Knitting Needles

I so wish this store had knitting classes — if it did, I would probably live in the store. I’ve gone in a few times and looked and touched all the yarns, but don’t know how to knit. The person behind the counter (who I think was the owner) didn’t seem to think knitting classes were such a good idea. It’s too bad — this little place could be a hub of community knitting. Oh, and I live around the corner so that makes it all the more painful :-)

While in Newport for the boat show today, I visited this yarn store which is located down at the end of Thames Street in a strip mall with a couple of yacht brokers. It’s a small place, not flashy, no large discount warehouse in the back. But this store was a nice respite from the sun and crowds of the boat show. The yarn selection was well chosen and there certainly were enough different kinds to wrack me with indecision. Lovely, interesting samples were on display around the store, many of them were original designs by the woman running the shop, whom I presumed to be the owner.
She was very friendly and informative. She explained about her display of yarn on one wall which was the last stock of a yarn company that had gone out of business. This is Paternayan Persian yarn, used for needlepoint. There is still quite a lot of it in the store in many colors. It’s sold in strands, so it’s not good for knitting, but it was interesting to talk to the proprietor about it.
With each yarn purchase she gives you a free pattern, which is very nice. None of her designs are on Ravelry, which is too bad. I’ll just have to go back next time I’m in Newport for check them out.

Well stocked, really peaceful and relaxing environment. Plenty if pattern books to choose from including my fave Debbie Bliss, lots of completed projects around the store to emulate, great hours. She has a terrific variety of yarn to choose from and is more than willing to have neophyte garners stitch right there and assist if necessary. I pretty much learned to knit here.

So my girlfriend is insisting I write this review. We were down in Newport for the weekend and she had some trouble with her knitting. A friend recommended we head over to Kitting Needles for some advice. The woman behind the counter was extremely helpful to my girlfriend, she fixed her knitting problem even though she hadn’t previously been a customer. Next time we’re in town we’re definitely stopping by to pick some yarn out for my girlfriend’s next project.

We went in on a rainy day hoping for some warmth and yarn. Found a brisk and rude owner (?), mediocre yarn choices and no where to sit and enjoy the yarn fumes. Okay if you need needles in an emergency, but I’m glad it’s not my LYS.