A wonderful, wonderful yarn shop! Gorgeous yarns of every imaginable softness and color, and the owner, Vicki, is warm and welcoming as well as deeply knowledgeable about all things knitting. I'm grateful Island Yarn is driving distance from me! read more

This is an amazing shop! Customer service is great! Nice selection of Noro yarns! Even has couches in the back for comfortable knitting.

I am so excited to have such a huge and gorgeous collection of yarn nearby from which to choose! Everyone was super welcoming and helpful. Even the clientele were friendly and helpful. I absolutely recommend this lovely shop, regardless of whether you are a knitter, crocheter, fiber artist...whatever. Plenty of choices and smiling welcomes. read more

I looked at their online shop and saw many beautiful skeins of yarn so I thought I would buy their advent calendar. I'm only on day 7 and I'm very disappointed. The yarn looks like it could be bought from any big box store. The weights of the yarn are very inconsistent and the colors in no way go together. I messaged them to tell them how I felt and got a auto stock response. I commented on their Instagram and it disappeared. I commented on their Facebook page, and you guessed it....it disappeared. I wasn't rude in any way and yet they couldn't be bothered to respond to me. Not impressed at all..... read more

I'm a beginning knitter and I needed lots of advice and guidance. Vicki was so patient and helpful! And fun and friendly! The selection of patterns and yarn was incredible. So many gorgeous colors and textures, and lots of sample knits to inspire. I absolutely loved the vibe and will be back as soon as I knit my way through what I bought today! And I can't wait to take classes here in January. read more

Very new knitter here but I'm hooked mainly because Vicky is the MOST patient, funny, informative teacher and nothing I do (screw up) seems to phase her. The store is filled with gorgeous yarns and projects and needles and looms and pretty cool people. I'm taking a learn to knit class and I don't feel pressure or bad about myself for going at my own (very tortoise like) pace. I'm so glad she planted in Maynard! read more

I forgot to bring my knitting with me on a recent trip to MA so I searched for a yarn store close by. Island Yarn looked like my kind of place.....recycled cashmere, hand dyed wool and nifty "kits" that come with the pattern and supplies. I was confused by their website and wondered if the shop was still in business or whether it was online only. So I sent off an email and quickly got a response. (Nicely done!) I was very glad I made the trip to Maynard. For a small shop the offerings were great. The owner helped me find the kit I'd admired on the website, plus set me up with needles too. She did not try to sell me anything else, but when I saw the yarns she makes from cashmere clothing she gets at thrift shops I had to have some....and she even supplied a pattern created just for that yarn. So my suitcase was fuller when I returned home. read more

I could hardly believe my luck completely chancing upon such a spectacular yarn store while in Maynard for a kid's party. This is a Noro paradise!! I was hoping to find a couple of skeins of silk garden but boy did I find that and more. Noro I had never heard of or seen. Can't wait to go back. So many other wonderful yarns too, gorgeous samples and a lively knitting circle as well as very friendly help. I understand the business recently relocated. It's worth a long drive to visit! read more

my favorite yarn store! They have a beautiful selection from cheap to luxe. They bring in yarn I can't find anywhere else! Small and packed full but well organized. They are also very helpful and the the owner is the sweetest woman around! read more

Island Yarn is awesome. I have been on the hunt for some retina-burning fluorescent yarns to do some crazy projects, but I never could find any- even on the internet. Enter Island Yarn! They have a great selection for a smallish place. Lots of good needles too. But most importantly, they had a large amount of discontinued Norwegian yarns in Hi-Liter yellow and radioactive green. I was elated. They also had an awesome assortment of Arucania alpaca yarn that I loooooooove. It's tough to find in a lot of places. IYC has reasonable prices as well. The lady working there was very friendly and even commented how I must be a new customer since she didn't recognize me, and we got talking a little. It's a very friendly and comfortable environment. I loved shopping here. read more

Island Yarn closed for awhile and recently re-opened, with new ownership. I miss the woman who used to be there, but the store has been reorganized really well, it's still friendly and easy to shop and prices are still the best in the area, IMHO. Class schedules have been updated, and the new website, http://islandyarncompany.com/, has a free pattern posted once a month. Welcome back! read more

