DRAMA at the Yarn Store: Winding Yarn & Spilling Tea ☕ don't judge my yarn!

[@teresa_bonilla]

“Okay???…why is there a swiffer mop in the middle of your store?!” 😂 dead.

[@gemsbyanastasia]

💯💯💯💯

[@Colmarsta]

same 😂😂😂😂

[@grannybekmakes]

😂😂😂

[@Mandy0456]

That made me laugh so much hahah

[@kimmyk3640]

Yep. Favorite line. 😂

[@kerigankeas3099]

I had a similar experience at a local yarn store in CA. I've crocheted since I was little and a few years ago started making garments. I made a sweater I was really proud of using some classic loops and threads yarn because that's what I could afford at the time and the scratchiness doesn't bother me as long as I have a thin tank top under (which I needed anyways because it was a mesh stitch top). I had always wanted some nice hand dyed yarn from a store the next town over so I saved my tips for months so that I could purchase enough to make a really nice cardigan. I ended up wearing that sweater when I went to the store because I was proud of it and was secretly hoping someone would complement me on my work. What ended up happening was one of the gals working greeted me when I walked in and started asking about my sweater (patter, yarn and buttons). When I told her I used loops and threads yarn she went on a tangent about how the yarn was such bad quality, it was horrible for the environment and the quality of yarn at the store was so much better then "that acrylic trash". I ended up leaving on the verge of tears without buying anything. I was 17 at the time. 4 years later I have yet to step foot back in that store. Now I'm hand dying my own yarn in my college apartment room using dyes I make from plants around campus. And I still use loops and threads occasionally because I'm crafting on a budget.

[@justaperson4656]

Acrylic yarns are cheap but that doesn't necessarily mean bad. You're increasing the lifespan of the plastic in the yarn, and being a little more environmentally conscious because of it. I'm an acrylic yarn fan because of that

[@ManateeTail123]

Wow, I’m 17 now, and I don’t know how I would handle being told that my acrylic sweater I just finished knitting is “trash”. Walking out of here…thanks but no thanks!

[@harmonyterry4299]

I would have turned on my heel and left without another word. Good for you to persevere and continue crafting.

[@MABrody]

I realize that you were only 17 at the time. I’m sorry that happened to you. But next time, if something like that happens again, I think the best way to deal with it is to tell the rude person the truth. In the story you related, it would have (hopefully!) made an impact on that person if you had said, “you know, this yarn that you call trash is all I can afford right now on my student budget. And I have been saving my tips for months to come and buy something really special here. But since you were so rude as to insult me, I’ve decided to take my hard earned money elsewhere.” And then walked out, head held high. Perhaps that person might then think twice about what they say to customers. You are doing the best that you can with what you can afford. No one has any right to criticize that.

[@puzzlebrainiac5238]

@@MABrodyWise words!

[@sproutygamerreads7947]

My local yarn store was excellent to me. I went in there as a beginner crocheter asking what yarn to use to make a chicken. He told me not to get the yarn there, or it would be a 50 dollar chicken.😂 He recommended lower brands and what stores to get them at. I was so thankful. I bought some scissors, stitch markers, a bag and some other things instead. He also asked me to send him a picture of the chicken when I finished.

[@laurenbrender3671]

Love a shop like that! i used a LYS to grab an extra skein of a yarn i was using for a project, and (thankfully) the local had a matching dye lot i needed. had a good chat while we were at it! i did also pick up some extra needles and notions while i was there to add to what i was spending

[@ladyhai]

This is the sweetest story 😭

[@myreadingisodd]

It’s so interesting how people can’t keep their opinions to themselves especially in retail places. It’s not hard to go “oh I haven’t used that yarn before how did you find it?” Or “I’ve tried that yarn and it didn’t work out for me but your sweater looks amazing so you definitely mastered it!” Like.. that took me 4 brain cells to come up with 😂

[@LynneKnits]

Or just ask the customer how they liked it. Doesn’t matter what the clerk thinks about it.

[@amypetty5013]

I mean, you DON'T actually have to include your opinion of the yarn at all. it's silly for anyone to think that they have to or need to. It's just plain STUPID to include your opinion of the yarn if it's something you happen to dislike. There's absolutely zero reason to bring it up at all. The customer doesn't care, or need, to know your opinion, and your dislike of the yarn brings zero value to the conversation.

[@daniellepicone2599]

When I go into yarn shops, I prefer that the owner/salesperson greet me, let me know they are there if I have questions and then leave me alone. I like to wander on my own and peruse their yarn. If I am looking for something specific, I’m not afraid to ask. Even at yarn shows, I find that I am more apt to purchase if I am comfortable and not being pushed. If I’m uncomfortable, I am much more likely to leave quickly.

[@Izzybeff1974]

I 100% agree with this. I'm exactly the same.

[@mattsadventureswithart5764]

We're fortunate to have a good yarn shop locally, and they do the greeting, let us know where they are, leave us alone thing. Soooooo much better than harassing customers.

[@FloridasYesteryear]

I quilt as well as crochet. I loved my local quilt shop because they let me look in peace and answered any questions I have and they didn't care if I purchased something or not. But usually I will come in when I do have money and buy a couple hundred dollars worth of fabric. I got into crochet when they started selling yarn. Alas they could not survive the pandemic.

[@ammiller3911]

Exactly!

[@Dahni_V]

Same! I actually avoid going in yarn shops at this point and stick to my favorite online vendors due to the being shy and wanting to shop in peace

[@yarning4asmile]

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience. I had a similar experience when I started playing with yarn. I was visiting a yarn store in a southern state to buy hand-dyed yarns. I had only purchased big box yarn before. When the shopkeeper asked me if I knit, I mentioned I only crocheted. (I learned to knit 6 months later after learning crochet) She looked at me and laughed! I was shocked! She tried to belittle me as she sat at her wheel spinning some fiber. The strange thing was this shop also served as a bookstore, which amazed me. It was full of dust and just felt strange. I left that store and went across the water to another store where I spent a few hundred dollars. The yarn store that treated me poorly eventually closed its doors a few years later. The moral of the story is that we shouldn't judge people. We can support one another, especially in a world filled with yarn! IT is okay to be different to like different yarns but this whole shaming people thing needs to stop!

[@carolfolk4602]

Your story is like the one in the movie pretty woman. You should have gone back to the first or showing the hundreds of dollars you spent elsewhere.

[@leahangel2949]

There's no excuse for belittling someone's chosen craft!

[@yarning4asmile]

@@carolfolk4602 it was so odd being in that situation. I felt sorry for the lady, being so closed off to a world of creativity, just saddens me. I have never understood the assumption that crochet was a lesser craft, cheaper or that the makers would only use acrylic. That was over a decade ago, knitting has my heart now but I still crochet all the time. lol I am from the south, pretty plain, never wear make up and pretty sure she just looked at me, heard my craft at the time and passed judgment.

[@yarning4asmile]

@@leahangel2949 I agree. I think there is a stigma that comes with crochet. Many think crocheters only use big box store yarns, it is simply not true.

[@aveuch]

I learned to knit before I crocheting and found crocheting to be a helpful tool and resource in knitting - like picking up dropped stitches for example.

[@kathryn653]

😂 I'm literally winding sock yarn my friend found in the dumpster while I watch this.

