We will be adding reviews (from the crocheters' viewpoint) by region and state - starting with California where our chapter resides. Only Yarn shops that we like will be listed. The address, telephone number, type of yarns, types of crochet pamphlets(if available) , brands of crochet hooks, will be included for most of the stores . Negative comments will be avoided and any Yarn shops that have negative reviews will not be listed here. All yarn reviews are solely the opinion of the stated reviewer and do not necessarily represent the views of the South Bay Crochet members.
Check back often for the information. For the present, we have included a
great web site that lists all the yarn stores by state and city , and two
search engines to locate yarn stores with some helpful hints
for finding lots of stores.
| Yarn Store List and Reviews | A reference to yarn stores in the USA, Canada and other countrys. Choose the state or country and double click on the appropriate html (example: click on ca.html if you want to find Yarn stores in California; Click on nj.html to find yarn stores in New Jersey). The USA yarn stores are listed by city within state with addresses and comments on many stores. |
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Note that these yarn store reviews are all from the perspective of crocheters.
ANAHEIM
VELONA NEEDLECRAFT
5753-B Santa Ana Canyon Road
Anaheim Hills.....714-974-1570
You wouldn't believe all the patterns they have and the wonderful yarn.....I
was in heaven! My DH took me there <snip> They have tables where you
can sit down and look through their pattern leaflets or books before you
buy them. Very friendly too. I just loved it....people sitting in the floor
with their patterns and looking at the yarns. I bought my Brittainy hooks
there that day...and 12 skeins of terryspun and lot's of cebella thread and
DMC pearl thread. <snip> Some of the crochet listers have already
gone to investigate and have sent me rave reviews themselves of the shop.
They are the friendliest people too. Their son is the webmaster of their
webpage. A family run business. They have been in that same store for 22
years. I know I will go back. Just want to say also that their prices are
great! I feel fortunate to have have found them. They have great hours too.
Open on Sundays till 5pm!! they're on the web too.
http://www.velona.com
Reviewed by Renee Wilson March 1999
LACIS
This was my favorite of the stores I visited. It is certainly the most beautiful
but to me it stood out for its selection of book on many topics of textile
arts. It has the best selection after Unicorn Books. It has a shelf of crochet
books about 7’ long.
2982 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703 510/843-7290
Reviewed by Elizabeth A Wolcott March 1999
Reviewed by Elizabeth A Wolcott March 1999
THE RUG AND YARN HUT
This is a great big beautiful store with a wonderful owner named Karen. There
are nice big easy chairs arranged so you can sit and crochet/knit. They have
bundles of fabulous yarn including Reynolds Signature, Ironstone Yarns -
fabulous mixes, Cascade, Patons Canadiani, Blossom, Bambi Baby Yarn, Euroflax
linen yarn, Cascade, Saucy Sports, just to name a very few. They have
a wonderful stock of sock yarn including some more reasonably priced called
Steinbach Wolle Strapaz . They are crochet friendly and sell loads of crochet
hooks including Clovers, Susan Bates Bamboo, Susan Bates regular etc.
They have some neat knitting/crochet bags. There is a nice selection
of crochet / knitting patterns to choose from. They have loads of
knitting/crochet accessories. The shop is in the middle of scenic Campbell
with loads of restaurants and coffee shops nearby. I know you'll enjoy your
visit to this friendly shop. I return regularly and enjoy the people at the
shop.
Address:349 E. Campbell Ave.
Telephone:(408) 354-9316
Reviewed By Mary J. Wood August 2003
Directions: (Near San Jose) From San Francisco, Take 280 South to 17. Take 17 South exiting at Hamilton Ave and stay in MIDDLE Lane because you want to go straight. Go straight across intersection which puts you on Salimar which you follow around a curve to the right. Then you come to a T where you turn left and continue till the road deadends. Your only choice is to go right but watch for traffic becuase you want to move immediately into the left lane so you can turn left at the first opportunity, Cantral A Avenue. Cross Campbell Avenue (1 block), and then turn right into parking lot by the Italian restuarant (almost to the end of the next block). Going home, go up first street towards Campbell, turn left on Civic Center Drive. Drive for about 1 block and you'll come to Winchester. Turn Right and go a few miles , go over the bridge like overpass and make a left onto 280 north. (You can also turn left on Winchester , follow it for about 3-5 miles and take 85 North to 280 North Home - Karen says this is the fastest).
