I went to one of my "local" yarn shops today. Well ok, I live in Beaverton and the yarn shop is in Portland, so it's not really close to me but I find I like the overall attitude and atmosphere better. So, this gave me the idea to start reviewing my local yarn shops (LYS) from a crocheter's point of view.
The shop I'm at today is called Twisted. You can visit them at twistedpdx.com. The workers are always friendly and helpful, even after they learned I crochet and don't knit. As far as I can tell, the whole staff is very well acquainted with all the yarn in the store as well as the accessories. While they don't have a large selection of hooks or crochet books, they DO have a great selection of yarns. And if you like sock yarn, this is the place for you!
They carry quite a few fibers from local artists and farms, always a plus. Most of it is super soft sheepy goodness. So you can always claim that you aren't buying more yarn, you're supporting your community!
Another bonus is that they are never so busy that it's unpleasant to be there. Sometimes you can't find a seat in the front if the local knitting group rolls in but there's always some place to be.
They carry so much yarny goodness supplemented with handmade bags, spinning accessories and shirts and sweatshirts with the Twisted logo on them. They also have plenty of shawl picks, ceramic yarn bowls and snacky foods.
Yes, snacky foods. This is one of those cool shops where you can sit with your yarn habit and enjoy a nice cup of tea and a scone or cookie. They have a large tea selection and will also custom blend one for you. Or if that's not your thing, you can grab a cold drink as well.
The store itself has a nice set up too. Big front windows as well as good lighting, you know, so you can actually see the color of the yarn you're fondling. The aisles are not crowded in either. You actually have room to move and haul around armfuls of yarn without bumping into anything.....not that I would do that.....
So, how does it add up? (Out of five stars)
1/5 for crochet book selection. They have Creepy Cute Crochet and Twinkie Chan's book but no other good stuff. I don't really hold this against them, it's all supply and demand.
2/5 for hook selection and other accessories that can be used for both crochet and knitting.
3/5 for a nice place to sit and crochet.
5/5 for yarn selection, I always find something I just can't live without.
7/5 for yummy teas!
Worth going to and going back to! No snarky "knitter's attitude" from the staff (though you may get it from the other customers) and there's bike racks right out front too.
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