POLL: Do You Buy Yarn at LYS Or Big Box Store?

[magiccrochetfan]

I voted 30-40% LYS, 60-70% BBS. When I got serious about doing other crochet items than afghans, I found a store 15 miles away, and when I could, I'd go there. 1 year later, she was out of business. Granted, she'd been in the business 15+ years and was retiring as well as not being as profitable as before, but...there ya go. BBS are fine, and have gotten better at some things but with all the yarn section shrinkage....it doesn't always balance out.

I found a new LYS, 10 miles away and she's been there for-evah (don't know how I missed it the first time I looked!) . She is primarily into knitting and some quilting, but she's been great about ordering specific amounts for me and will order my bamboo handled hooks in whatever size I need. She's even asked me to be her 'crochet' person, for her occasional requests for lessons (boy...good thing its not happened in the last 3 years, I've gotten much better!! ) ). Last but not least, I only live an hour away from the WEBS store. If I ever get real money to invest in yarn after I get a craft room....sigh...

 

As I'm writing this, I just realized, the last few major yarn purchases have either been at her store, or at WEBS. Hmmm....could be I do more LYS than I thought!

 

an LYS 10 min. away, and webs and hour away......I need to move to your area! Can't imagine having that kind of selection within driving distance.

[Nilliem]

an LYS 10 min. away, and webs and hour away......I need to move to your area! Can't imagine having that kind of selection within driving distance.

 

My dear, if you get to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine...let me know!! I'll be glad to escort you to the embarrassment of riches we have in LYS's. I live in central Massachusetts and while yes, a LOT of the LYS start at half an hour away, there are still many to choose from. I don't mind driving and I'll use a trip as a day spent on me. Yes gas can be an issue, but I'll go the farthest and work my way back doing errands. Not all the time, but I've checked out a few different places that way.

 

So...east coast relatives??

[Hookerangel]

I choose LYS but then here in Northern Ireland we do not have any 'Big box' stores, so really the LYS is the only option!

[faolan]

My LYS... well, it may count as "local" (mostly because, although it's in another city entirely, I end up over there frequently enough, anyway) but I wouldn't call it "conveniently located." Additionally, I've been there to scout it out, and it caters to a very particular crowd, namely those who can afford to pay top-dollar for premium everything. In contrast, my local (as in, "sited in the same city in which I live") Jo-Ann's has a wide selection of yarns, including some of a more mid-range quality and price, so I'm not left having to decide between selling organs to buy luxury yarn or settling for crap-quality string. *shrug*

 

I do wish the LYS would consider stocking a bit more of a range (especially since I really DO prefer to patronize local business when I can), but seeing as how the shop seems to do quite well on pretty much just the support of the regular clientele, I doubt they really feel any need to branch out. Most likely, when I get to where I want to be using more specialized yarns for projects, I'll find someone online to order from. ^_^

[magiccrochetfan]

My dear, if you get to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine...let me know!! I'll be glad to escort you to the embarrassment of riches we have in LYS's. I live in central Massachusetts and while yes, a LOT of the LYS start at half an hour away, there are still many to choose from. I don't mind driving and I'll use a trip as a day spent on me. Yes gas can be an issue, but I'll go the farthest and work my way back doing errands. Not all the time, but I've checked out a few different places that way.

 

So...east coast relatives??

 

No relatives in that area. It'd have to be purely a yarn-buying vacation. I'll suggest that idea to the other member of the family vacation planning committee and see what he says:lol

[antara]

The majority of my yarn comes from Hobby Lobby. It's not the biggest HL I've seen, but it has a much better selection than the local Micheal's or Joann's. Fortunately, the remaining LYS has great customer service. The owners/employees aren't at all rude. I'm pretty grateful for that considering the horror stories I've heard from others here. Hobby Lobby is simply more convenient and affordable for me right now, especially since I'm trying to create 25 original patterns by the end of the year (I'm only up to 5 ). I do like to support my LYS when finances allow me to do so, however.

[Bailey4]

My dear, if you get to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine...let me know!! I'll be glad to escort you to the embarrassment of riches we have in LYS's. I live in central Massachusetts and while yes, a LOT of the LYS start at half an hour away, there are still many to choose from. I don't mind driving and I'll use a trip as a day spent on me. Yes gas can be an issue, but I'll go the farthest and work my way back doing errands. Not all the time, but I've checked out a few different places that way.

 

So...east coast relatives??

 

You'll have to give me some hints. I have only found one in the metrowest area and they are only interested in knitters. I would love to find some other options that are more crochet friendly in the metrowest, central MA area.

[Bailey4]

The majority of my yarn comes from Hobby Lobby. It's not the biggest HL I've seen, but it has a much better selection than the local Micheal's or Joann's. Fortunately, the remaining LYS has great customer service. The owners/employees aren't at all rude. I'm pretty grateful for that considering the horror stories I've heard from others here. Hobby Lobby is simply more convenient and affordable for me right now, especially since I'm trying to create 25 original patterns by the end of the year (I'm only up to 5 ). I do like to support my LYS when finances allow me to do so, however.

 

I really wish Hobby Lobby would move into this area. I read about them online all the time, but after checking their online store selector I realized I need to vacation to visit one. Updated. I noticed there is one in NH that I hadn't noticed before. This is promising.

[Daniella]

Looking at what I have (all bought within the last month or two) I would say maybe 75% would be considered "LYS", as in, couldn't be bought at a BBS.

 

I've only made it around to a couple BBSs and haven't had time to check out any LYSs (it's also a little intimidating), but I know there are at least a few around my area. I have a few skeins of Lion Brand and Peaches and Creme that I bought online, but most is stuff you couldn't get at a BBS. I use mostly cotton and if I'm looking for WW I feel like the cheap stuff I have is the same as the expensive stuff I have. I avoid using acrylic and I found that the Walmarts here carry almost all acrylic with a couple skeins of wool and a very small plain coloured cotton selection. The Zellers I went to had a slightly better cotton section. Michaels definitely has a better cotton/natural fiber selection but it's not very close and I would probably just order it online unless I was already there and had a 40% off coupon. I might check out a LYS or two when I need more yarn, but none of them are close to me.

[Lov2Crochet]

Sorry I'm cheap and times are hard. BBS for me.