted about it under current projects)

I rarely pay full retail price for yarn...especially when there are so many good deal to be found. Sure it takes a lot of patience but it's worth it. IMHO ;) My next adventure will be to go explore our "garment" district and see if I can find some wholesale yarn suppliers and what deals I might find there. :D

Jenn

[Tiffany]

I finally visited my other LYS today, Gail Knits (http://www.gailknits.com) and even though it is completely knit oriented (I want to find crochet patterns using some of this beautiful yarn!), they had an amazing selection of yarn. The owner was very nice also. They have a huge table where ladies were sitting around chatting and knitting. She invited me back to come knit/crochet with them anytime. They had the Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace that I've been eyeing. I'm much more tempted to buy it now that I've seen how beautiful lace-weight yarn is.

I think I fear my inner yarn devil squealing in delight now that I can find locally of that beautiful yarn I only look at online.

[Donna]

That's great, Tiff! A crochet-friendly LYS! :woohoo

[MommaChelle]

I visited my LYS today also, for the first time, very knit oriented, but a few crochet items. The prices however were outrageous! $6.75 for a small skein of fun fur when it's $4 something at walmart. $10 for some wool...I guess Im just not THAT ready to spend that much money for one skein.

[LI Roe]

I usually buy my yarn in Wal-mart, Michaels, or Joanns and when it's on sale it's even better. I have ordered online from Herrschners and Smileys yarns in NY, and I have been satisfied. Some of the yarn I was familiar with, the others looked good and I liked it when it came. There are very few local yarn stores where I am and I know the prices are more than what I can afford. I should check them out anyway, maybe there is something different at a reasonable price. You never know.

Happy crocheting!!

LI Roe

[BklynVonne]

Discount stores, fabric stores, hardware stores (twine/cord) and yarn shops such as:

Smiley's Yarns
Save-A-Thon Fabrics
The Yarn Tree
The Yarn Connection
Seaport Yarns
School Products
Knitting Hands
Herrschners
Mary Maxim

For their websites, visit my Shop for Stash page at groups.msn.com/VonsCrochetCyberspace (http://groups.msn.com/VonsCrochetCyberspace) !

[Donna]

Thanks, Vonne! That is an excellent page you have! :clap

[Ambersafghans]

Hey, I've not been able to find a Gold color Red Heart yarn anywhere around here! Any having that trouble?
Amber

[Donna]

I haven't seen any, but I haven't really been looking. They do have gold (http://www.coatsandclark.com/find_a_product/knitting_crochet/E300/html/e300.htm); maybe you will have to order online somewhere. :scratchchin

[kickstart45]

I usually get yarn, when I can from Wal Mart. When I was on another board I just joined call live journal a lady who sell off ebay gives the ladies at the board a chance to buy first. I thought that was real nice. You all might check it out sometime if interested. Here is a way to get to the board for the crochet www.livejournal.com/community/crochet/ (http://www.livejournal.com/community/crochet/)
The young lady was selling I think it was skeins of caron for $1.50 each. Plus she sold lots of others and some she even dyed herself. By the time I checked back with her she had sold it all. I am not really up on the prices of yarn yet, but it must have been a good price. To be active on the board you do have to join and it is free. :) :bounce :woohoo Corla

[totallycrochet]

My favourite place to buy yarn is mary maxim in Paris Ontario , Canada ~ They have a tent sale a few times a year and you can buy it cheap ~ Since I moved to Whoop !Whoop!
my choices are limited ~ walmart , lewis craft, and the Atlantic Fabrics and Crafts.... I also liked Michaels but there isn't one here :(
When I travel back to Ontario I buy loads of it and just stuff an empty suitcase ~~~LOL

Leaving tomorrow for Ontario and have an empty suitcase ready to fill again ~

Lora:cloud9

[luvtocraft]

I usually buy my yarn at Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby. :bigsmile

Sometimes I buy it at Michaels or JoAnn's, but they have to have a REALLY good sale for me to darken the door there. They are usually SO expensive! :eek

I have never bought yarn online. :knit

[shelbyro]

ok, up until now I have either a) used the giant stash my grandmother left me when she passed away, or b) bought at either Walmart or Michael's.

BUT NOW, I have an absolute new favorite--<a href="http://www.smileysyarns.com/" target="_new">smiley's yarns</a>. Their prices are sooooo cheap, even though you have to spend $30 and their flat ship rate is $8.95, you get sooooooooo much for your money.

I placed my order last Thursday around noon, and my package arrived UPS yesterday around 2 (I am in the same state they are though).

Their selection isn't as vast, but they have loads of specialty yarns and the chenille and other chunkies... Here's what I got for $42:

<img src="http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/2825/yarn.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" />
2 sk lion thick&quick--3.99 each
1 sk jamie bonus bundle--3.99
4 sk cervinia calzetteria sock yarn--2.50 each
2 sk bernat coordinates--1.99 each
4 sk plymouth encore dk sock--1.50 each
2 sk lion jamie--1.00 each

btw, everything had labels--my 2 yo ripped some off--and was nicely boxed (except I wish they had put them in some sort of plastic bag incase the box had gotten wet).