[@MakerMarkKnits]

I love that so much! 😻

[@wickiwo1098]

After seeing this video, if I see a yarn-store dumpster, hold the lid for me, I'm goin' in! 😄

[@NamaiWalterHeins-re4nu]

I'm so afraid of mold. So I don't see myself dumpster diving for yarn. I spilled some drink on ikeatable with drawer. Thought I cleaned all but some drink spilled into the drawing with my yarn. One was acrylic and I was cotton. I tried washing it with vinegar water. And then in the washing machine. But I'm not sure how I was suppose to clean it on the ball. The carton in it was dissolved 😂 and I still need to unravel it. Is there any way to clean a ball before crochet or knitting? I once got my ball in soup 😂🫣

[@pLanetstarBerry]

​@NamaiWalterHeins-re4nu usually I just wind the dirty yarn onto a swift, tie it in evenly spaced out places to keep the strands together, take it off the swift, wash it, then hang it up to dry. Depending on the fiber and the stain, I either hand wash it in cold water (like with wool or wool blends) or put it in the washing machine on the delicate cycle. Instead of wringing out the yarn, I usually either put it in a thrifted salad spinner or put it on a spin cycle in the washing machine if the yarn's too big for that. As for soap, I'm lucky enough that I also make soap for a hobby and I use that to clean the yarn, since it gets most stains out but it's gentle enough on the yarn to not affect the softness. But in a pinch, shampoo and conditioner works as well, especially with wool.

[@NamaiWalterHeins-re4nu]

@@pLanetstarBerry Thanks for answering. I will try that when yarn ends up in my soup again. 🤗

[@DorkAcademia]

I love that this persons judgement of your yarn choices and snark about Scout has resulted in Scout from Kelbourne Woolens getting shouted to 1100 people and counting

[@DrowSkinned]

Yep, I've never heard of it until watching this suggested video and now I have it open on a tab and my favourite colour already picked out for payday 😅

[@more5347]

lol. same. I think I might be adding to my stash. the phrase: I do not need more wool" is meaningless. @@DrowSkinned

[@veldalacoste8186]

You have more patience than I. I’m afraid I would have given her just a little piece of my mind😏

[@AmandaMcCarterWrites]

And now they're sold out in almost every color.

[@alanandjanetpohl4043]

Ha ha! I know! I had never heard of it and was just about to go look it up.

[@pinkpandamiranda]

This feels like chatting with a yarn friend, especially when you're winding haha. Like, give me the tea omg

[@BenSwagnerd]

One thing that really gets my goat is people going in facebook groups and trashing budget yarns. Literally saying things like "red heart super saver is trash yarn." Some folks can only afford budget acrylics. And they can make magic with it. Just because you don't like something (maybe you have a sensory issue, whatever) doesn't make the entire product trash for every possible use.

[@PandoraBear357]

I go for Lion Brand Pound of Love myself. People act like every project must be 100% virgin wool or else you just don't know anything. It's quite silly. If I'm making a large blanket that will get used and washed often, I'm not spending $500+ on yarn I will have to hand wash.

[@aveuch]

Also vegans.

[@lindas5964]

Likewise I get tired of people bashing hand painted yarn because of the price, like the dyer is supposed to work for sweatshop wages just because people in other countries are willing to do it. I use both & have yarn from hobby lobby as well as HHF. Thank God we have lots to choose from so everyone can knit!

[@Takapon218]

@@lindas5964people in other countries aren't "willing" to do it they're kinda forced to LOL

[@tiannagraham5210]

@@PandoraBear357no actually though, and once it’s washed once, it’s SO soft even though it’s acrylic. It’s just practical

[@Kayemwhy]

In the early days on Ravelry, there were people who did that = yarn snobs. I always said that you get the yarn you like and can afford. This world can get a rough place at times. Some love to tear people down instead of lifting up. I have “high end” yarn to big box store yarn. One of my favorite sweaters is made with Lion Brand Pound of Love. I have another batch of yarn I purchased at the farmers market, it’s soft and lovely. I give acrylic yarn to beginners so they’re not intimidated. When I was in art school we were told not to get the most expensive brushes starting out. In the end we are all doing something that we love. Who cares what anyone chooses. I enjoy your channel because it’s evident that YOU enjoy what you’re doing. Please continue to “show off” your purchases. You have a wonderful way of describing things with clarity and reason. Don’t let that person or anyone else ruin things. Mark I’ve been knitting 60+ years and have learned few things from you. It’s about sharing. Thank you.

[@AlmostHippieKnitter]

First time coming across your channel, you have a lovely calming voice. I dislike pushy people at lys, honestly those stores are already a bit uncomfortable for shy people or socially awkward people to shop in. When you go in a yarn store everyone like stops and looks at you. It can be hard to stomach. The pressure to buy something is also big time unlike a retail store like Michaels. I don’t have any lys where I live the only one we had closed down like 7 years ago. So I buy my yarn online. But I feel this employee was being rude and should keep their negative comments to their selves.

[@meaganstratton1733]

I agree that different yarns serve different purposes as well. I am privileged enough to be able to on occasions get "fancy" yarn. But that doesn't always work for all projects. My current cardigan is Lion's Brand 24/7 cotton that I got on like a 40% off sale. My next cardigan is an indie hand painted super wash wool held double with another yarn. One project is about 6-7 times the cost of the other but I wanted two different types of cardigans in my wardrobe. They serve me differently and are different looks and textures.

[@khills]

Also, just some yarns aren’t right for some projects. If I’m making amigurumi, I’m not going to use beautiful hand dyed yarn from the local alpaca farm, ya know? I’m gonna use Lion or Loops & Threads. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@LadyBridgetSidhe]

Hi Mark, I used to be in sales in retail stores. What that person was saying to you sounds similar to a method that used to be taught as a sales engagement method. However, if it was, they may have been doing it incorrectly. So when the person was saying they disliked your yarn, they may have been expecting you to come back with “well what yarn do YOU like?” And that would give the opportunity to show off some of their higher-priced and upscale products. If that’s even what the person was doing. I don’t know, but it sounded familiar to me. It sounded like a selling technique from the 70s or 80s. OK I am old lol. But again, continually telling someone you don’t like something is not a great way to sell anything else. You weren’t wrong, it isn’t you. And I commend you for actually trying to find something to purchase. Even after that experience, I think I would’ve just fled.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I love this so much Mark. As a knitter with serious yarn store shopping anxiety, this just hits. You had me rolling at “…ok, why is there a Swiffer mop in the middle of your store?” Just love this. ❤

[@MakerMarkKnits]

Wow, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! I'm a huge fan of your channel 😎

[@rebecca-72]

Just came across your channel. You have a lovely calm voice and I enjoyed listening in on your story. So far I have been very lucky to only have extremely positive yarn shop experiences… friendly, helpful staff (or owners), interested in your project but never pushy. I definitely also like to get a lay of the land feel in a first walk by, and then return to the yarn that calls me the most. I’m actually moving to Indiana from Europe and am now a teensy tiny bit apprehensive 😬. I’ll keep a sharp eye out for any mops when I enter a store 😂. Happy knitting!

[@easternsecrecy9777]

You made me laugh when you said, "Okay, why is there a Swiffer mop in your store?" LOLOL

[@gregc3312]

I have a service dog and it is trained and groomed. I located in Nashville. Every time I go to my local fiber store with my very much needed companion( service dog) I get extreme distress from the owners of the shops. It happens to me multiple times and makes my dog feel stress. Even my dog will sit in the corner waiting for me to shop ;people around me cannot wait for us to leave:( I wish some yarn stores was friendlier to people with disabilities and their helpers!

[@nanceefrench9144]

I live in Vermont on the Quebec border. There are no yarn shops closer than a two hour+ drive. It would be so much fun to wander thru one. I have sheep.. only 3 now. I shear them and spin my own yarn. People seem to love the idea of having something made from yarn when they’ve seen the ewe and know her name.

