So by now, we already know that I have a wild yarn addiction. I cannot deny it, I will not hide it, and I will not even try doing either or. I like it, I love it, I need more of it. Up until two years ago, I only used acrylic yarn. I had to stop using it because it felt like my fingers were on fire. It would always be the fingers on my left hand, as I use this hand to maintain the tension on my yarn (I'm a righty). I noticed that my fingers would burn and get really irritated. I even found other gals online who experienced the same thing. One expressed to me that I should look into yarns made of natural fibers. I didn't even know where to start. She suggested I look online or find a local yarn shop in my area.
Around the same time, I heard an advertisement for Rows of Purl while listening to NJ 101.5. I live in the rural northwestern part of NJ and this is one of the only radio stations that comes through with no static. I heard an advertisement for a yarn store in Chester, NJ. I immediately placed the name in Google to see how far away it was: 28 minutes. I took a ride there that day. The day that I walked in, the owner was very busy. There were young ladies seated around a table learning to knit a project. She did not let this stop her from providing me with great customer service.
Before walking into Rows of Purl, I had only used acrylic yarn. I explained to Jenny that I was looking to try new yarns. She asked me what my craft of choice was. I told her that I crochet. I felt accepted because she did not immediately tell me that I should learn how to knit. This space was free from judgement. I looked at the ladies around the table and I saw that one of them was crocheting. I knew that I had found my yarn home. I felt welcome here.
On my first trip, Jenny introduced me to an alpaca blend yarn. I fell in love. This was with Cascade 220. Once I paid for my items, Jenny personally showed me how to turn my new yarn hanks into yarn cakes. I felt so accomplished. I had learned a great deal and I had an awesome experience. I will say that Rows of Purl in Chester has changed my outlook on yarn and the crochet/knit community.
Since coming to this yarn store I have picked up some knitting. I know how to make a hat. I've only made two lol. But I am very proud of myself. I have not taken any of their classes, but I do plan to. I learned how to knit via YouTube. I was encouraged to try by Jenny as a way to create and cut back on yarn usage. I had no idea that knitting used less yarn that crocheting. I have also picked up Tunisian Crochet. Something that Jenny mentioned while I was purchasing some yarn. I am thankful for what I have learned since I've been a patron at Rows of Purl. This is by far my favorite yarn store. I have been a loyal customer for the past two years.
Jenny runs her shop very well. It is always clean when I arrive. The inventory is ever changing. However, there are a few items that are constantly in stock. Jenny takes the time to get to know her customers and it truly shows. She will learn your name as you frequent the shop. She will start to learn your tastes and give you feedback based on what you have purchased in the past. Her inventory is stocked with yarn from all over the world and can fit within your budget. I have purchased yarn as cheap at $9 and as expensive at $36. She has acrylic blends, merino wool, alpaca, and other types of yarn. I haven't tried everything. But I do try new items when I show up.
If you have been here, please let me know your thoughts.
Danielle
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