CAPITOLA
THE YARN PLACE
I always enjoy visiting this place. The owner was not there the day I went
although I have met her before. The help is very friendly. (The owner is
a crocheter who has learned to knit because the clientelle is mostly knitters).
The shop is very big and nestled in the wonderful scenic town of Capitola
on the Ocean. What a cute town with a wonderful shopping center. There's
a big table in the front of the store so you can sit down and crochet. There
are three rooms of wonderful yarn. They often have a sale. They carry some
of the lighter weight yarns that are better for crocheters including Encore
SPORTS (as well as the Encore worsted), a slightly cheaper (for yarn stores)
acryllic yarn.I purchased a special carved wooden crochet hook and they have
some very fancy hooks including one made from abalone shell and another carved
from Rosewood - what temptation!! Plus they carry a good selection of Brittany
hooks and Clovers. They have some gorgeous yarn including Muench, Noro, Galway
wool, GGH Aspen, Crystal Palace Chenille, Reynolds Utopia, Sirdar Snuggly,
a large selection of Wildflower DK Cotton blend, Saucy Sport Etc. etc. They
have a nice selecton of ribbon and a wide range of eyelash yarns. I LOVE
this store - it's great. (Don't forget to stop at that Bakery across the
street - it's fabulous!!).
Address: 624 Capitola Ave.
Telephone: (831) 476-6480
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood August 2003
Directions: From Highway CA 1 going South , take the Bay Avenue Exit turning
right onto Bay Avenue. Continue straight for about 1/2 a mile. You'll see
Gail's Bakery kittycorner on the opposite corner. Turn Right onto Capitola
Avenue
CASTRO VALLEY
Adellas
Toni who owns the shop is very lively with an opinion on everything. I just
love her. She's very helpful. The shop hosts our monthly BARC (Bay Area Rabid
crocheters) meetings on the first Sunday of every month. PLUS what a WONDERFUL
selection of yarns - PLUS they are very crochet friendly. They have crochet
salespersons plus loads of crochet magazines and crochet patterns. The yarn
shop is nestled in the middle of a shopping center so plenty of restaurant
choices when you feel hungry and need a break. They have recently expanded
the shop and it is now taking the space of two stores (OH , JOY). You're
sure to find something fascinating in this store. Plus they have a
wondrous array of gadgets all crocheters/knitters can not do without. Prices
of yarn range from very economical to expensive but you're sure to find the
perfect yarn for your project. They have loads of gorgeous knitted sweaters
on display - many designed by Toni. Come and visit - you won't be sorry (in
fact try and make it on the first Sunday so you can enjoy the BARC meeting
from 11-2PM). It's easy to find right off Castro Valley Blvd in a shopping
Center (Look for Bakers Square Restaurant).
Address:20639 Rustic Dr.
Telephone:1-800-492-7671
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood April 2007
FRESNO
ROYAL STITCH -
I had visited this store before (in my cross stitching days) and it still
has the most fabulous collection of cross stitch leaflets in California,
about 20 revolving racks worth. It also has eight revolving racks of knitting
& crochet leaflets. They have some yarn but mostly Patons worsted weight
and baby yarn. The store has moved since I was there last. It is in the same
strip mall, just 2-3 doors closer to the freeway.