[@melaniew4354]

I live in Savannah GA and we have a very snobby LYS downtown in the historic district that I went into exactly once a few years ago and I will never go back. Long story long, I am a left-handed knitter and I knit in the reverse, with my working needle in my left hand. I throw, so truly I mirror everything a right-handed thrower does, just as if that person was looking in a mirror. I taught myself to knit, I have figured out how to reverse engineer patterns, I do what feels right for me, and I have figured out how to make everything work out correctly in the end. So, I was told by these people that I was doing it wrong and I needed to learn to knit the "right" way. What a bunch of snobs they were, and it was a terrible way to treat a customer. Oh, and in case you are wondering, I did leave there without buying a thing. I was incredibly insulted, I'm not a person who doesn't know what they're doing. I got into knitting after many years as an experienced seamstress, and I understand garment construction and how to fit properly very well. I was hoping someone there could answer a few questions I had about bust darts and waist shaping, but no, I got a lecture about there's no such thing as "handedness" in knitting and basically told I was stupid. I was in my late 50s then, in my early 60s now, and these young women were so know-it-all and condescending to me. I truly tried to be gracious, I was raised to have good manners, even in the face of rudeness, and I would have been happy to share some of my many years of knowledge with them, but I guess they were just too full of themselves. It's their loss. They don't have to worry about me crossing their threshold again.

[@cemowilliams]

I grew up in Savannah and it’s sad that I know what store you’re referring too. 😂

[@cemowilliams]

I applaud you for being graceful.

[@macyjohnson7567]

Thanks for sharing your experience. As a Georgia resident and a left-handed crocheter and knitter I will definitely be considering this when I visit Savannah!

[@tdelphia1]

Love your story! I knit and hold my yarn a bit differently too...just like my grandmother taught me. A few people commented on it around the knitting table at times, but fortunately not overly critical. I took a class from Nancy Bush on Estonion knitting some time ago and as I was standing there watching her knit, I realized that she knit EXACTLY the way I did. I shouldn't have needed the affirmation, but it was a fun moment for me.

[@sarag1158]

If you're ever in Atlanta, be sure to visit the Craftivist. I went to Atlanta for a conference and stopped in. They are the opposite of snobby.​@@macyjohnson7567

[@ApathySun]

The reveal of the yarn they don't like being just....... *plain wool* killed me lol

[@MakerMarkKnits]

THIS!

[@vickiscales3755]

As someone who mainly crochets, I have felt "snobbery" from people who only knit. This is especially true if I am in a LYS and I tell them I crochet. It seems as soon as I tell the employee/owner that I crochet, they usually don't want to have much to do with me anymore. What they don't know is that I also knit and I WAS going to be buying some yarn that day. So my take a way lesson here is that if you are being pressured to buy the yarn in a LYS, tell them you crochet and they will walk away. At least then you can shop in peace.😛

[@nicolehodapp4707]

Such a shame and missed opportunity as we crocheters use more Yarn 😂😎

[@olygal]

YES! As a (mainly) crocheter I have experienced the same thing!

[@fancydeer]

Craft snobbery is gross. I knit and crochet both and while I prefer the look of knitting for most projects I create crochet has a charm and it's a perfectly lovely craft. It's fun and creates cute finished work. I think it's sad that people will ignore certain crafts and certain apps/sites (ribblr for example) because they think it's beneath them when there is valuable information to be found there.

[@laurad430]

I’m sorry. There are no words for the rudeness of some people. And - I bet the snobbier they are the less likely they can crochet themselves!

[@darrickwhite1986]

That's interesting, because as a mostly knitter (originally a crocheter) , it's been people who crochet that I continuously notice the hostility and attitude. Go figure.

[@Izzybeff1974]

I also visit yarn stores when I travel and have always had a decent experience up until last October. I was in the southwest for work and visited both yarn stores in town. I went to the older of the two first. I generally try to talk a little about yarn/knitting so that the person helping me gets the idea that I know what I'm talking about. I had a very good experience with the younger of the two staff, but the older woman followed me everywhere and commented on everything I touched. If that wasn't bad enough, she asked if I was planning to go to the other store and I said yes and she proceeded to slam them. I own my own business and you NEVER, EVER talk bad about your competition to a customer. If you're a good business owner, you just don't do it. It put such a sour taste in my mouth after that visit, that if I'm in town again, I won't go to that yarn store. I did visit the second, newer store and they were lovely and never mentioned their competition at all.

[@kathleensiegrist2647]

Wasn't in Tucson was it?

[@CarrieMtn]

Or Taos?

[@libbylandscape3560]

Wow that’s just bad form slamming the competition.

[@Izzybeff1974]

It was! @@kathleensiegrist2647

[@Izzybeff1974]

Nope!@@CarrieMtn

[@isaacavacolleen]

I only have a Michaels in my area. It took the staff there a long time before they stopped thinking that i was buying yarn for my wife. Most of the staff now talk to me as someone who knits and crochets and has good knowledge of the yarn he wants to buy for himself.

[@libbylandscape3560]

Interesting how things have changed, waaaay way back (hundreds of years back) the knitters and probably crocheters were all men.

[@ZimVader-0017]

​@libbylandscape3560 In Iceland, knitting and crochet are still passed down from fathers to sons. Saw a documentary on it recently. You could see men knitting on their breaks, and a guy that was interviewed was wearing a sweater that his father knitted for him.

[@lizzieophelia]

Oh boy did I get "the ick" from my LYS. I used to go there to focus on shopping local, but I was in college and on an acrylic budget so I usually focused on the tools or specific project supplies. Anyway I see these square DPN needles and commented. The employee was explaining them a bit and said "here, knit a few rows on this!" (They had a little swatch going because they had so many questions about them). So i picked them up and knit... but I've been a picker since my grandmother taught me as a kid. Her response: "oh... that's how we teach *crocheters* how to knit until they can knit normally" and I was over that store immediately. I prefer crochet even though I was a knitter first, but yeah... the ick.

[@ecouturehandmades5166]

"KNIT NORMALLY"? wth. There are SO many ways of knitting, all depending what is comfortable. BTW, I have never found a comfortable way to knit, so I crochet. I'f I see someone in a new way, I try it to see if maybe, just maybe....over 60 years crocheting because Auntie didn't like me stabbing my sis with knitting needles.

[@lizzieophelia]

I was kind of taken aback. They didn't have the other major red flags that I hear about (wierd about touching yarn or "scaring off" customers they didn't think fit their target market.) Just some technique biases. Enough to make me feel unwelcome

[@aknittinkitten]

I’m so sorry that happened. That person never should have said that and should not be teaching others to knit. I used to work in a yarn shop and the only time I told someone they were knitting “wrong” is if it was causing them pain. Then I would show them options that might help

[@jenthulhu]

Ugh! When I learned to knit, my only option was from a book. It was the 80s, lol. That book taught me to throw and while I've tried Continental many times since then, it just doesn't stick. Throwing = comfort and no matter how much I practice Continental it doesn't feel right and doesn't result in even stitches. I always always always revert and I'm fine with that!

[@Fynlanis]

huh?? how is continental style knitting not normal? it's literally just depending on what one grows up with.. personally the English style of knitting (or what they refer to as "normal") just seems slower and with less tension to me - doesn't mean it's wrong though? Like literally I know no one who does it that way here in Germany - surely a whole country knitting that way means it is normal xD Quick edit: I googled and saw picking = continental style, not targeting the comment above me but just speaking to the original comment

[@olivertenworms7082]

Re: Scout being a totally blameless 100% wool yarn: It's totally wild how this sort of snobbery never has a bar over which you're free of it. I'm a handspinner and super picky with the yarns I use to knit-- I basically only knit with my own handspun, which is often from the fleeces of local sheep which I scour and comb myself-- and yet even still! I spin with an electric wheel rather than the treadle kind, and when I mentioned this at a spinning class, the teacher said "don't you think that's not real spinning though??" Like.. um?? Excuse me?? At the end of the day we're all using our hands to make beautiful unique objects according to our own resources, time, energy, priorities, and budget, and the important thing should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down!!

