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I am a yarn store snob. I’ve been in plenty, and as a knitter who was here “pre-fad” (not that I really think knitting is a fad) it’s even more interesting to watch the changes that there have been in the types of yarn stores. Years ago there was only one type - the store devoid of design, cluttered with yarn and empty of people. I am generalizing here and I hope I don’t get flamed for this, but basically there was nothing to draw me in besides yarn. Not much has really changed today. There might be more people in a store, but they are still cramped and jumbled together with no real thought as to shelf and furniture placement.

Even still I have loved these stores for various reasons. Romni in downtown Toronto was stunning for it’s size, variety, and mess. Abbott Yarns, only two blocks from my door, has the sweetest little old lady running it who has great prices and very generously offers discounts almost every time I have been in there. And it’s messy. Habu Textiles has a strangely open space with some yarns scattered in bins at your feet, with the majority of them hidden in a small hallway like area around the corner. While it’s not really messy it certainly doesn’t feel easy to browse. It’s their imported selection and different fibre blends that are the draw for me. But Seed Stitch in Salem, Massachusetts, is not one of those stores. It was an experience that I actually don’t think I have ever had in a yarn store before.

Two miles down the road, this boutique yarn store definitely looks the part. It is well lit, well organized, well decorated and yes - well stocked. With the outer walls being reserved for bins of yarns neatly stacked, they have a wide open space in the center of the store with several fun seating arrangements. There is a large flat table for classes and workshops, as well as a more intimate arrangement of brightly coloured chaises surrounding a fun yarn-inspired coffee table. With a clothes rack neatly displaying knit samples and everything in it’s place you definitely don’t feel confused with mess when you walk into Seed Stitch. The many windows bring light and freshness into the space and it just feels good to be there.

The yarn selection was varied. There were your standard Cascade 220’s, some GGH, many types of alpacas, cashmere chenille, and even some harder to find yarns. You definitely will not miss out on texture and eye-candy here. The prices were average for LYS’s in the area. I didn’t see anything I would consider a bargain, nor did I feel that I was going to be getting fleeced. With an atmosphere like they have, I was expecting to see prices slightly higher than they were so I was a little pleasantly surprised. And yes, I checked - they mark the price on every ball.

What really set Seed Stitch apart in my mind wasn’t their good yarn selection but what else they had in stock. They have a lot of space, and while the store is quite open they certainly can stock things that the smaller, more crowded places have to leave out. They had two sizes of blocking boards, ball winders, felting kits, knitting purses, felted purses, needles holders, cute little flashlights, and probably a lot more that I didn’t notice due to the shock of seeing things in a LYS that weren’t just.. well, yarn.

It was more about the hobby of knitting and not just selling me the string to do it with. I could tell that the owner knew knitters like gadgets and that sometimes you really do want to see what that $80 blocking board is made out of before plunking down the money for it (money that could be spent on yarn instead). It was also nice to see the needle holders and knitting purses. I love a good purse, but I love looking for a good purse more.

The book section was also admirable and well organized. They didn’t look ratty and beat up as a lot of store’s book selections can get. I attribute this to how well organized they were in the first place. Let’s face it, if something is already messy I don’t feel bad about just tossing through it. If it’s nice and neat I respect that and treat it accordingly. Also, they carry Rowan magazines. BIG points there.

They have a small selection of classes interspersed with book signings and lectures by “knit-celebrities” like Lily Chin. The classes do seem a bit on the simpler side and I know there could be more variety there. They have a knit-night once a week and welcome anyone to come and join them. Even if you are using yarn that you didn’t buy from them (yes, I asked). Their store hours aren’t the best, they are closed on Sundays and Mondays, open the rest of the week from 11-5. I know, it doesn’t seem like much, does it? But honestly - it’s worth the schedule finagling to make the trip there. The classes do run outside of these times, so the schedule is extended when you take that into consideration.

All in all, this is a lovely, lovely yarn store. It felt right. The owner did a beautiful job of creating an atmosphere that is just what I would imagine the perfect yarn store to be. As it’s still fairly new to the area, I am sure it will blossom further to be something really special. I certainly hope so because I would love to spend as much as my time there as I possibly can. Is it bad that I think I like that yarn store better than my own house?

I know what your burning question is - did I manage to stick to my stash diet? YES. Yes, I did. I bought two Interweave Knits magazines and Rowan #40 though. But hey, if I’m gonna knit through all that stash I need the patterns to use it up. I am so proud of my self-restraint.