2608 E. Ashlan Ave., Fresno, CA 93726 559/221-6217
Reviewed by Elizabeth A Wolcott March 1999
KNIT WIT
I arrived here to find that the store had closed early but the woman inside
came and talked to me through the door. She told me she had almost no
crochet
4343 E. Tulare Ave., Fresno, CA 93702 559/251-4354
Reviewed by Elizabeth A Wolcott March 1999
HALF MOON BAY
FENGARI
This yarn store is run by two very friendly women , a grandmother and
grandaughter. It's a very crochet friendly store packed to the rafters with
YARN!! And what a wonderful shop this is. Most of the yarn has the
price marked right on the label. There are loads of crochet hooks plus many
supplies for knitters and crocheters. There are all kinds of designer yarns
including chenille and eyelash. A few of the brand names include Debbi Bliss,
Trensetter, KKK, Mountain Colors, Gedifra, Plymouth Callic Elite , etc. to
mention just a very few. I noticed some nice wool from Mission Falls. They
have a great range of sock yarn including Regia, etc. They have great
knitting/crocheting baskets on display. This store carries crochet patterns
including Susan Huxleys sweaters and crocheted sock books. There's a nice
display of scarfs including some crocheted ones.They have some beautiful
knitted samples on display. The store is situated in the middle of a very
quaint town on Maine street. Stop by,!! You'll love the store and the friendly
proprietors.
Address: 400 Main St. , Half Moon Bay, California
Telephone: (650) 726-2550
Reviewed by : Mary Jane Wood , 08/03
Directions: Take Highway 280 South from SF or North from San Jose. Take CA 35/92 exit going West. Turn left onto Skyline Blvd/CA-35. Continue to follow CA-35 which becomes CA-92. Turn left on Main Street. 35 min. from San Francisco
LAFAYETTE
BIG SKY LUXURY YARNS
Big Big Sky Studio has evolved. They changed the name from Big Sky
Studio to Big Sky Luxury Yarns and moved to 3604 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
(94549) - Their phone number is unchanged(see below).. They are a full service
knitting shop, providing general workshops every day, classes, and help in
selecting projects and yarns.
What a fun place this Was (I haven't been to this yarn store since
they moved in 2006)s. Although the owner wasn't present the day I visited,
there was a staff of 3 very friendly people who were right there to help
you out -- but also knew when to leave you alone. This yarn shop is kind
of off the beaten path and you feel like you're walking into an apartment
at first. Once you walk through the doors, you'll feel like you arrived in
heaven. They mostly cater to knitters but they are very enthusiastic when
you tell them you're a crocheter. They do carry a few pearl crochet hooks
but most of their customers are knitters. You feel like you could spend the
whole day there crocheting and talking to this enthusiastic bunch of people.
They're a very happy friendly and fun bunch of people. The shop used
to be small but jam packed full of wonderful yarn including Linie, Various
sock yarn , Bouton D'or, Anny Blatt, Gedifra velour etc. etc.etc. I saw some
beautiful recycled raw silk. They have great knitting projects displayed
including a neat purse. They have a nice selection of knitting books but
I didn't notice any crochet books. Please note that this review pre-dates
their new yarn shop at Mount Diablo Blvd.
Address: 3604 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette (94549).
(Old Address was 961 C Moraga Rd)
Email Address: BigSkys@pacbell.net.
Web Site: www.bigskyyarns.com
Telephone: (925) 284-1020
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood , April 2005
LIVERMORE
WARM WOOLEY YARN CO.
This gets my vote for coziest store name. This store has spinning & weaving
supplies as well as knitting & crocheting supplies. The book selection
is minimal but the yarn selection is varied and interesting. While there
I was able to get the answer to a question I had been wanting to ask. Is
it possible to spin cat fur into thread? The answer is that while it is possible,
cat hair has so much more of the slicker guard hairs and less of the clingy
undercoat fur that it can’t hold together and will break up when spun.
2350 First St., Livermore, CA 94550-3110 510/295-5843
Reviewed by Elizabeth A Wolcott March 1999
LOS ALTOS
UNCOMMON THREADS
This yarn store is nestled in a very cute shopping center with plenty of
restaurants near. It's a very roomy store with a table in the back. They
have a nice selection of yarn including Debbie Bliss, Mission Falls, Rowan,
Tahki,Brown Sheep, Regia ,Meilenweet, Fortissima cotton, a variety
of ribbon yarn, Debbie Bliss,Sirdar Baby Care, Encore, etc. etc. plus a modest
selection of buttons. They carry Clover hooks and Susan bates hooks plus
Thera gloves, and rainbow elastic. The shop is not crochet friendly (in fact,
even the knitters complain about it being unfriendly). They carry some How
to Crochet books and maybe one or two crochet books including Glorius Sweaters
but they were'nt interested in expanding their crochet library because the
owner said "nobody in the shop crochets , so we can't help crocheters". It
was pretty much deserted in contrast to the other shops I visited.