[@dedehart7189]

So because we live in the 21st century and have ELECTRICITY is using an electric stove not really cooking since you don't have to go out and chop wood to feed the stove? Sheesh!!

[@patperrier9640]

So if I use a food processor and not a knife, I'm not really cooking? Wowza....

[@depaula1710]

Yes, unfortunately dogmatic views exist at any level and in every trade, hobby or whatever. Doesn't matter if you wanna dance, go to renfair, recycle your clothes - someone's going to be displeased with where your own bar is at.

[@tammyburke2822]

I appreciate that you tried to support a small business. Keep doing that 🧶

[@stephanburse]

I appreciate your story and can relate. As a professional vocalist and crocheter I love to see other men crafting. I too have faced challenges walking into yarn shops when I take trips but a majority of the time it’s because I’m a larger black guy. I am questioned as to my purpose of being there as if I walked in by accident until I give my whole spiel on being a published designer and crocheter. After that then I’m encouraged to see all that they have to offer lol. It shouldn’t be that way.

[@elmac3]

Stephanburse, no indeed, it shouldn't be that way! Sad that people can be so small minded.

[@spearmintderg]

I'm so glad my local shop was so welcoming, the lady that works there is wonderful and explained all the different types of yarn to me. She even touted some of their recycled blend yarns, just a mish mash of different fibers, because....well, they're recycled! Also very affordable. She made me feel very welcome as a new crocheter, and I wasn't even aware there was snobbery around yarn types until I started digging around youtube videos on the subject.

[@lesliegladney442]

I love the message that we all need to be kind about other peoples crafting! I personally use yarn for purpose. If I'm working on a fancy project, say a beautiful lacy shawl, I'll take time to save up and buy a higher end luxury yarn. However, because we have so many moths here in central northern California, I use acrylic for afghans or pillows that will be sitting out, and superwash wool or blends for everyday gear. I refuse to feed our moths an expensive diet, or ruin a sweater or poncho I wear all the time because I got it grubby doing outdoor stuff. I still want cool patterns and lovely colors, I just have a different end use need for different materials. There's so many more great options for any level than there used to be! I've seen amazing work that blows my mind out of RHSS and sketchy things out of MadTosh, so you just never know! I'm just always so thrilled that so many people want to do these handicraft things we do, you know?

[@conniescheuneman5705]

I am a yarn snob too. Life is too short to knit with icky yarn! 😂 I have had some bizarre experiences in LYS too. One time when I asked if they had any rare fibers, the owner commented “You don’t want to buy it, you just want to feel it!” It was said with almost disgust. No, I really did want to buy it, and when I was in California I bought the yak yarn and rare fibers from a nice yarn shop owner who didn’t pre judge my motives for asking whether she carried those yarns. Also, another time, a yarn shop owner got so nervous that I got too close to her counter when I was trying to see her selection of Lykke needles. They were just out and I was contemplating buying them. I have very poor eyesight and when she told me in a stern voice to back away from that edge of the counter, I asked if I could see one of the needles. She said I had to look from there, even though I told her my eyesight was very poor. There weren’t enough people working to monitor for theft in her opinion. 😢 Thanks for your inspiration on this channel. I love seeing what you knit and wish I could knit as well as you. I’m having eye surgery next month and I pray that helps me see (and knit) better. You sound like a kind man. 😊🧶

[@Denise_2262]

My eyes are failing at 51 and my family has a history of macular degeneration and glaucoma. I have cataracts and I will be relieved when it is time for surgery because I have already found myself trying to learn to knit and crochet by feel. Knitting goes better but I have done it longer. I had a dear friend that I used to knit with a lot and her eyes went bad from diabetes and she still made amazing things. I really hope your surgery is wonderful. My husband had his eyes done years ago because he had bad vision from childhood and now he can see things I wish he couldn't. Lol. Aging you know. He sees everything. Best to you!

[@buddycollier5056]

Enjoyed listening to your story. Back in the 90’s, in a Las Vegas yarn shop that doesn’t exist anymore, I was accosted by the owner as I was browsing his shop. He made sure that I knew he had high end customers who would spend hundreds of dollars on a project. I felt cornered and intimidated thinking that a $200 purchase would be a stretch for me. Now the ‘rest of the story’ is that hanging above his head (literally above his head….if if had fallen it would have landed on him) was a sweater that my knitting teacher had made and the employee of this shop had admired and wanted to display to show off the pattern which this store also sold. The yarn used in that sweater was bought in Walmart at 88 cents per skein. I was with my teacher/friend when he picked out the colors and bought it at Walmart. How I would have enjoyed informing this snob that his store was displaying a bargain tier yarn but I would not want to cause problems for the employee who was a rather friendly lady. After all was said and done…30 years ago…I learned to see through much of the BS and just enjoy the process, the material and the end results. Keep up the videos!

[@OkayestChemist]

I went to a yarn shop in Illinois once because they were listed as a store that carried Knitting for Olive and I wanted to see if they carried the silk yarn. They didn’t, but I asked when they’d be placing their next order and if I could like, preorder it because I like giving my money to local yarn shops. As in, I would have given them money that day and waited for a couple of months to get yarn. The employee went to the back and talked to who was presumably the owner, who said very loudly “just because someone asks about something doesn’t mean they’re going to buy it”. I left the rest of the yarn I was going to buy that day on the checkout desk and walked out. They can keep their yarn.

[@lisavitale8410]

Right on!

[@AndiNewtonian]

Wow! That's just... wow! I can't believe a business owner would say something like that. I can't blame you at all for walking out. I probably would have, too.

[@libbylandscape3560]

😳 It amazes me how some people want to have a business, but don’t want to BE in business.

[@TheLaurwarr]

I had a bad experience with an employee at my LYS. My daughter was there and she can attest to how strange it was. The woman was lecturing me on gauge while I was trying to purchase needles. They are kept behind the counter because of theft so I could not do this on my own. She kept going on and finally I replied that I had been knitting for sixty years which made her upset. She made a bad comment and put the needles back, which told me she was not going to sell them to me and aggressively turned to face me. I was so taken aback, I put the yarn that I was going to buy on the counter and left. I have patronized this shop many times and have spent a lot of money there but I have never felt like a known customer. For a LYS they should remember and greet known members of the community who are frequent customers. They have a removed way of being and present as elitists. I did meet with the owner to a disappointing conclusion and told him that I would not continue as a customer because of this incident and his response. Because of this I did not feel it was a safe or welcoming shop.

[@NGD1953]

I have always LOVED to visit different yarn shops while traveling! 😃 I’m like a child, “in a candy shop” when I’m in one! However, I’ve always been amazed by some of the odd things that I’ve encountered. Unfortunately, many time I feel it explains exactly WHY so many LYS end up going out of business. It’s really so sad! I’ve decided that many LYS owners/employees are rather opinionated and don’t mind sharing what they think. I live in a southern state and I think there may be 2 LYS in my entire state. I used to have a nice yarn shop not far from me. The shop was beautiful, but the owner did not want you to touch the yarn! She would stay right with you and if you wanted to feel a yarn, she had to hand it to you! Then, you had to hand it back to her so that she could place it back on the shelf like she had to have it. I always thought this as so strange. Also, she had signs up in the store stating that they could not help you with any questions, unless your pattern and yarn had been purchased in THAT shop. There were signs up all over the store with all sorts of rules. Just seeing all those rules and regulations just really put me off! They closed the shop and I’m sure they had no clue that the way they ran the shop was the reason why….🙁

[@cassandrap.3183]

I’m in Chattanooga too! I just found out recently that there is a local yarn shop here. I am looking forward to visiting it soon.