Calling was mentioned in a previous post ~~I tried today and all I got was a recording with the hours ?? Three times Would I drive through traffic to see if they had what I needed ~~NO So pick up the phone and perhaps I can spend some money ~~I'm not wasting time and gas to come see! read more

I would like to ask all of you high-maintenance yarn buyers to herd yourselves onto a pickup truck bed and head somewhere far, far, away...preferably Pluto or Mars. Vicki does gorgeous dyeing, she is very reasonable and SANE which is a miracle considering the parade of whiny PIAs who pop in and out of her store on a daily basis.I have been there to witness it and it's no fun to watch. If you are interested in a good selection of yarn, access to a talented designer, fair pricing, and unlimited free parking, then I recommend Island Yarn with all my heart. But seriously, the rest of you...find another hobby. read more

I worked very hard to make this honest, and fair. I'll be interested to see if there is a reply. ***** I used to visit quite often and had probably spent $100 or more there. But then I ordered a skein of Vicki's own hand-dyed yarn in a particular color scheme and in a particular yarn. I ordered this yarn in this color because I had bought one of her other skeins of hand-dyed yarn (a different type of yarn, but the same fiber blend) in that color scheme, and it was beautiful. My husband noted it and we talked about a project that he'd like. When I ordered it, Vicki and I talked about how the skein I had ordered would, or would not be like the other skein I had bought. I asked the following question: "What if he doesn't like the finished product?" Her reply: "... well, he will, because it's X color and Y yarn... *nervous giggle*" I should have pushed a bit more for a more clear answer. As I learned (can't remember when?), apparently, I didn't realize that the custom ordered yarn was absolutely not returnable at the time, which I am assuming is my mistake. Okay, with that said, here's what happened next. Yarn arrives. I go to pick it up, and I know almost immediately that my husband won't be excited by it (yes, it was the same dye colors, but now I know more clearly that a 50/50 blend of merino and silk won't necessarily take the dye similarly to the way a different 50/50 blend of merino and silk. But really, it was almost the same, with the exception of the one interesting shading that the other yarn I had bought had, and that interesting shading was the part that my husband particularly loved. So there it is, and I knew what he would say. So I asked her... hmmm, remember when I asked you what would happen if he doesn't like it? And she got huffy. She talked about how nice the yarn was (no arguments!), how beautiful it was (again, I agree!), how this, how that. And then she said "of course, I'd have NO problems selling it because it's X color and Y yarn..." But... even so... she wouldn't take it back. It's a custom dye project, and that's the rule. No returns. No exchanges. No exceptions. And for this reason, I am no longer a customer. I've gotten off the mailing list, and I haven't returned, and I won't. She does have nice yarns. She does do some nice dying. But there are other yarn stores around, even stores that are closer to me, and I will take my business there from now on... because as a loyal customer who had spent a good chunk of my budget at her store, I think that she might have been a bit more flexible, especially given that she was certain she'd sell it anyway! Sigh. read more

going to pick up some craft supplies to keep me busy during the cold weekend. I like this store cause it is local and had good selection. I like patronizing a local store rather than a big chain store and they are great here. was looking at others around the area but this is the best around. Oh and don't miss out on the reclaimed cashmire! It is beautiful and affordable, what adeal. read more

I love this shop. I don't buy yarn as frequently as I used to, but this is a nice shop with lots of nice yarn. There are plenty of very pretty sock yarns (if you're trying to limit your purchase to one skein) and also enough pretty yarns for making sweaters or garments. And enough stock that you can get enough to make a sweater. Bonus? it's next to a used book store and has a (free) parking lot. read more

While not technically my LYS, because there are certainly ones closer to my house, Island Yarn beats the pants off of what's closer to my house. The owner is friendly, helpful, welcoming, and knows her stuff and isn't too proud to defer to someone else when she knows she doesn't have the answer. The prices are good - I LOVE the sale bin, and almost always end up getting something full price in addition to whatever I fish out of there. There is a great variety of weights, fibers and colorways, and also important: price points. The only downside is also an upside - it's so close to my office that I can go there too easily (um, almost every day) and spend all of my money on yarn..., but that also means I can pop in without having to make a special trip. :) If your experience w/Boston area yarn stores has been unfriendly staffers, lack of variety and high prices (my experience with a yarn store closer to my house), then you need to pay a visit to Island Yarn !!!! Also cool is that they're open till 8 on Mondays and Thursdays. read more