Address: 293 State St. , Los Altos
Telephone: (650) 941-1815
Directions, Coming from Los Altos , Uncommon Threads, retrace steps on Menlo
Ave to El Camino Real/82. Turn right on El Camino Real and drive 5 1/2 miles.
Turn right oonto N. San Antonio Road for about 2 miles and you'll see a road
sort of curving to the right, make a slight Right onto Main St, Turn slight
right onto State street. Its about 2-3 block down on the left.
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood August 2003
MENLO PARK
KNITTERS STUDIO
This is such a wonderful yarn shop. You'll love the enthusiastic owner. It's
rather a small shop but they have a large yarn inventory on display. All
the yarn is arranged by color. They have a wonderful collection of knitted
sweaters. They're crochet friendly. The owner is very enthusiastic and likes
to encourage a lot of participation in the local craft festivities and classes.
They have a wonderful selection of yarn including Annie Blatt, Tahki - full
line, Debbi Bliss, Noro, Gedifra , Trendsetter, Prism, Great Aiderondack,
some Plymouth, Muench (for example, GGH), Mondial, some Rowan, Colinette
, all the Knitting Fever line- -Katia, Gedifra etc. etc. They have some crochet
books (& lots of knitting books). They have another room filled with
WONDERFUL trims ,embellishments, and buttons plus completed homemade knitted
sweaters for sale. Be sure you visit this boutique room. I missed this on
my first visit. Everytime I drop in, there are always customers around knitting
and enjoying themselves so you know this is a friendly exciting place to
visit.
Address:648 Menlo Ave., Ste 1
Telephone: (650) 322-9200
Directions: From San Carlos (Creative Hands), Going South on El Camino Real
/82 got about 4 1/2 miles. Turn Right onto Menlo Ave., Go about a block past
a group of stores on the left. Its on the right in a group of little stores
with parking along the road.
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood, August 2003
MILL VALLEY
YARN COLLECTION
A small but very neat shop with friendly people. They have a nice selection
of buttons. The price is on all the yarn. The owner will make a sweater pattern
in knitting up to your specifications- you ned to make an appointment for
this service. They carry Wrights/Boye crochet hooks. The owner thinks of
this shop as a high end specialty shop. There are a few crochet pattern books
including Lily Chin patterns, Fiber Trends and Leisure Arts. Most of their
bins are arranged by color. Names include Trendsetter, Noro, Lang, GGH, Amy
Blatt, Flora, Berroco Mirror with sequins, Muench, Lots of hands from Collinette,
Monos Del Uruguay kettle dyed wool, Tahki, Zitron belle Epoch. The owner
wasn't there the day I visited but the help were very friendly.
Address:930 Old Redwood Highway # 2
Telephone: (415) 383-YARN
Directions: From San Jose and San Francisco, take 101 across the Golden
Gate Bridge and exit Tiburon Blvd / E. Blithedale Avenue. Turn right onto
Tiburon Blvd, Turn Right into Redwood Hiway (the first right you come to).
The shop is next to Lucinda Restaurant in a little shopping center on the
left
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood, September 2003
MOUNTAIN VIEW
CUSTOM HAND WEAVERS
This is such an unusual store and the owner is so friendly and enthusiastic.