[@j1m404]

"Absolutely mesmerizing! Your calming voice paired with such informative content makes watching your videos a delightful escape into the world of yarn. Thank you for sharing your expertise and spreading the joy of crafting!"

[@strawberrysusie]

Thank you KZbin for this awesome recommendation! I have such anxiety going into places I've never been before, when I tried going to a LYS on vacation the shop really turned me off to ever trying LYSs again. It felt high end, snooty, and had nothing (aside from yarn) crochet related. A few years ago while on vacation in a different location, I was desperate to make something and ended up trying a cute little shop. Legit love the place, went back twice on the trip and order from them every time I need more amigurumi yarn! Your Swiffer comment had me rolling! That needs to be a cross stitch project! 😂

[@DCamp1271]

Not even a yarn snob or really in the community but this story and the irritation is so relatable. Some people don’t have enough social grave to know when they are sucking the air out of the room.

[@QuietlyCraftyLindaC]

Wanted to hop on to say how impressed I am that you can wind, talk, and film all at once! I'm fairly new at this and have only had my winder for a month or two but I find it requires physical coordination and concentration that I don't always have to give it when I wind- it's going to take practice (for me at least) so hats off to you! So sorry that your experience was as it was.. like you, I try to think that perhaps encounters like that are on someone's bad day, but as an introvert who often gets overwhelmed by all of the yarny goodness in stores, I may have muttered something like "I have to think" and I would have left without making a purchase. I will share that a few months ago I was in a new-to-me Joanne's that I had traveled to- there was a big sale and the store was super crowded. It was a much older store and I was a bit disappointed in it, people seemed grouchy, and all together I was not getting a good vibe, but an older lady whose husband was lingering near said somebout so many colors and having them all or something and I agreed but said something like I only allow myself to buy yarn for projects rather than to have all the colors and sort of laughed.. not thinking.. but later I noticed that she had scooped up her husband (don't think she wanted him to hear that philosophy!) and left that aisle pretty quickly... lol. I kind of felt bad but meant nothing by it... that's more about my philosophy and to each their own. Anyway.. sharing that to say everyone can have an off day comment-wise and intentions can be other than they seem, but the vibe in the store can really effect the overall experience- I didn't buy anything that day after traveling almost an hour each way. Lesson learned- smile nod- move on. 😊

[@therumimillcrochet]

I love seeing your splurges and you sharing your knowledge. 😍Please know there’s more of us who love, we are just quieter than the voices of “discontent”. I’ve been to one lys, and it left such a bad taste in my mouth, that I’ve never gone to another one. So, I completely understand how you must have felt. So glad you have a good shop close to you though. ❤️ Keep enjoying making what you love and sharing it with others. 💕

[@lizallen9535]

In the mid-eighties, the LYS in Bloomington, IN sold some of their wool off cones by the pound. One clerk was very kind and helped me pick out samples to buy for a sweater. Another informed me i was interfering with other customers. This shop no longer exists.

[@nerdgirl7363]

I love going into local yarn shops because I feel like a secret shopper. I look very young, have lots of tattoos, and don't often wear the things I make ie I look like a beginner whos probably not appart the community. Little do they know im a designer with years of teaching experience. I feel zero guilt walking away from stores that don't treat me right

[@jaynamarrinan6065]

My first reaction to your story about the IN yarn shop and the odd interaction was ‘dementia much?” Not that I’m a professional, but I’ve dealt with a parent and grand parent with dementia and both had repetitious thoughts and statements. And as far as my own yarn shop incidents, we had a shop in a town close by where the owner would follow you around so you couldn’t really look around and shop. My friends and I decided we needed to bring a decoy person to interact with the owner if one of us wanted to shop. It worked well, and when another shop opened, we went there instead.

[@nicolehodapp4707]

This was so interesting ! Thank you for sharing your experience ! It would have been so much better if she would have said " Wow , I am not a fan of the Yarn, but you have done a Beautiful Job with that yarn in the sweater you are wearing and your project you are working on. I need to take another look at this Yarn ! Well done !!!! " Not everyone that knits or crochets is suited to work in a yarn store! It is an Art to work in a yarn store and knowing how to engage with customers! I often feel judged or totally ignored when I visit out of town yarn stores. I love the yarn you just wound and I wish you happy Knitting!

[@annetteavery3349]

I use what I can find, that I like. I am mainly a machine knitter and crocheted. I have some very old yarn from a stash from a friend’s late aunt, in amongst it is some Shetland and acrylic.

[@donnawofner9412]

I’m sorry you had that experience. It sounds like you handled it the best you could in the moment. I think with sharing your experiences with different shops is a good thing. I’ve heard other knitters share similar experiences when visiting knitting places. One can only hope it gets back to shops and they have employee meetings and talk about how to address this. It takes a village. ❤️

[@PatKilbourn]

Wow! I am binging yarn drama sites as a nurse my broken toes. I felt like I was visiting with a friend and actually picked up a project and started crocheting as I listened. It was certainly not the drama I expected. I applaud your refusal to name the location of the store. After all this may have been a very unusual occurrence in this store. My yarn store experiences have been 99% pleasurable experiences. This one though.. I had just moved into a new apartment and was doing a neighborhood walk and lo and behold there was a yarn store not 2 blocks from my apartment. Eyes lit up, skin glowing, smile from ear to ear I enter. No staff visible. Okay small store someone may have gone to the back for a minute, so I browse. I found an absolutely adorable yarn and a pattern for a child's sweater that I though my granddaughter would love. Continued browsing. Found the back of the store where there was a woman sitting on a stool knitting. I told her I was interested in purchasing the yarn and pattern but was unsure if the yarn I wanted was a good substitution for the pattern yarn. She looked up at me and said, "How do you expect me to know? Do you want to buy that stuff? If you do I'll come up front as soon as I finish this row. She was maybe 2" into what looked like a twin bed cover. Needless to say I left. Two months later the shop was closed.

[@DanaChadwell]

I can't wait to see what the Alga becomes. We just got that yarn in and I haven't hit on a project for it yet. Yarn shop owners are an odd group, by necessity I guess. It takes a weird brain to believe that you can succeed where so many others have failed. I think there is also a big generational divide in how we address customer service. But I hope they were just having a bad day. I know that I've worked at the shop while going through some really terrible personal and business events and I hope I was always kind, but some of those days were very difficult and I know it showed. Thank you for having the grace to not name and shame. I shared your video to my staff to remind them that we need to always be kind to people and enthusiastic about their projects. (Entertainingly, the two biggest complaints about yarn shop service are "They ignored me" and "they wouldn't leave me alone.")

[@dorisbeers4898]

Totally agree with you! I love it when you show what you purchase. It gives me ideas of what to buy. Also, their job is not to criticize but to help you make a purchase. Keep doing what you do!

[@laurad430]

Thank you for sharing. You are so kind and considerate. I bought a bag from a bag maker you recommended and it is lovely. I don’t think that yarn store will be around long!

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

I just love that you mentioned Chattanooga Yarn Company. We had an event in that town and I had an impromptu visit to that store. So friendly and helpful and just plain gracious. We shared a laugh or two and I did spend some $$$. Even ordered from them once I got home. I know how weird it feels though, in some places. I’ve had the trunk show of yarn store owner insecurities, though. Makes interesting conversations. 😊

[@EricaWarshawsky]

I have been knitting for over 20 years and I have been in more shops like the one you just described than open welcoming ones. Yarn stores are sacred spaces like libraries and places of worship. They should be welcoming, inclusive and respectful. It's good for business and helps to build the community. How many first time makers have been turned off by the store you mentioned and never start making? Thank you for this episode - good food for thought.

[@conniecamp5749]

Hello. I'm new to your channel. I'm an old lady who has been knitting for years. I'm glad you brought the subject up. We need to be reminded over and over again to be polite. She had no business offering her opinion if it wasn't asked for. She wasn't thinking about you; she was thinking about herself. And I look forward to seeing more of your channel. Enjoy your knitting.

