Thursday 31 March 2011

Yarn Store Review: Sweet Yarns

I was recently in my hometown of Sudbury, Ontario (and those of you who follow my Twitter already saw a photo of G and I at the big Nickel!), and was please to find out that they have a brand spanking new yarn shops, called Sweet Yarns. They don't have a website, but their facebook page is great, and often lists discounts and class info.

I'm going to make a bit of a generalization and say that it's hard for small yarn shops in suburban areas heavily populated by big box chains such as Walmart, Michaels, etc. People get in the habit of just picking up yarns where they are also buying paper towels and forget about supporting the local and independent businesses. But Sweet yarns has done a g rat job of distinguishing itself- Paulina, the owner, only stocks yarns that are not carried by the big box stores, and has lots of knitter faves, like Berroco, Malabrigo, Debbie Bliss, and Rowan yarns. She also has lots of great classes, and the atmosphere is totally the kind where you can bring your knitting, pull up a chair, and hang out for a bit. I'm so happy to see Sudbury get a great LYS! I'll be popping in every time I'm back home, for sure.

I have no idea why I have that horrible look on my face- I think I was confused as to what that gentleman was knitting. turns out, it's an oversized Christmas stocking! Getting a huge jump on your holiday knitting- now that's clever.

My mom is a huge supporter of my knitting- she would love it if I could just stay at home and knit her a whole new wardrobe, all the time. But we did pick up some yarn for a new cardigan for her, and what will be these legwarmers for me.

14 comments:

CelticCastOn said...

It must be so awesome knitting for your mum, she has exquisite taste :)
Love those leg warmers too!

Unknown said...

Gotta love a friendly and inviting LYS! I love that sweater you're going to make for you mom! Such a great shape and style.

Adriana said...

Looks like a great store! I wish it was around when I lived in Sudbury.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I LOVE pics of LYS-s. This one looks well stocked! Thanks for sharing it here. Thats a pretty cardigan, and I've been thinking of knitting those leg warmers too... But I just can't figure out how to find the pattern on that website...

Jacey said...

It looks like a great shop!

Evelyn said...

Every town (large or small) should have its own yarn shop! Thanks for sharing Sweet Yarns on your blog. Love those leg warmers! After I finish my major afghan crochet project -- I'm having so much fun making each little circle -- I'm going to buy some yarn for those leg warmers!

Teresa said...

What a great looking LYS! If I ever find myself up Sudbury way, I'll be sure to stop by.

LeeAnn Purtha said...

What a lovely looking yarn shop! You lucky duck! =]

Maryse said...

Yeah for Sudbury! It does look like a lovely store!

Michele Saunders said...

Such a cute store - thanks for sharing! I really like that cardi you are going to knit for your mom. I was thinking of knitting it for myself but found that the pattern is only in 2 sizes - one really small and one really big - so I dunno??? You are so sweet to knit such great things for your mom!

Sarah said...

I love pictures of yarn shops. My LYS is one of my favorite places ever - so warm, pretty and inspiring. Your mom is lucky to have you for sure!

Michelle said...

What a nice surprise to find this on your blog... I was in Sudbury visiting relatives over Christmas and my aunt took me to that shop! I have some lovely purple alpaca I need to knit into something wonderful still, too hard to decide what though. Hopefully I will decide by next winter! :)

Melissa said...

having a LYS in Sudbury rocks! And Paulina is so friendly and helpful. My car was in the shop nearby one day so I walked over to stock up on some needles and she invited me to stay and knit for the afternoon :) I could spend hours in there, it's so bright and pretty.

Anonymous said...

I have been in a few times and it is a wonderful place. I just wanna curl up in a corner and cover myself over with all her wonderful colors and textures. I am sure she will never find little ole me. ;) I don't know who the owner is but the few times I have been in the person there has been over and above board friendly and helpfull. I must stop in again when my stash gets a bit smaller. Micheals is getting so disappointing in their selections. Less choices and if you do happen to need that extra ball when you go back.... there is none. No matter how many times you go back. :( And you can't find the size needles you need ever!

Sweet yarn is a small shop on Paris street, same side as the lake. I think she needs a bigger, brighter road sign cause I keep looking for her and having to turn around when I miss the turn in. lol