She has an office in the front with loads of books on all subjects including
weaving,crochet,knitting, etc. There is also a reference library in addition
to the books on sale. Weaving lessons are available. In the back, she has
a variety of looms plus a modest selection of yarn. But the great part is,
there are many available on cones which is great for crocheters. She carries
a nice selection of Carpet Warp which makes great crochet postholders. There
is a wide variety of yarn including Skacel, Shaeffer yarns, Tahki, Aderondeck
cashmere, Paterna fine wool, mohair, Wildfoot (in a very nice selection
of colors), Dale of Norway, Lambs Pride, Top of the Lamb Sports, Jagger spun
in a variety of different weights on cones , etc., etc. I once purchased
a really old spool of Lily size 10 thread that is not even made anymore -
I was so excited. This is a fun shop to browse and you'll enjoy the talking
to the friendly owner.
Address: 2267 Old Middlefield
Telephone: (650) 967-0831
Directions, Coming from Mountain View, Uncommon Threads, retrace your path
back onto San Antonio (Or if you're coming along El Caminno Real from Menlo
Park, turn left onto San Antonio) for about 3 miles, Turn right onto Middlefield
Road and stay over to the left, Turn slight left onto Old Middlefield way
. They store is on the right in a grouping of other stores so
it's hard to find and the numbers say 2257 to 2269 or something like that.
Just keep alert and you'll see the range of numbers.
To return home after visiting this store, turn right on Old Middlefield way, go about 1 block and turn left on N Rengstorff Ave. If you're going to San Jose, stay in the right lane to go South on 101, If you're going to San Francisco, stay in the left lane to go North on 101.
OAKLAND
Article Pract
This is a cute new store located on busy Telegraph Ave. The owner wasn't there the day I visited but the staff were very friendly and very receptive towards crocheters. They have some yarn like Cotton Fun that are a little more unusual. They carry a wide variety of yarn including Rowan, Amy Blatt, Plymouth Encore, Cascade, Fur , Ribbon, Denim, Gelato, etc. etc. to name just a few. They have a variety of toys for the busy mother who needs entertainment for her tots while shopping for yarn. They also carry crystal Palace Bamboo Hooks. The store is a little larger than most and very spacious inside but it is also not jammed to the top with yarn. Just a very nice arrangement of yarn making the store very appealing to walk into.
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood, August 2003
Address:5010 Telegraph Ave.
Telephone:(510) 652-7435
Knitting Basket
A little hard to find because Mountain Blvd meanders all over the place. It's quite a big shop with yarn arranged according to color in the middle of a charming little town with very nice stores. Plenty of places to eat around the store. They have a beautiful array of yarn including Regia, GGH, Ribbons, Bali, Tahki, Lornas Lace Rowan etc., etc.. They have some very nice knitting models including a mitered coat to "die for" - almost makes me wish I was a better knitter. There were no prices posted but this is usual in most stores. They have mostly knitting patterns. They carry some of the cheaper crochet hooks. It's certainly worth a visit. The owner wasn't there the day I visited but the other ladies were very nice. Most of their customers are knitters - so crocheters unite and go visit them. Make sure they know you're a crocheter!!
Address: 2054 Mountain Blvd off Highway 13 in suburb of Montclair
Telephone:(510) 339-6295
REDWOOD CITY
AMAZING YARNS
This shop lives up to its' name both in the wonderful log cabin style house
it is in, and in what the shop carries. The shop owners, business partners
Andrea and Ed, are very helpful and accommodating to visitors to their shop.
They make every effort to see that their visitors are comfortable. If they
don't have what you need in stock, they will order it for you.
The shop is located in an extension built on Andrea's home. The shop holds its own knitting and crocheting classes, please check their class schedule site http://pweb.netcom.com/~amazing5/Classes.htm for class descriptions,fees, schedules, etc.
Amongst the yarns they carry are Brown Sheep, Dale of Norway, Patons,Tahki, Crystal Palace, Aran Cotton and more. They also sell accessories,such as yarn ball winders and swifts, crochet hooks, knitting needles, stitch markers, knitting and crochet patterns and kits, how to books,etc. They also carry the Incredible Sweater Machine, and the Studio Knitting Machine (model LK150).