[@NYKnitter]

Thanks for sharing. That indeed was an odd encounter. Long and short, they asked, you answered.

[@slinkyscrap]

The last time I visited a yarn shop I was talking to the sales person and we had a really good conversation about yarn crafts. She was so happy that I stopped in for the first time she gave me a free measuring tape, stitch markers, magnet, project bag, and a few other little things. I was so surprised! I will definitly go back to visit.

[@WendyHAROLD-h6n]

Thank you Mark . I think staff can make or break any business and as for you being a yarn snob nobody should judge anybody else on anything if they were to be concentrating on their own , this wouldn’t happen. Hope you have a good week. Bye for now

[@tweir5810]

I love when you share your yarn shopping spree ...all that delicious wool, plus you get more variety then we do in New Zealand so i get to vicariously enjoy.

[@maribelishooked4378]

I dislike entering stores where salesperson is pushy or opinionated. I just want to shop in peace. I can understand where you are coming from. And there is nothing wrong with liking what you like and being a “yarn snob.” ❤

[@mariawilliams4180]

I’ve enjoyed my little knitting journey since I learned to knit from KZbin. My experiences walking into yarn shops is always varied. I’m Mexican so you can imagine the treatment I receive as opposed to the genuine welcoming greeting my counterparts get although I’m usually prepared to make large purchases unbeknownst because I work hard & save for special purchases. I prefer ordering online just to avoid the not-so-nice people energy. I won’t get into fiber fest experiences. Always hit or miss. Thank you for sharing & voicing experience. Very much appreciated.

[@christineg452]

Hi Mark! New subscriber here. You are spot on. And…you have a lot more patience than I would’ve shown this person. Who are they to judge what yarn you use for your projects??? You knit with what you enjoy and afford and nobody has a right to criticize. Am I a yarn snob? Big time. But I will never verbally judge someone’s choice of yarn. It’s none of my business. And for those who felt the need to say you’re bragging with the yarn and/or notions you shared, all I ask is why? Why the need to again, criticize?

[@midwestvegan2787]

I love Scout! It is such a great dk weight yarn. I am sorry you had that experience.

[@pippade-negri8111]

Hells bells Mark! That’s a story and a half! I agree, very odd behaviour…. Love all your videos including the yarn ones, and in my opinion you never come across as bragging at all! Keep doing what you’re doing xxxxx

[@MrsKWheatley]

I am British, and even by our standards, your reaction was understated! I don't think the employee at the yarn store was just "weird," rather they were downright rude! I can understand how bemused you must feel. I visited the USA last year and made the effort to visit lots of LYS on my trip, buying a skein of DK yarn at each one and then making a lovely shawl when I came home. So many lovely memories. One of the stores i visited was your store in Chattanooga and I can say they were so friendly and helpful, interested in my journey and my project. I had only one negative experience and that was in New York city (not naming the store) where I found them to be a bit snooty and uninterested. I think we put our hearts into our hobby and so it can feel hurtful when someone puts us down or doesn't take the time. Great content, looking forward to watching more.

[@Storiessongspictures]

I am so sorry you had that experience! As a yarn store owner, it’s just not how I would treat customers. If you’re ever in the Denver area, come by Elevation Yarn and ask for Dianne’ 😊

[@amyeichenseer7692]

Yes! Cute store! I drove all the way out to visit you guys from the very southeast corner of the metro area, and met Joey. Happy to support stores like this.

[@CarrieMtn]

I’m up in foco- but sometimes I visit Chatfield, I’ll try and stop in some time. 😊

[@crashingwaves7399]

I love listening to personal drama so much and the spinning Swift is so hypnotic

[@Emergency_Confetti]

Honestly- it is your money and you can spend that anyway you like. I am not about shaming anyone and that goes both ways- be it that their budget may not allow for luxury yarns, or that their budget does allow to pick up whatever they like. I feel that if you like to share what you bought and are excited for that, it is not bragging, no matter the budget or cost. I enjoy your videos a lot and get lots of inspiration for notions or materials I'd like to try out that way if you share your experience with something. Also people forget that if they don't like a video, they can just click off in stead of putting the creator down for sharing something they are passionate about.

[@djelzinga2634]

Agreed! I have never felt Mark was bragging . Many of the yarns he has are not within my budget, but I find it lovely to hear about them as I won’t likely experience it in person. Mark seems a caring and thoughtful person and I think that shows in how he shared this experience and what he kindly didn’t say. Apologies for your poor experience from another Indiana yarn lover.

[@PKTechie0703]

I found your channel through this video and have since watched hours of your content and am so glad I found you. Came back to this video today to relive the iconic “why is there a swiffer mop in the middle of your store?” because I’ve taken to saying it in my day to day life. Wanted to share how much I’ve enjoyed your videos and your (very occasional and justified) sass.

[@MakerMarkKnits]

I LOVE this comment :) Thanks for spending so much time with me! In real life (at least in my brain) I'm constantly sassy, but as you know I really reign it in for the channel.

[@jentextiles]

If you came to the UK it’s the norm. Everyone has a opinion. I rang to cancel my husband’s dental appointment stating he had food poisoning from a rogue oyster. The receptionist said ‘that wasn’t much of an aphrodisiac was it? ‘ I had to laugh because I’m of the school of what the heck. You made my day. I’ll dine out on it. X

[@elmac3]

LOL, Jen! That was pretty witty of her.

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

15:11 Oh I'll judge your yarn if i want too! It's georgeous! Thanks for your podcast, im so glad i found you! ❤❤❤

[@KnittingApples]

There is a newer LYS in my area I visited last fall for the first time. I was really excited to go there as there is a distinct lack LYS in our area. When I walked in I was immediately greeted by the owner (she announced that she was the owner early in our conversation). I was specifically looking for a sweaters quantity of yarn in a dark green for the pressed flowers sweater. Which I told her when she asked what I was looking for. Now I am in my mid 20s and look younger, but I felt the judgement coming almost immediately. I am a fairly proficient knitter and comfortable adjusting the pattern as needed if there is a yarn that doesn’t quite meet gauge, but she kept going oh no that won’t work for that sweater at every yarn I showed interest in. And essentially stated I didn’t know what I was doing. I left purchasing some yarn (mostly because I felt pressured and wanted her to stop) knowing I wouldn’t be using it for the project I went in there for. As I am writing this I am wearing my pressed flowers sweater which fits wonderfully in one of the yarns I liked in her store but she told me wouldn’t work, it does and I bought it online. At checkout I came to find out shes been knitting for several years less than me and I just felt really kinda bullied because of my age. I haven’t gone back.

[@Shaktipaj]

I feel this. It happens far more often than it should. I've even heard a shop owner tell people in a group that they "make all their sweaters too long." It should be mentioned that many of these folks were self-described as plus size, and have already stated that they like a bit more "coverage." Some people simply cannot read a room. Sad, but true. 😊

[@debbiegodfrey572]

Keep up with exactly what your heart directs you to share on your podcast. I have loved every minute of each of one. Loved the yarn stash description podcast and the notions review one. You are doing a great job. What a bizarre yarn shop experience. I would be offended. When I experience an event like that , in the moment I am shocked but later I think of all the responses to that event that I should have had!

[@the.yarnbitch]

Oddest experience I ever had in a yarn store was during a yarn crawl, I went in and started browsing and… no one breathed a word to me? I figured they were busy prepping for sat/sun of the crawl so I slowly made my way around with 0 interactions. Right when I was about to leave a group of girls around my age came in and they were immediately greeted by multiple people. Given the yarn crawl “passports”, and given a brief run down of the store layout. The only differences between us were I was in my casual work clothes and they were more dressed up and, unfortunately, I’m Hispanic and they were white.

