On Thursday, June 16th, I attended the Grand Opening of Unforgettable Yarns, a new yarn shop that is set up in the corner of the Andover Bookstore. They promised snacks, yarn tasting, snacks, and discounts on all purchases … how could I say no?  My knitting group usually meets on Thursday nights, so we decided to go to the yarn shop opening instead.  As it turns out, only two of us were able to make it, but I think we both had a good time.

I had stopped in earlier in the week for a covert sneak peek, so I knew a little bit about what to expect.  The bookstore has devoted a corner of the first floor to yarn.  There is a full wall plus a large bookcase filled with a good selection of workhorse yarns by Cascade Yarns, plus a shelf full of Noro yarn (Taiyo, Kureyon, and Silk Garden).  They also have a rack of needles and notions, plus a variety of knitting books (including many of my favorites).

I have to say, I didn’t know how fun a yarn tasting can be! There was a long table set up with caked yarns on paper plates.  Jars of knitting needles and an invitation to knit was all I needed — I knit a little with the Ultra Pima cotton, Cascade 220 Superwash, Cascade 220 Heathers, and the hand-painted Heritage sock yarn.  The 220 superwash is sturdy and serviceable. I can see myself picking up a ball or two for a last-minute baby project.  The 220 Heathers are GORGEOUS.  I actually bought two skeins on spec when I dropped in last week to scout the shop.

I chose this pinky-coral colorway, and plan to make a Ruffled and Ruched Scarf with it. Pretty, no?

I really liked the hand-painted sock yarn, but (frankly) I really, really don’t need any more stripey fingering-weight yarn in sock quantities. I had a 3×5 card in my pocket with three possible projects on it, two of which were light sweaters.  I really want to start making more tops for myself, so I focused on those.  I ended up buying some of the delicious Ultra Pima.

After hemming and hawing, and with help from my friend Heather (who has an excellent eye for color), I settled on a pretty violet-blue-purple. I’ll be making a Ruched Yoke Tee for me!

This isn’t a huge yarn shop with a wide selection …. yet! But, I did overhear one employee say that if it was more profitable than cards, it could take over that space. Also, the owner talked about a lot of cool classes that will be coming up, so overall I think this shop has a lot of potential.  I plan on making regular purchases, to show my support.  Hooray for local yarn shops!