Amazing Yarns
2559 Woodland Place
Redwood City, CA 94062 (call shop or visit their website for directions to
shop)
(650) 306-9218 phone/fax
http://www2.netcom.com/~amazing5/amazingyarns.htm
email: amazing5@ix.netcom.com
Reviewed by Anita Badger on September 1999
FILATI -
Several years ago, Filati moved from Dublin to Rockline. According to Demaris Brower-Douglas, "the store was beautiful And you would have to visit the store in person to see all of the goodies. The store is beautiful, I found so much more than I expected. There is a lot of info on their (web) site, but you have to visit to see all of the goodies! "
Reviewed by Demaris Brower-Douglas on December 2007
website: www.filatiyarn.com
SACRAMENTO
A TIME WHEN
yarns by: brown sheep, classic elite, hayfield, phildar, plymouth, sirdar,
tahki and more. fabrics by: widelt, charles craft, zwelgart. special orders.
crochet, hardanger, knitting , tatting, x stitch & more I love this place
have visited many times but not walmart prices.
4703-B Manzanita ave
Sacramento (or Carmichael) Ca
Reviewed by Caryl in Dixon March 1999
NANCIE KNITS
basic yarns, glitzy and novelty yarns, hand dyed, accessories, patterns,
books. I have not been to this place. But it is in nice location.
3214 Riverside Blvd
Sacramento
Reviewed by Caryl in Dixon March 1999
SAN CARLOS
CREATIVE HANDS
This is a really spacious yarn shop with a nice table for sitting and talking. The owner, Ln Sims is very friendly and helpful. They have a variety of crochet pamphlets. There are gorgeous scarfs scattered throughout the store (all are knitted). The nice thing is that all the prices are posted so you can see right up front how much any yarn costs.There is a large selection of yarn including Amy Blatt, Mohair Kiss, Zanziba, DKs Glace, Baby Merino, Wendy DK from Britain, Jaeger, Trendsetter, Mission Falls Cotton - great selection, Eros, Lornas Lace, Noro, Tartelette, Firenzeetc. They have some beautiful knit/crochet bags. They have magic Garden Buttons. They feature a variety of classes including an upcoming one on crochet sweaters. Even the customers are friendly at this wonderful yarn shop.
Address:1670 El Camino Real , San Carlos, CA 94070
Telephone: (650) 591-0588
Email: robintks@aol.com
Directions: From SF , take 101 South, exit at Whipple Ave/Redwood City. Stay
straight on the exit to go onto Veterans blvd, Turn Right onto Whipple .40
miles, Turn Right onto El Camino Real/CA 82 0.45 miles. The shops
on the left side of the road.
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood August, 2003
SAN FRANCISCO
IMAGIKNIT
They are fairly crochet friendly but mostly cater to knits. They seem very open to crochet suggestions and are beginning to offer some great crochet books. They also offer a variety of crochet classes (for money). This is a store snuggled right in the Castro section of the city. It's a very nice store with a very wide variety of yarns and has just a great inventory of wonderful yarns of every weight. They have some gorgeous models (mostly knit) which they also will sell to customers. Parking can be difficult at night but is no problem on weekdays or Sundays (I don't know about Saturdays). It's also easily accessible from Muni - J Church or any of the streetcars with a walk of 3 blocks.
They no longer host our San Francisco crochet meetings but they have expanded their yarn shop so it's roughly twice as big. The only reason I got discouraged with them is when my sister picked out a pattern and they furnished her with knitting needles. When we got home, we discovered they gave us the wrong size. We went back the next day and they refused to switch them for the same size saying they just couldn't take back any needles (even though we pointed out they gave us the wrong size). (Plus they were those expensive Addi Turbos) . I've never quite felt the same about them since then.
Address:3897 18th Street corner of Sanchez, San Francisco
Web Address: www.Imagiknit.com
Telephone: 415-621-6642
ATALIER
Everyone in this bright little shop was super friendly the day I visited. The shop is well stocked with all kinds of yarn including some unusual selections like raffia. They have a nice variety of sock yarns including Lang, Regia, Wildfoot, etc. There store is arranged by brand of yarns for the most part. No prices are posted. A few of the brand names they carry include, Karabello yarns (large selection), Lang, Lambs Pride, Sirdar,GGH, Cascade, Brown Sheep hand painted yarn,. Cleckheaton, Noro, Gedifra, Debbie Bliss, to name a few. They have a large selection of beautiful mohairs such as Amy Blatt, all kinds of Fun Furs / eyelash yarns, lots of cotton and ribbon yarn including a crocheted and knitted ribbon purse on display. Plus there's a nice selection of fun shiny metallic type yarns.