[@leahangel2949]

I'm sorry, that's a terrible way to be treated!

[@ReneeChristopher]

I hope you didn't buy anything from them. They don't deserve your business.

[@libbylandscape3560]

Ugh that’s awful. Hope you spread the word.

[@lovemesomeslippers]

I’m black and this has been my experience a few times, in 2 different states. I foolishly went to a sit and knit afternoon hour and not one person spoke to me or even responded when I first arrived and tried to make conversation. I said out loud “Oh gosh, I’m so glad I can buy yarn online” and I left.

[@Crochetedbymichi]

Oh that’s awful! I hope you didn’t spend any money

[@karrietate2728]

Thank you, Mark. Love your “rant”. When I have a bad experience with yarn but someone else has used (and enjoyed) it well, I would say, “I’ve had trouble in the past with this yarn, but seeing your project, I realize I need to give it another go as it really worked up well for you! I picked the right yarn, but the wrong project.” I use all sorts of yarns for all sorts of purposes. No snobbery in my yarn den.

[@kmhoneycutt1551]

That used to be my local yarn shop before the lady who owns it now was. The mother in law used to make nasty comments on the fact that me and my mom would bring my little brother into the shop. So we stopped going. Now it's owned by an amazing lady who has a really bright personality. So me and my mom go to her shop whenever we can.

[@elmac3]

Grr! That's really sad. I was at my LYS around Thanksgiving, when an entire large family came in and were all wandering through, 3 generations of them. Eventually it became clear they were there along with the real customer - a 10 year old boy who crochets amigurumi. I'm pleased to say he was greeted with enthusiasm and helped gladly.

[@kmhoneycutt1551]

It's a good place now with the lady who owns it now

[@WendyGallant-h2c]

Appreciate your video and understand your frustration. Downfall to shop owners for negative comments is loss of sales and return customers. Glad you got it off you chest.

[@Jujubeaeri]

Oh boy for that reason that’s why I shop online. I live in Portland and the yarn stores I used to go to were definitely not for me. I often felt I didn’t fit in or belong. So I lost interest years ago in LYS. There are stores I see on social media that I wish I could go to because the owners seem lovely. shoutout to Howell, Michigan. I forgot the name but I do follow them on FB. If I lived near them i would definitely shop there.

[@lisavitale8410]

Wow, you definitely had an interesting experience at that yarn store in Indiana! I would have left without buying the scissors, my goodness how rude! Ten years ago, when my husband and I first moved to where we live currently, I was thrilled to see a large selection of local yarn stores. So, within a week of moving into our new home, I went to check out one of the local yarn stores. I just wanted to checkout the store, get the vibe, see what they carried, see the classes they teach onsite, and come back another day to make a purchase. Well everything started out smoothly enough, but then when I left one of the employees said to me in a sarcastic tone, “thanks for window shopping.” Who says that? I never went back.

[@eileenthormodsen5280]

I know the feeling 💗 In my town we have a tiny but well-stocked yarnstore. There are two ladies who work there and I don't like going in when one is there. Sometimes I need something specific though and I brace myself and turn on my friendliest self. It takes a lot of energy though. Love Eileen

[@dorothyrushforth888]

Well, this is the first time I’ve watched one of your videos Mark and can I just say I really enjoyed it. It was interesting, informative, a sharing experience, non-judgemental and most of all you have the most soothing and relaxing voice I have ever heard. It was lovely to be able to knit away while listening to you. I don’t understand why some people are like that with others, as it wasn’t really any of her business. If it was true that she doesn’t like that yarn, all she had to do was admire your work, the colour etc. and if necessary, acknowledge the yarn without an opinion ie oh yes, I’m familiar with that yarn. Sounds like sour grapes that you didn’t buy the yarn from that shop and you ‘only’ purchased scissors! As far as people commenting on what you spend on your knitting, you don’t have to justify it to anyway. I am now a pensioner and I cannot afford luxury wool, but, I love seeing what other people buy and use. It’s interesting to see. Anyway, as I said, I enjoyed your video and promptly subscribed.

[@lorikoury120]

I’ve had similar experiences in yarn shops I’ve visited. In one shop a woman followed me around after I told her I was just browsing-was she afraid I would steal a skein?? I’m a yarn snob because im blessed to be able to afford non superwash wools that might cost more. I enjoy your channel and admire everything you’ve knitted. Hang in there! 💕

[@ThomasE_1180]

I love that you show us your purchases and yarns. I have purchased based on items and yarn you’ve purchased. That’s for all you bring us in your channel.

[@antoinealexander650]

Hi glad you have put your experience out there for us to hear. So sorry you had to go through that but that happens more than you think being a man who knit myself. I always get the odd looks and stairs from some shop owners and most ask am I shopping for my girlfriend not even wife and not being a middle-aged man why would you think that I'm not married or that I may have children who knit, or if I knit myself because they are always amazed at the sweater that I have on. When they ask me who made it and what pattern is it then I tell them that I made and designed it. It makes them aware that yes, I'm a black man who designs and knits my own sweaters and that I can probably knit rings around them it also I hope puts the stereotype of who knits out of their heads and next time open up to who they may be dealing with. They never know what business they may have lost and how many other people that I know who I could recommend to their yarn shop. It doesn't matter if they are having a bad day, I understand that but still they are not allowed to take it out on a customer who will be spending monies in the shop to help support their business.

[@DocBree13]

❤

[@KristinMoran]

I'm 51 and people assume I'm married with kids (wrong on both counts). People should stop assuming.

[@pamleverette3860]

I’ve been to the Chattanooga Yarn Shop and bought yarn! My son lives on Signal Mt. and we visit often. I miss the yarn shop that was downtown but the mall one is very nice and the staff was excellent! I am enjoying your channel. I live in sunny FL and find wool knitting a bit warm for this area but I still knit anyway!

[@MakerMarkKnits]

What a small world! I'm from Signal Mountain :) I visit at least 2-3 times each year.

[@susandouglas8187]

This video makes me want to go out and try some Scout!

[@cherylanon5791]

I used to work in a LYS, also taught and did finishing. Did my very best to make everyone feel comfortable and meet their needs, once in awhile there were some pretty impossible customers but thank heavens the other customers in store also saw their insanity. It's so nice to have good people on your side! P.S. I have to find out more about your vocal gigs as we may have crossed paths, you look so very familiar!

[@sammy1269]

Hey Mark, thanks for sharing. Sounds like a very weird and uncomfortable experience in the yarn store! So sorry that happened to you. Personally I love seeing your special high quality yarns. If I ever decide to splurge, it will give me an idea what to buy based on your feedback. I think it's incredibly rude of people to comment and judge you for your yarns! I live vicariously through you since I live in a hot climate and mostly stick to fingering weight cottons. Thank you for sharing, and please don't let a few nasty comments stop you. ❤

[@alexisellis6845]

Thank you for being so professional with your video. Also as an aside, this is the first video of yours that I have watched. It automatically started after another yarn video I watched, and your voice just drew me in! Your voice is brilliant.

[@walterw9829]

Kelbourne is on my list to try.

[@valeriea.gladstone6440]

I can afford almost any yarn, I intentionally bought kelbourn because it is American wool and it is good yarn! give it a try!

[@jennstns9]

I’m making a sweater with KW Camper yarn held double and it is so nice!! Scout is now on my list lol

[@knitgirl.7676]

I love it. It is a good workhorse DK yarn. I have used Scout and other KW yarns. I have never heard anything negative about it or had a bad experience with it. I have been knitting over 40 years. I never got into to the whole superwash merino craze. It is like knitting with plastic and feels like spaghetti to wear. I think that craze is starting wane- thank goodness. That said, I never walked into a yarn store or up to a knitter and started bashing their yarn choice. Good grief- who does that?