<img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/cheerleader.gif" /><img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/cheerleader.gif" /><img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/cheerleader.gif" />

[rebeccav]

good to know!! thanks for the post!:sheepjump

[Ambersafghans]

I love smileys
They are running out of certain colors though.
They don't have three colors of the Bonus Jamie baby they did when I found them
Amber

[froggy]

We have quite a few places here on the East Coast in Maryland but, my favorite places are A C Moore and Wal Mart. A C Moore accepts all other coupons and I think its Michaels that has a 40% off coupon and with some of the more expensive yarns this is great.

[chica123]

I usually get my yarn from Joann's. My Wal-Mart sucks, I was in there the other day and the shelves were half empty and they didn't have any of the colors I was looking for. (Maybe I just went at the wrong time, though.) I think there's a LYS somewhere near me, but I've never been to it. I'm scared to go in cause it's a knitting store!

[ladywyntir]

let's see... michael's has a good selection, ebay is great for project pieces, cheap prices for a lot of yarn... as long as you know what you want ahead of time and my all time fav...

Smiley's. :)h They are located in Queens where i live and i go on saturdays... it's dangerous because i have to restrain myself from buying the store!

For those in NYC, smiley's also has hotel sales where they go to the hilton in manhattan and sell all sorts of yarn there. i've never gone but now that i work in manhattan i just may visit! :cloud9

[hooky emmy]

I usually head to A.C. Moore and Hobby Lobby because they have a decent selection with great prices. I usually can't go wrong with Wal-Mart, either. Online I use Mary Maxim and Lion Brand.

[threeolivemartini]

We have a local Yarn store here that has the most luscious things.. they cater more to knitters.. but i say hey yarn is yarn and i can use it for what i want.. LOL ... i buy really nice things there for accent or trim work.. as she imports most of her things and it could get quite pricey...

to be completely honest i found a lady on ebay that lives here in NC that gets some really nice stuff... she is about 160 miles from me .. so when i see something i like on ebay i buy it from her and that gives me an excuse to go pick it up and see what she has new in her ware house and of course spend more money .. its a nice way to spend a saturday really .. if it is something i have never seen her offer believe me i email about 50 questions and she is great she answers them all and then i make a decision.. she is super.. and really reasonable...i can get chenille on a 5 pound cone for like 5 to 7 dollars .. and let me tell you .. that is ALOT of yarn.... LOL .. that is how i have ended up with 200 pounds of yarn as of late and she is shipping me some stuff i HAD to have this week LOL .. and she offers up things i have never seen in a store so that makes the things i create even more special

[rebeccav]

ummmm, Elizabeth - you can't just casually mention something like that and then not tell us who she is on ebay! :box
some of us are addicted to yarn! i have you beat, by the way. 324pounds and counting :faint

[threeolivemartini]

well this is my tiny rental.. i didnt count the oh 200 pounds i have at home

LOL and her name is melanie

her ebay name is memc82


if you win anything tell her i sent you ... she would get a kick out of that

another reason i buy from her is that she uses her ebay money to pay for college for her oldest daughter.. and that makes me feel good that i am helping some one else..

[Figmint77]

I mostly buy yarn at Michael's because they carry Lion and Caron (my two favorites). Sometimes at Wal-Mart, but they mostly carry Red Heart (which isn't my favorite). I've bought some specialty yarns off ebay... some yak, alpaca, wools, ribbon, etc... I haven't really used any of it yet :blush but I wanted try it out. I would love to make a sample afghan out of nothing but specialty yarns using all kinds of stitches I don't know yet. :))

:sun
~Tricia

[lillian1969]

Joanns , annies attic,mary maxim

[Empress Busy Bee]

Wal-mart, Jo-Ann's, Hobby Lobby and Michaels.
I'm looking for a local place here. So far the one I found is too small and another one was closed.
There's one or two others that are supposed to be good but not sure how close they are.

My dream is to open my own yarn store someday. One of those perfect little stores that carries everything

Me too. My husband says go hard to find or high end. I say everything because Walmart runs out and doesn't carry everything. Besides who can sit, crochet, and chat in Walmart.

[Hook and I]

I live in a little town in the beautiful Rocky Mtns of British Columbia, Canada.

I buy my yarn at Walmart or Zellers in the next town - both of whom have a really pitiful selection.

There are two small yarn shops within a 20 mile radius - but their prices are astronomical.

I dream of someday owning a store that is a combination yarn shop and bookstore.

Maybe one day ... :c)

Hook and I :fluffy

[Tampa Doll]

We have Michael's :U Joann's:U and Walmart :U

None have a good selection of color's or types.
Have to buy over the Internet. (Herrishner's, Mary Maxims)

Sometimes if I feel like traveling, I go to Ben Franklin's. I sure miss Lee Ward's.

[gramhouse]

I buy at Joanns, Michaels, Walmart,AC Moore and we also have a local yarn shop.:bounce