STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

june · Nine West

yarn for knitting...smash? others?

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

Our local "Tall Mouse" had a really nice department of specialty yarns during the winter. If you're in L.A. they have lots of yarn stores too. try ebay as usual for some fun yarns. Walmart has a few for cheap & fun practice projects.

tara t · Marc Jacobs

i have no suggestions on where to buy, but when i just started knitting, i used super fuzzy yarn so you couldn't see my mistakes.. just a sneaky little tip.

poptart · Coach

It might just be me, but I really prefer to buy my yarn in person. It's easier to see the colors and to match colors in person. I usually go to a specialty yarn store, rather than a craft store. (I found mine in my local phone book).

My only other suggestion (a.k.a. plee) is that you consider buying either organic or synthetic yarn. Organic yarn is animal-hair yarn (wool, mohair, etc.) that is produced without cruelty to the animals. There is usually a decent selection at my yarn store, though it is sometimes called names other than "organic." Synthetic yarns don't use animal materials at all. It's unbelievable what the big yarn producers are doing to our furry friends, so I always feel the need to pass this on.

For cheep-o yarn, I love Lion Brand. It holds up well, comes in great colors, and they make lots of synthetics. Just a tidbit.

luckylily · Gucci

My favorite places to buy yarn online are: www.theknittinggarden.com, www.jimmybeanswool.com, and Ebay.

However, I agree with Lisa that it is best to pick yarn in person. You need to feel how soft and stretchy it is, plus colors are rarely accurate on the internet. I often pick out my yarn at my LYS then search for it online before buying. It is often cheaper to buy online.

Have fun!