A nice selection of yarns both price-wise and style-wise. The owner is very nice (which is a rarity among LYSs in the Boston area). I can always frind something nice to use for my latest project. I wish I lived closer! read more

Everything you look for in a local yarn store: friendly, relaxed atmosphere, a wide variety of yarns and patterns, help, and fair prices! I'm happy to drive across town to get here! read more

Please do not be swayed by bad reviews. If you're looking for beautiful yarn and knowledgeable, patient help with your project, Island Yarn is your kind of place. In a world where mega-stores are taking over every retail space, local mom and pop shops like a Island Yarn need our support. Vicki is talented, creative and hard-working. I have been in and out of her store MANY times without even making a purchase and have never felt unwelcome or discouraged from browsing. This gem of a shop is located in an area where finding high quality yarns and accessories is next to impossible. I will always be a loyal customer. read more

I do not give 5 stars very often! The Island Yarn Company is a great yarn shop. The owner, Vickie, is so nice, down to earth, and easy to work with. It seems that she is always there! She is very helpful and really works with you to find the right yarn for your budget and project. They have a great selection of wonderful yarns. The sock yarns are incredible! The yarns do move fairly quickly so it is worth checking out the selection frequently. They will also do special orders if they do not have what you need. There is plenty of easy, free parking, which is another plus. This is a nice yarn shop that you will keep going back to. They also post a pattern of the month. read more

I've only stopped in here twice, because although I am an avid knitter, I'm just expanding the types of fibers that I work with. The owner is friendly and helpful but not pushy, I'm the type to browse around aimlessly and ask a question here and there. The selection is great, lots of different colors and fibers packed into a pretty small space. Lots of buttons, too! The only reason this is 4 stars instead of 5 is it was hard to find prices on some items, and I didn't want to keep being a bother asking how much everything was. I just started knitting socks with the yarn I purchased there (Pagoda fingering weight), and it's wonderful to work with. What a difference from the big box acrylics! I will definitely be returning to Island Yarn to treat myself! read more

I was really looking forward to visiting this store after reading the reviews here, but I was treated so rudely I won't ever set foot here again. I went in on a quiet Saturday with my two kids, and I had a pretty specific type of yarn in mind. I do not have Mom-goggles and I will freely admit when my kids are being little bastards--this was not one of those times. They were talking, and no, they weren't being perfect, but they were acting like kids. You know, like you sometimes encounter when you are out in public. I shushed them a couple of times, then tried to quickly find what I was looking for. As I got to the back of the store, I heard one of the customers grouse about the noise, and the one staff member present gave her a knowing smirk and made a comment about running the wool-winding machine a little faster to drown it out. So...you don't want me to pay this premium price for yarn then, because I dared leave the house with a four year-old in tow? Alright then. Very disappointed. read more

When I came to Waltham, and I searched for a yarn store in the area, the Island Yarn Co. was the first one I went to, and it is the only one I've gone to since. Everyone in the store, workers and patrons, are friendly and helpful with advice about yarns and stitches, etc. I love the home-like atmosphere. It's quiet and I love when people are hanging out in there knitting. It's so worth it to buy from a small-owned store compared to a big chain. The yarn is very fairly priced compared to other small yarn stores. I get overwhelmed by the selection of yarn and the ideas I get when I go in, which is a very good problem to have. There's plenty of lower-priced, high quality yarns for the graduate student like me, but there's also gorgeous specialty yarns for those who have a larger budget. Yarns for every taste. I've also gotten some needles and other supplies there which is helpful. I highly recommend Island Yarn Company to any level knitter or crocheter. I will miss going there when I move later this summer. read more

Though I can't get here as often as I'd like, I'm always recognized and greeted warmly when I do get to the store. I like the selection and I like the sale bin where I can sometimes find something for a small item or to mix with other yarn. read more