They have wonderful crochet hook holders made of quilting material for about $19.99, a great assortment of crochet hooks like Boye, Clover (plus the double ended clovers and the new soft handle clovers), Susan bates, Skacel, plus Cro-hooks (double ended). Buttons are tucked in a little corner at one end of the shop. They carry a large selection of crochet books. Go visit this friendly place - you'll love it. Parking is a challenge but I always seem to find a place.
Address: 1945 Divisadero , San Francisco
Telephone: (415) 771-1550
AN ELEGANT PIECE
This charming little store opened in September of 2003 and is nestled in the Sunset district of San Francisco South of Golden Gate Park. The shop has a small but very nice inventory of yarn including Adriafil, Katia, Gemma, Mondial, Lapillo to name a few. What makes this yarn store different is that they carry their own brand of wool yarn, called "An Elegant Piece", at a very attractive price. (I was there during a 20% off Grand Opening Sale and bought 3 skeins of Superwash fingering weight wool for approximately $2.80 a skein - Wow). There are several different weights available and some of the yarn is 100% wool while others are a mixture of wool and other materials. Along one side of the wall are an assortment of beads in small plastic bags - I think mostly seed beads as I remember. Besides yarn, there are other items for sale including a large selection of beaded purses. They also carry knitting needles and Aero Crochet hooks. The owner is very friendly. Pay this store a visit-it's a lot of fun to see!! As in most San Francisco neighborhoods, there are parking meters on Irving but free parking on the side streets if you can find a place.
Address: 1404 Irving St near 15th Avenue, San Francisco. Open at 11am
Telephone: (415) 682-0628.
All San Francisco stores reviewed by Mary Jane Wood, September, 2003
SAN LEANDRO
CREATIVE ACCENTS
What a wonderful shop this is. I so enjoy the friendly owner, Gail, who is always working on new ideas. The day I walked in , she was crocheting a lea (or do you spell this lei??) with some wonderful trendy and fuzzy yarns. The shop has a wonderful variety of yarn including Noro, Tahki, Cotton Fleece, Sirdar, Crazy Cotton Regia, Gedifra, Trekking , Encore, and Katia to name just a few. This shop is very crochet friendly so this place is a crocheter's dream. They sell crochet hooks and also stock crochet patterns. And of course, they also have plenty of knitting supplies including patterns, needles ,etc. The shop is just jammed with a wonderful variety of yarn. You'll enjoy your visit to this wonderful shop .
The shop moved last year from Pelton Center, so be sure you look for it at the correct address below.
Address: 592 Victoria Crt Circle, #A , San Leandro, 94577
Phone Number: (510) 383-9003
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood March 2003
SAN JOSE
THE KNITTING ROOM
The Knitting Room relocated to a very spacious location in 2003. The store is packed full of goodies for the crocheter (and knitter). There's a wonderful outdoor patio with tables and chairs. There is a great selection of yarn in all weights including cotton,wool, synthetics plus all sorts of novelty and hand dyed yarn. Some of the name brands I can remember include Socka /Fortissima in sock yarn, Wildflower cotton sports, Patons (sports),Nicholas Red , Tahki, Plymouth Encore, Cascade, Woolpac, and many many more. Thread selection includes such brands as Manuella,DMC Opera etc. They stock Crochet hooks (and knitting needles) including Clover, Brittany hooks/knitting needles, Boye, and steel crochet hooks (plus Bamboo needles, circular needles, etc., for the knitters). There is a wonderful selection of pattern books for the crocheter including a few vintage magazines.
