Yarn Shopping in MA – Webs!

I’ve written about trips out to Webs in Northampton, MA before but never wrote a comprehensive review of the store I refer to as “yarn heaven” or “the yarn store of all yarn stores.”  A couple of the gals in my knitting group and I took a trip out there this past Saturday and I was so excited to share with them the experience that is Webs.  I mean, come on…look at the size of the place!

If you’ve shopped online before at yarn.com, you’re familiar with the magnitude of the assortment that they offer.  So be warned: if you’re planning a trip to Webs, come prepared with some ideas and list of what you’re looking for.  I usually do and this time I didn’t, and was plenty overwhelmed (in a good way!) with the selection.

It’s always best if you’ve never visited before to ask one of the staff how the store is laid out since it can be a lot to take in at once.  The newest yarn, needles, and notions are in the front; the remainder of yarn is organized from front to back by weight, fingering to super bulky.  Above is a photo of the selection of cone yarn for weaving and knitting. We lusted over all of the beautiful colors and fiber blends!

Books, patterns, and magazines are found mostly towards the back of the store and are organized by category: stitch libraries, fair isle and color-work, toys, etc.  They also have huge filing cabinets with PDF printouts and single page patterns from independent to large knitting companies and designers.  This is sometimes a good spot to start at first if you’re not sure what to make or what you’re looking for.  I love drooling over the glossy photos in their huge Rowan magazine section.

Throughout the store you’ll also find their private yarn label Valley Yarns.  They’re great alternatives to more expensive name brands and from the ones that I’ve worked with, the quality is just as good.  This is the rainbow wall of their Berkshire yarn right across from Cascade 220.  I think I liked Valley Yarns’ colors much more!

You think I’m done with going over their selection? Not even close!  They have a warehouse, you know…

This picture doesn’t even come close to capturing how large their warehouse section is in the back.  You’ll find lots of closeouts at great prices in the back, and some of the girls I went with found some gems back here for their projects.  Rowan, Debbie Bliss, you’ll find all sorts of discounted yarns in the back.

I ended up with some more Classic Elite Cotton Bam Boo for a Spring Garden Tee and Rowan Cocoon and Addi Turbos for an Owls Sweater.  Not too bad after going back and forth for about four hours!

Pros:

• The most amazing yarn selection you’ll ever find.  It’s rare that they don’t have exactly what I’m looking for.
• Super helpful and friendly staff: we asked them lots of questions and they were full of info to guide us to what we were looking for.  Plus, they held our yarn for us while we went to refuel at a brunch place they recommended.  Thank you!
• Most of their yarn is discountable, just like online: 20% on $60 or more, 25% on $120 or more.  That definitely helps out when trying to make a decision on what to buy!

Cons:

• The drive: it took us two hours to get there, but it was completely worth it.  We just need to be closer!

PS: Be sure to check out the bead store right down the street, Northampton Beadery