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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Are you intimidated by yarn shops (part I)?

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Yarn shops can be very intimidating for even the most intrepid knitters. A common theme from newer knitters is that they hate going into yarn shops for just that reason.

I visited a yarn shop with my bestest friend Kris this weekend. I had to spend a few minutes understanding their set up - every shop is different, so you do have to figure out the lay of the land every time you enter a new shop.

Luckily, most shops have a similar general layout:

1. The yarn
2. Needles/tools
3. Books/magazines/patterns
4. Lots of samples and swatches already knit up
5. An area for knitters to ... knit
6. A sale/clearance section
7. Buttons/other notions
8. Spinning fiber/tools (wheels, drop spindles)
9. Lots of impulse buys at the front counter

The yummy yarns will likely greet you at the main entrance. The knitting area is often combined with books and magazines, with tables and chairs.

What are you intimidated by in yarn shops?  The terminology?  Overwhelming choices?  "Snootiness?"  Let me know in the comments, and I'll share tips for dealing with your yarn shop issues!
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2 comments:

  1. Stefanie10/13/2010 10:58 AM

    I'm lucky to go to a super awesome LYS. I'm more used to its layout on one side than its other side since I frequent the merinos in worsted and dk. It would be nice sometimes if there were little signs in other LYSs so I'd know where what was where. Your post gave some good insight into basic set ups of a LYS.

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  2. Brenda10/13/2010 2:02 PM

    I'm glad this was helpful, but I'm more glad that you have a fab LYS! I have two that I love to frequent, one of which is beyond incredible when it comes to service.

    That's such a good idea on the signs! I don't think I've ever seen one in a yarn shop!

    :)

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