We'll Keep You In Stitches

01/10/2008 Posted by larkyst

I've been to this store several times and make a point of stopping in every time I'm in Chicago. It's always a good time and I always leave with a new project. Yes, it's small and product is crammed into cubby holes in the wall--some still in their plastic bags. But, I've always found the staff extremely helpful and even went back for additional help on my most recent project before I left town. And, that was after the saleslady cast the project on the needles for me right after the purchase before leaving the store. Every time I"ve been there, at least one other customer is sitting at the table getting help or just working on a project. I had a problem with some yarn purchased there a couple of years ago and they fixed it over the phone and through the mail (I'm from Michigan). I just ordered some new yarn over the phone this morning before the store officially opened, and received a very friendly response and felt appreciated for my business (it will be put in the mail today, thank you!). I think they'll leave you alone if you walk in the door and don't speak to them, but all you have to do is ask one question or stop and admire a model hanging on the wall or a project that somebody is working on at the table, and you'll be part of the community. And, on more than one occasion, one of the ladies who owns the store started pulling yarn off the shelves to show me various ways to put fibers together for a new look. That's just my experience, but I've also never been in a yarn shop I didn't like! Anybody who owns or (voluntarily) works in a yarn shop has got to have a good soul! I'm definitely going to keep stopping by whenever I visit downtown Chicago!

12/03/2007 Posted by amesville

I hated this store. The yarn was all bagged up, no one talked to me, the patterns were extremely out of date - it really felt like a store that someone kept open because she had nothing better to do with her time, but that she didn't really care about at all. Cramped and crowded, and a total waste of a location. Seventeen thumbs down (I grew extra thumbs just for this rating).

Pros: um. it's downtown?

Cons: nonexisten terrible customer service, selection bagged up and not available

07/22/2007 Posted by josalupe

Since I worked downtown, I found this store very conveniently located just a few blocks from Michigan Ave. I figured it would be extremely expensive due to its location but was pleasantly surprised. I found exactly what I needed to make a baby blanket and was completely charmed by the older lady that helped me. Unfortunately the store is tiny and a little clostrophobic but I will definitely go back for my next project.

Pros: Location

Cons: Small store

01/05/2007 Posted by plenox

This was the only yarn shop within walking distance of my downtown hotel in Chicago. I had read bad reviews elsewhere but I thought it's a yarn shop, it can't be all bad. I was wrong! I walked half a mile to get there, walked up four flights of stairs and came into a very tiny room. A few people looked up at me but not a word was even said in my direction. Normally this wouldn't be a problem in a yarn store. I would start wandering, picking up yarn, compare colors, the usual. But that was not even possible. All of the yarn was in bags, impossible to even see from my vantage. It went all the way to the ceiling. The only yarn I was able to touch was actually tied down to the shelf. I stood there for a few minutes feeling uncomfortable, not knowing what to do. Something I have never experienced in a yarn store in my life! Finally I just left. With no yarn. Something I have rarely experienced in a yarn store! I honestly don't know how this store stays in business. If they treat even half their customers with this much disregard and you can't see what they are selling it would be hard to keep it open. I started to walk back to the hotel feeling defeated when I came across Tender Buttoms. They were a very sweet little store with every imaginable button you could ever need. They made the walk worthwhile for me.

Pros: downtown location

Cons: horrible service, can't see the yarn