THE BEST! Vicki, the owner, is lovely and welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable. Her color sense is unsurpassed and she works so hard to make sure you get the yarn you want and need for your project. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will find the help and the materials you need - no snobbiness here! She keeps a fantastic array of yarns in stock, including her own hand-dyed range, and reclaimed cashmere. You will never need to go anywhere else! read more

This is the best yarn store in New England. The owner, Vicki, is funny, low-key, patient, and basically a person you want for your BFF forever because she is such a most excellent person. She is that extremely rare combination of nice person and incredibly Knitting-knowledgeable. I second that review which asked the difficult humans to just go away with your ridiculous merino-silk whining and your screaming 4 year old. GO AWAY. oh did I mention the yarn selection here? Extraordinary. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Island Yarn, Co. Quite simply, it is an awesome store for about 30 different reasons. However, in the interest of space, I'll mention just a few of the basics: First, the owner, Vickie is a gem. She has a truly laid-back manner that gives you plenty of space to comfortably wander around the store at your leisure. Should you have a question, she's a wealth of information. Seriously, this is a woman who knows her stuff. Questions about yarns themselves, patterns, substitutions, techniques, colors that work well together - you ask it and she will be able to help. She is extremely generous with her knowledge and will spend time helping customers with anything from choosing a yarn to figuring a pattern to learning new techniques. For the more complex knitting issues, she also offers classes that are very reasonably priced. Second, she is also incredibly friendly and welcoming. She treats customers - well, like valued customers. By my third trip there, she knew my name and enough about my tastes to easily guide me to yarns that absolutely delighted me. She is incredibly patient and seems to love sharing her 'yarn fetish' with others. Novice knitters: you want to come here! Vickie will answer all your questions and guide you through your early projects with so much patience and humor you'll be well on your way and truly enjoying the process. Third, this general friendliness permeates the store. There are regular knit nights, but with the good sized sitting space, there are almost always several "regulars" there, knitting away and chatting. Many are also very experienced knitters who can offer additional advice and assistance, and who will almost always encourage anyone who comes in to sit and join them for a bit of SnB time. This is a genuinely welcoming environment - not just in terms of nice people but also design - there is great space to sit and knit and enjoy a great knitting community. This community is further enhanced in a number of ways - the store has a mailing list (get on it to learn of specials, sales, etc), an informative website, a presence on the main social network sites and an online group on ravelry. There are also KALs, free Patterns of the Month, charity events, etc. Fourth, although the prices are extremely reasonable, the store offers many sales, promotions and ways to get various discounts and prizes - from posting completed Island Yarn patterns (yep, the owner is also a designer) in order to enter to win a monthly gift card, to its Never Enough Yarn Club. Membership in the club gets you 10% off every purchase, entry to exclusive pre-sale events to get a first run at big sales and a" frequent shopper" punch card. When you fill it up, you get a $25 gift certificate. These sorts of touches make this a store not only to try out, but to stay with. I love a store that earns loyalty and also rewards it! Finally , the yarns! The selection of yarns is wonderful! This is a smaller to midsized store that manages to pack a ton of variety in its space (without feeling overcrowded). Not only is the selection varied, it is clear that all of the yarns are chosen with great care and by someone who clearly loves yarn. The yarns are sumptuous in both color and feel. There are several high quality choices as well as good basics. Again, all were chosen carefully and well - it is near impossible not find a yarn that not only meets your needs, but also feels and looks wonderful. She has also been willing to order more if a particular yarn strikes your fancy and there's not enough in stock to meet your needs. Also, should you lose your mind and buy insane amounts of yarn (very easy to do here), the store offers a de-stashing service. However, even better than the yarns brought in for retail are the "in-house" yarns created by Vickie. To my mind, this is one of the real treasures of the store. Vickie is a color wizard! She takes really delicious feeling yarns (mostly merinos, silks and cashmeres) and recreates them in colors that are truly one-of-a-kind and darn near irresistible. Not only does she over-dye, but also re-plies the yarns, often adding a dash of sparkle or beads or what have you. Her recreated yarns are reason enough to get your self over to this store - they are an absolute treat for your hands and eyes! Also, if you come by enough for Vickie to learn your tastes, it is highly possible you will walk in one day to find that she's created a yarn that is absolutely, positively the most Oh-My-Goodness-I-Have-To-Have-It yarn you've ever encountered. read more

