La Knitterie Parisienne

This place deserves more than just 5 stars. Great selection of yarns, needles and knowledge. The prices are excellent, especially for the type of shop in a prime location. Even on my budget I could afford to shop here, unlike many other shops. The owners are friendly, courteous, knowledgeable, as are the clientele. No snobs here! This is exactly how I imagined a knitting shop to be. Unlike other knitting shops I have been to, I left happy with my purchases, with no buyers remorse. One note: I am not paid for my reviews, and do not accept freebies for my reviews as well. This is my own opinion.

The following is my detailed encounter of my experience:

I am a beginning knitter. So far I have knitted several scarves and about 50 dish and shower scrubbies.

A few months ago, I went to one knitting shop in the valley. Even though the people were nice, their yarn was VERY beautiful but also very expensive. I didn’t feel like I fit in with their Clientele or the workers. I also felt like I was bothering them to ask some basic questions about knitting.

This past Saturday, I came across some information that told me I had the incorrect needles for a project I wanted to embark on: a hat.

I first called La Knitterie Parisienne to find out if they had the needles I needed. Of course they did! As soon as I walked into the shop, I realized they had everything I needed right there.

I decided to splurge a little too, since I needed some double pointed needles for the socks I would like to make.the big box stores didn’t have knowledgeable staff to assist me, so I just figured I would get what I needed someday down the road:

Merrill, Edith’s lovely husband assisted me with not only finding the perfect needles for my hat, but also helped me select a set of double pointed needles that are probably the best invention since sliced bread! Even though he doesn’t knit, he knows a lot about knitting and how to select the right needles for the job.

Fast forward a couple of days later. .. I realized that I am unable to make a hat without assistance.

Another phone call to make an appointment to see Edith, who said she was happy to help. Upon my arrival, there was one fellow sitting at the table with Edith. Both made me feel welcome by offering a chair, some chatting, and then Edith telling me how many stitches I needed for my hat- from memory!!

About 30 minutes into my visit, the table was populated by men and women of all ages, various nationalities, and I must add as extra bonus points: sexual orientations. It was a true melting pot.

I am a bit shy, and I often don’t fit in with many groups, but I was at ease and comfortable the entire time I was there surrounded by great conversation, interesting knitting projects that others were working on, and being assisted by a very knowledgeable woman. This was the most fun I have had in a long time.

I am looking forward to going back and seeing my new “friends” and learning more from Edith and the others around that table. There is always a place at the table for anyone who shows up. Exactly how a knitting shop should be.

Thank you to everyone, and most of all to Edith and Merrill for making my visits enjoyable and for guiding me into making smart purchases.

I will definitely be back! Merci Beaucoup!