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On the Road: Yarn Shops in the Berkshires
by Claire Houlihan Western Massachusetts' Berkshire County (known simply as "the Berkshires") is home to many summer festivals such as the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance, and Tanglewood (the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra). It has been the muse of painters Thomas Cole and Norman Rockwell, the sculptor Daniel Chester French, and writers Herman Melville and Edith Wharton. As a child, my home base for exploring the Berkshires was my grandparents' home in Dutchess County, New York. We would head northwest to see the waterfalls at Bash Bish Falls State Park and continue north to Great Barrington. But as an adult, of course, I can't resist thinking...hmmmm...I wonder where the nearest yarn shop is? Over the years, I've explored the area and found the gems, which I'd like to share with you now. Join me for a yarn-filled tour of the Berkshires. |
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Harry and Deb Sano have operated this vibrant shop for the past 32 years. In addition to the vast array of yarn (six rooms, 700 varieties!), the Sanos also sell needlepoint, pottery, baskets, stuffed animals and dolls, wooden kitchen utensils, and jewelry.
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At this juncture, we take a half-hour detour west to Chatham, NY, a charming town where we encounter The Warm Ewe. Lorraine Bulson, formerly a children's clothing designer, has owned this shop for six years. A pixie-ish redhead, she delights in designing her own patterns, some modeled by her young daughter, Bridget. Lorraine describes her clientele as willing to experiment, not wedded to a pattern. By appointment, a complimentary half-hour of simple knitting instruction is offered. The shop also holds beaded jewelry classes and offers a selection of children’s fashions as well. Back to Stockbridge, MA, we stop at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Open year-round, the museum houses the largest collection of original Rockwell Art. Many of his images were modeled on his neighbors and friends. "I showed the America I knew," he said, "and observed to others who might not have noticed." |
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Proceeding north to Lenox, the home of Tanglewood and the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, we find Colorful Stitches. Mary McGurn has owned this beautifully appointed two-story shop—a true visual delight—for over 13 years.
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Twin Hearts Handworks Gallery Continuing north to Pittsfield, we reach Twin Hearts Handworks Gallery, a fiberarts studio owned by Cara Carnevale. She offers classes and supplies in rug hooking, penny rugs, needlefelting, spinning, knitting, and crochet. You'll also find supplies for making bears and other dolls as well as beaded bracelets and necklaces, and she also stocks unusual gifts from around the world. Also in Pittsfield is Herman Melville’s home, Arrowhead, now a museum that's open to the public. Here's where Melville wrote Moby Dick. It's is speculated that the mountain view from this beautiful home reminded him of the whale. |
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Continuing north, we pass by Mt. Greylock State Reservation (the highest point in the state) before reaching Williamstown, home of Williams College and the Williamstown Theater Festival. |
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Stitch in Time Adams, the birthplace of Susan B. Anthony, is also the home of Stitch in Time. The shop specializes in quilting supplies, quilts, and cotton fabrics but also has a selection of yarns, patterns, and books. From Adams we travel southeast to Northampton, home to not one but two notable yarn destinations: Webs and Northampton Wool. |
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Some 32 years ago Barbara Elkins started Webs in her Amherst basement, teaching weaving and renting looms. It has since blossomed into a 25,000-square-foot fiber-filled paradise and is now run by Barbara's son Steve and his wife Kathy. Their business backgrounds—Steve in finance and Kathy in marketing/sales for the fashion industry—has helped expand the Webs franchise. With a goal of keeping things fresh and new, the Elkins now oversee classes in everything from dyeing to needlefelting. The store is packed with more than 300 yarns, including approximately 24 sold under Webs' own Valley Yarn label. Special appearances by authors and designers such as Jo Sharp, Debbie Bliss, Norah Gaughan, and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee are free of charge, but merchandise donations are requested for specific charities. Recent recipients include a Food Bank and a domestic abuse shelter.
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Linda Daniels is the current owner of this lovely shop located in the heart of town. While many people recognize Linda’s name from the knitted wedding dress in Interweave Knits' Summer 2003 issue, her design talents have also been featured in several recent movies. She knit garments for Charlize Theron and Michael Caine for Cider House Rules, and Halle Berry will be wearing one of Linda's designs in her latest endeavor, Perfect Stranger (the pattern is available at the shop).
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Our final stop is the beautiful college town of Amherst, home of Creative Needle. Elaine Barker has been in business for 24 years, selling yarn, needlepoint, counted cross stitch, crewel, and other supplies. Open seven days a week, Creative Needle stocks lots of books and patterns. The clientele runs the gamut from college students to moms and tots. A great proponent of knitting with cotton, Elaine also encourages her knitters to sample the new soy and bamboo yarns. Brands carried include Jaeger, Artful Yarns, Online, Berocco, Debbie Bliss, and Dale. About the Author |
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