The friendly owners, Ed and Mary Ann Barrall can help out with any pattern problems (Ed is an expert crocheter and Mary Ann is an expert knitter).Lessons and help are always free when materials are purchased at the shop. Whenever I go and visit, I usually end up staying hours crocheting away and chatting. Ed has shown me several crochet stitches and techniques when there is a temporary lull in customers. This is a shop that really caters to their customers and makes everyone feel welcome. They also can converse in a few different languages including German, Russian and can get by using American Sign language.
If you belong to our South Bay Crochet group (in San Jose), Ed and Mary Ann ,who sponsor our Saturday meetings, give a 10% discount on shop purchases. I travel down here from San Francisco (an hours drive) so you know it's got to be a neat shop.
Knitting Room
Address: 1195 Branham across from Orchard Supply (the store is actually
located facing Lizzie street)
San Jose, CA , 95118
Phone number : 408-264-7229
email : knitroom@aol.com .
Web site:
http://www.knitroom.com/
Hours: 10-5:30 Monday thru Saturday
Review By Mary Jane Wood 04/02/07
SAN RAFAEL
DHARMA TRADING COMPANY
This shop put me in mind of the now defunct "Straw into Gold" shop. It's almost that big with a spare room in the back where they sell dyes and white clothing to dye and decorate. The store is just HUGE with prices marked on everything. They have some unusual stuff that no one else has including Carpet Warp, Hemp in all different colors, various types of string, Huge cones of very thin yarn , Wooden buttons. They also have Sugar n. Cream and Homespun and Patons. A few of their brand names are Patons Croy, Fortissima,Regia for sock yarn. Then theres Tahki, Bouton D'or, Lang,Lambs Pride, Gedifra, Cascade, Noro, Reynolds, Follies. A whole wall of Eyelash, and a good selection of Mohair including Katia and Dune. They have a large selection of DMC and Opera Crochet Thread plus a big ball of Lily thread 2500 yds., They have hand dyed heavy wool called Morroko and the list goes on and on. . There's a nice selection of baby yarn. They have lots of crochet books, Susan Bates Crochet hooks, Clover Bamboo hooks, Red Heart Crystalites. Visit this place - it's neat.
Address:1604 4th Street
Telephone: (415) 456-1211
Directions: From San Jose and San Francisco, take 101 across the Golden
Gate Bridge and exit towards Central San Rafael. Turn slight right into Irwin
Street. In .16 miles, turn left onto 4th street and ride for about 1 mile.
The store is on your right.
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood, September 2003
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
COTTAGE YARNS
This is a small Yarn shop just PACKED to the rafters with all kinds of neat yarn - some expensive and some reasonable. The owner, Mary Lou Mott is very friendly and goes out of her way to help you out. She's a kni***ter with a little experience in crochet(she was working(struggling) on a crochet vest when last I visited) and enjoys talking to her customers. She is content to leave you alone to browse but if you need her help, just ask, and Mary Lou will hop up and usually be able to satisfy your request. They have wool, exotic chenille, rayon, synthetics, cotton etc. They carry baby yarn, sports, DK and 4 ply.Some of the brand names I usually get are Plymouth Encore, Canadiana (which is being phased out) and Tahki (Sorry, can't remember how to spell these and my spell checker doesn't help out here with my poor spelling) plus tons more.They have perle cotton, Manuella, DMC and Opera in tons of colors (in size 10, 20). They have DMC in size 20 & 30 in beige and white. Sometimes they have discount yarn bins where you can find great deals. They carry all kinds of crochet hooks including Brittanys, Skacel, and Clovers. She has a large selection of Crochet Afghan leaflets, some baby outfits/layettes, and one or two sweaters pamphlets but that's mostly it for crochet leaflets. I love this friendly place and return regularly (as my budget allows).
Reviewed by Mary Jane Wood March 2003
From San Francisco take 280 South, take Westborough exit turn left. Make a right on West Orange St. From San Jose, go 280 North. Take Westborough exit and go straight.Make a right on Westborough and a right on West Orange St.
Open Tues-Thur 12 to 6 and Fri,Sat 10 to 5
Telephone: 650-873-7371
607 W. Orange Ave
South San Francisco,CA
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