[@MakerMarkKnits]

These are great comments! I love hearing about everyone's yarn choices and projects 🙂

[@middleworldwitch4810]

I work in a clinic and I’m always excited when people come in with a yarn bag and they’re working on a project when I call them back to see the doctor. Love chatting with them to find out what they’re making and for who, whether the yarn is high-end or not. Admittedly, I love yarns like Noro, but can’t often afford them. Cultivating a love for our crafts has to be the starting point! You would think a LYS owner or worker would see the importance of that.

[@alanandjanetpohl4043]

I once visited a yarn store and asked for shetland wool. The owner asked me why on earth I wanted that! I told her I wanted make an Elizabeth Zimnerman pi shawl, at which she proceeded to rant against EZ, natural wool, and what felt like my ancestors and descendants! I left almost in tears.

[@cathyveile6536]

You are very patiet. I know I would not have bought anything. I would have left. I don't knit. I crochet. I may not buy what you buy but the value is the care in witch you make things. I genuinely watch your videos because you show the love of creating. You are not alone. Hoping you have a merry Christmas.

[@amys3168]

That feels like an employee was person 1 and owner was person 2. I’ve met so many people like this. And then person 1 is embarrassed by person 2’s behavior, but there an employee, so they aren’t going to interrupt. My lys doesn’t like crocheters. Knitters only in that store. It’s frustrating. I have to go an hour out of my way to the store to get lovely people. At least there is somewhere lovely to go!

[@carolynmcmillan7083]

If you come to the uk. You need to visit my local yarn shop. Black sheep Wools. They celebrated their 40th Birthday last year. They are one of the largest (if not the largest ) in the uk. All the staff are amazing and the owners are the most amazing people ever. Sister & Brother now run it as parents have retired. They are a rowan flagship store (again think it was the first in the uk) but seriously they are just amazing

[@lillianbarker4292]

I live in Phoenix AZ where we have very few yarn shops and they come and go. Over the decades from my beginnings as a knitter I have encountered quite a few grumpy employees or owners of yarn shops. Sometimes they try to help with a knitting project and become impatient. One shamed me for using acrylic yarn for a sweater for my little boy ( I was a working mom who didn’t have time for hand washing of sweaters 😂.). Recently an owner was fuming to me because I bought yarn online. I only do that when the local shop doesn’t have what I need-and this shop was very sparse. I’ve come to the conclusion that many knitters might be introverts with undeveloped social skills. I must add that I’m a gentle, polite, friendly person who usually gets along well with people.

[@Jacobpdx]

I live in the Phoenix area and with the few yarn stores we have, I bet I can guess. hahaha. 😀

[@suejames3208]

What an excellent vlog, I thoroughly enjoyed it. You are very easy to listen to. I buy my yarn online (from Wool Warehouse who post to the U.S. if anyone's interested!) as I don't have what I would call a decent choice of yarn locally. (I live in England.) There is no accounting for taste and we each have our favourites. She shouldn't be in retail. She should keep her opinions to herself. By the way, you do knit quickly! You have a new subscriber.

[@MojoShoujo]

I think there's still a polite way to express that sentiment! Like if they had said "I kept having trouble with that yarn, is there a trick to working with it? Your sweater turned out so nicely but I had to (idk, scrap a project)" then there wouldn't be a video! Clearly they'd had some bad experiences, but there's so much politer ways to talk with someone that actually make it a conversation and not a ted talk.

[@Danielle-zq7kb]

We have a beautiful yarn shop in town that was an old classic bank. It is really a beautiful space with a lot of wood: floors, counters and beautiful doors and fixtures.

[@susanneschlesinger4857]

Hi Mark! Thanks for sharing this story. Sometimes, I also feel like a snob because I like special yarns or invest some more money if I really fancy a brand or a quality. As Arne and Carlos said: „Buy the best yarn you can afford for a project“. I also bought Acrylic for a soccer fan scarf and hat which will be out in the rain and washed in the machine. Did enjoy knitting it- not really, bit it served the function and thats the most important thing. Yarn and Fibers are subjective to every knitter and crocheter, so everybody can have personal preferences and favorites. I don’t like people who judge your yarn choice, some decisions might be a bit weird - if you knit a dog blanket out of handdyed silk yarn f.i., but maybe this dog is so special to you. Or mohair on children sweaters or in socks. But who am I to judge this. Some experienced have to be made themselves. You have at least two sweaters of your fav brand, so you seem to like it and you are happy to knit with this wool, so there‘s the point to tell you at least 3 times that the shop person dislikes it. If I were that person, I would habe asked for your experiences and how does it knit, wash and wear? And. If they were smart, they would have shown you some of their wool which is similar. „If you love this brand, we have something you might be interested to see…“ Or give some recommendations of local brands. And even if you don‘t buy this time, I would habe given you a business card telling you we are happy to ship to you if you are interested in a yarn at a later date. A good LYS owner or employee listens to people, finds out what they want and gives a hand if needed, but also gives space. And remove the Swiffer… I really like your sweaters, you look great in it. I knit for many years, but started my first top down yoke sweater - it‘s a learning curve. I‘m quite experienced with socks, hats, lace and cable shawls, but sweaters and cardigans are a big deal to me and I hope mine turns out as beautiful as yours. Happy knittimg!

[@Megan-knits]

You came up as a suggested video! you looked so familiar, and I couldn't place it. I'm pretty sure I've been to your LYS and I remember you being so nice! I've subscribed and I'll be binge watching all your videos!

[@MakerMarkKnits]

Amazing! Thank you so much 😊

[@mylastduchess9998]

I worked retail for over 10 years. You never make a sale by insulting your competition. (I'm assuming they didn't sell the brand they kept complaining about). You make a sale by asking what brand someone likes and saying - "You like that? Have you tried this" and recommending something similar but "better". In my experience, the customer always reacts positively and walks away, wanting to come back even if they don't buy today.

[@nauci]

This is super funny to me just because I've been completely obsessed with Scout ever since I touched it at my LYS. I'm forcing myself to stash down a little before I dive into sweater quantities, but it's such a wonderful woolen spun yarn!

[@tj-8422]

When I was a new knitter, I once commented on the price ($$$) of a lovely skein of yarn in a very nice boutique, to which the employee says to me: "Well, if you'd rather knit with plastic, go ahead. It's much cheaper"....

[@sandradavenport713]

This is the first time I've watched your show, and subscribed immediately. I've been buying yarn for 40+ years and have never experienced anything like yours. I hope that person sees this episode and changes her behavior, or that yarn shop will have a short, rocky future. So many local yarn shops have closed in the last 20 years, which is such a shame. I love visiting them whenever I'm traveling. Here in College Station/ Bryan area , there are none. A local yarn dyer has a kiosk inside a gift shop with beautiful yarns, but what I wouldn't give to have a full service yarn store close by!

[@KristinMoran]

I live in Indiana and I'm sorry you had a rude encounter in my state. A few years ago I participated in a yarn crawl. One of the stores was known for being knit only and I crochet. I have knit before (decades ago) but I prefer crochet. This store hardly had any prices on their yarn or displays, you had to take the yarn up to the counter and they would scan it and tell you the price. I got tired of that pretty quickly. The person at the counter was friendly... until I declined to take the free knitting pattern, explaining that I crochet. They made a face and told me they only carry knitting products. I bought the stitch marker that was exclusive for the crawl and left. I've never been back. I bought several items from each of the other stores on the crawl. There is never a good reason to be rude to a customer just because you don't share an interest.

[@TheHammy1987]

A yarn store that only sells knitting products...huh, and here I thought that yarn is used in crocheting as well🤷‍♀