I made the mistake of visiting this store with my two kids, 8 and 4. They're not perfect, they're not monsters, they're...kids. The little group of miserable women and the unpleasant and unhelpful staffer who was there made it clear that we weren't welcome, and I overheard them complaining about us as I browsed the overpriced and disorganized selection. I am the first one to admit when my kids are misbehaving and I'll usher them out immediately if they are, but nothing that they were doing warranted that. I work quite close to this store and had my experience been more positive, I would have been a loyal and frequent customer. As it is, I will avoid this like the plague. read more

Vicki was extremely helpful. I walked in with a problem on a current knitting project and she was more than willing to work with me. No attitude, no "I don't have time," no "sign up for a class" stuff. Just plain welcoming, nice and knowledgeable. So this is where I'm taking MY knitting business from now on!! Her selection of yarns was gorgeous too. read more

Island Yarn is a great local yarn store. They have beautiful yarns at good prices, and the owner is very helpful.

Large line of gorgeous hand dyed wool (and silk) as well as other name brand luxury yarns. Pretty shop, knowledgeable and helpful owner, relaxed comfortable atmosphere. Seating for in-store knit nights (and days). read more

Island Yarn Company is a terrific store! Lots of good yarn and a friendly owner!

I've visited a couple of yarns stores in the area. Island Yarn is the one I keep coming back to. They have a good selection of reasonably priced yarn and notions, offer good advice, and have a small area to sit and chat with other knitters. read more

my first visit was during the Yarn Crawl - I love a LYS that has more than just 'the usual' stuff. I bought more yarn than I need (as usual) and especially love the reclaimed cashmere that I watched being spun. The bargain bin yielded a yarn with more than enough skeins to make something substantial - just what I haven't decided as yet - as usual ! I like to let new purchases sit and ferment for a bit before I decide what to make! A friend of mine is SOO excited cuz she is moving within walking distance of Island Yarn read more

Island Yarn has one of the most inviting atmospheres you can find in a yarn shop. The ladies are extremely helpful and have a wonderful demeanor. The selection of yarns is fantastic and can accommodate any budget. It's one of my top places to go for yarn and knitting supplies. read more

This is an awesome store. The proprietor is kind, knowledgeable and makes even the beginner fiber artist feel welcome. I admit I don't like most yarn stores I find them snooty--I love Island Yarn Company read more

I will never return to this store. I am not a frequent knitter and I needed a lot of suggestions so I choose to go here and pay more than online because I did need help. Well, she was in such a rush to make a sale she quickly looked at my pattern and assured me the 13 skeins she had left of this yarn would be enough for my afghan if the needle size was changed and the cable pattern changed a little. She told me I could return any yarn I did not use. Well, when I got home I compared the yardage of the pattern and the yardage of the 13 skeins. And the yarn that she insisted was enough would only make the afghan 1/2 of the size listed. I returned the next day to return the yarn and she told me, with a little chuckle, that returns are for store credit only. I spent$170 for yarn I cannot use now. She said "There are signs all over the store saying "store credit only". Well, I found one hand written sign on the back wall partially hidden by other papers and knitted projects. I went back home and tried her written notes. Her numbers were way off so I figured out a pattern using the cable pattern shown. I cast on the new larger number of stitches and continued for 4 inches. It is droopy and too lacey for a blanket. There is no pattern anywhere online that I can use these 13 skeins on. Her store should have been neater because no one is ever there so she should have time to clean it up. I live on social security only and now I have $170 worth of yarn I cannot use for the bridal shower and now I will have to spend more money on something else. I am very hurt that she was not at all helpful with the pattern and hurt that even though she knew my $ situation, she just wanted to sell! I have shopped there about 6 times in the last few years and each time I felt very unwelcome by her and the few ladies that were sitting at the table. But, I kept giving them a second chance. NEVER AGAIN! read more