4 years ago
I'm a local so I can drop into the shop as often a...
I'm a local so I can drop into the shop as often as I please, which I do so my review may have some value. Yes, one of the staff do smoke, so it can smell strongly of cigarettes in the shop (but I am very sensitive to the smell anyway). I have met the owner Cynthia and two of her staff. They are consistently helpful and friendly. I do like the small touches I haven't experienced at other local yarn shops---your purchase is wrapped in tissue paper, so delicate yarns are well protected. Yes, the shop is small so when it's busy it does feel crowded, but then you have a reason to chat with your neighbor at the end of your shoulder while you wait. Yes, I'm old school, I still prefer to chat with strangers. You never know when you will make a new friend. The shop has a very sweet private courtyard for knitting in good weather. The space is very inviting. It also has a larger room for sitting around the table and knitting. The first time I went to the shop there was that "too cool for you" vibe in the knitting room that others have posted about. But take it with a grain of salt. I know I am a conspicuous conservative walking into a highly liberal/progressive part of SLC where the shop is located, so just overlook the snobbery when you encounter it. Plus, every expert knitter was once a beginner and a novice, so it's all about the journey anyway. Don't let the silly snobbery get the best of you. You'll miss out on a great little shop if you do. My money is as green as theirs and Cynthia appreciates my patronage as a SBO. On subsequent trips, the room had knitters with a more relaxed attitude, so my point is that you just have to wing it and go with the flow, let the snobs be snobs and enjoy the nice people when you find them. In regards to asking questions, Cynthia helped me and I never once felt stupid for asking. She handled my questions expertly. Now, for the most important part of the whole reason to visit Blazing Needles. They have luxury yarns and high end buttons you cannot buy anywhere else in this city, so do stop by and see what they have. The fibers and buttons are high end, so don't be a bargain hunter. You can always go to Michael's/JoAnn's/Walmart for the low end stuff that will fit your budget that is mass produced. But if you want the high end fibers--hand dyed unique yarns, cashmere, silk, angora, etc.--- that you will enjoy having on your skin and wearing for a very long long time, then this is the place for you.