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I'm hoping a few people could give me the names of their favourite online retailers for needle arts. When I do a search, there are a ton and that in itself is a little overwhelming. While there are stores in my area for needle arts, I'm finding some of the stuff is the same old, same old and online there appears to be more options for some neat patterns (cross stitch/crochet).
So who do like the best? Who has fair prices, timely shipping and most importantly, top-notch customer service? Word of mouth is pretty important to me before I deal online.
I don't have personal experience with purchasing cross stitch items online - but I have bought quite a bit of yarn online for both crochet and knitting.
A few favorites are elann.com knitpicks.com and smileysyarns.com I have always gotten my orders quickly from all three.
Smiley's has a large minimum order... $40... and a shipping fee of $12.95 no matter how large the order... so... whenever I have ordered from them I have gone in with friends and we all split the shipping fee. It works really well if you are in a crafts group. Their prices are REALLY good.
Elann has some lovely yarn, and often has some great closeouts.
Knitpicks is a full service knitting store - but they have crochet stuff, too. My daughter and I have their knitting needles (I know you didn't mention knitting!) and they are great.
Do you use ebay? I often find things that are out of the ordinary there... you just have to watch the person's feedback.
There are oodles of free crochet patterns online. One of the most comprehensive lists is here:
Hi Diane,
I've been to that site you gave a link for tons of times and it's great for crochet!
I like that Elann site you mentioned...some very pretty stuff and the shipping info is laid out well. http://www.elann.com/frames.asp
Oh man, I suck at knitting. I can read a pattern no problem and totally understand how to use the needles but can't get my hands to cooperate...the motor skills just aren't there, haha. Better stick with crochet.
I was just going through my needle art supplies and I'm ashamed at how many projects I started and never finished. Baby sweater missing arms, blankets 3/4 done and several x-stitch projects half done. I have a feeling I'm not the only one who does this though,lol.
I've always liked Wool Needlework Discounters--they have great prices on yarn. They also sell patterns and cross stitch and needlepoint kits, can't speak for the prices on those because I've only bought the yarn, but definitely worth checking out http://www.woolneedlework.com/
I try to patronize my local yarn/needlework stores, if possible, to keep them in business. That being said, some of the local stores have great customer service and are happy to order any supplies they don't have on stock. Others are totally lacking in customer service or have an excess of arrogance, so I'll go online to shop.
I go to the knitting conference every year. Needlework conferences usually have a Marketplace open during the conference. That's a great way to discover new supplies and vendors.
Hi All,
Thanks for the additional links.
I too, try to patronize local smaller craft shops but by golly, they are disappearing up here. I fear for the future of needle arts if this keeps up. Lewis Craft up here is pretty much gone now...how sad!
