Poor selection of bulky yarn. A store this size should have lots of choices…read more I ended up ordering from yarn.com.

There are so few options for yarn/spinning/weaving/knitting/crochet supplies in the greater…read moreBaltimore area I'm not surprised the shop is busy. I signed up for a two hour private in-person spinning lesson to learn how to use my wheel. On the website it explicitly says "Topics with spindles OR spinning wheels can be tackled in private lessons. Beginning spinning lessons on a spindle OR wheel should be booked for a 2 hour duration" They don't allow you to leave a comment on the website (you "buy" the lessons as if they were an object) and each person teaches multiple things. I booked two hours and thought they would follow up to see what I was hoping to learn. They did not so a few days later I called to tell them my goal for the two hours - a beginner lesson for spinning on my new wheel. They seem surprised I had even blocked the times which was a little red flag I wish I hadn't ignored. I was asked if I had a drop spindle. I said I did but I wasn't interested in using it. I was told that I have to learn the drop spindle first and they would have one for me to use if they didn't like mine and to bring my wheel. We spent the whole time on the drop spindle which I had no interest in and didn't find it very enjoyable. The staff member said I seemed "tired" and was "making mistakes" and cut the lesson short. They refunded me the money for the time (about 40 minutes) we didn't use which basically covered the cost of the drop spindle they had me buy. I thought we'd use the spindle to get some visuals and then move on but we did not. Why couldn't we have spent the last 40 minutes on my wheel? It was clear she wanted me to leave when she decided we were done with the drop spindle. I asked about paying for more time another day and getting on the wheel I was told "you could always do that if you want" but it didn't seem like that would be welcome. She tightened up something on my wheel and briefly spun on my wheel herself for about a minute without instruction and then I left. I got a few good tips (one was where to get a sandwich-Caffe Di Roma--which really was good), they sold me some better fiber to spin than what I already had but I still don't know how to drop spindle well or use my wheel at all. I wouldn't say they were rude exactly but they weren't very friendly and I felt like I was being condescended to a lot during the lesson. I tried to be cheerful and pleasant but the overall vibe was dismissive and again, I never got to do what I actually signed up to do. The whole vibe was weird. The instructor and another woman (the owner? manager?) talked over me and around me quite a bit about my wheel and other things rather than actually asking me a question or listening. There was some lint on my wheel and they really fixated on it, thinking it was bugs(?) instead of listening to me when I said it was from a cloth I was sent to use when I assembled and finished it myself. Then they were argumentative and said the spinning wheel's brand's wax didn't come with a cloth. Okay, maybe it doesn't but I didn't buy the brand's overpriced wax and never said I did. It felt like they were trying for a "gotcha" moment like middle school girls do. I know what I used! They just didn't pay much attention to anything I said. I felt like I was an unwanted guest at someone's house, not someone paying for a lesson at a store. That said, there are few options even remotely locally so I took a chance. I regret it. You don't have to learn the drop spindle before learning on the wheel--it is very odd Cloverhill was so insistent I needed to when their own website says this isn't the case. Other places do not operate this way. I wish I had saved the money and took a real spinning wheel class anywhere else even if it meant driving 90 minutes to Philadelphia or Red Stone Glen. Just a FYI to save yourself some other disappointment, I see this store on "Black woman owned" yarn store lists occasionally and maybe it was at some point and their choice of logo on their house brand yarn (Tempting Ewe) might give that impression but that does not seem to be accurate or even reflective of any diversity of the staff. If you are in bind and near Catonsville for some reason, the store does have a lot of yarn and fiber as well as other fiber arts equipment that is difficult to find in person in the Baltimore metro. I would think that would be the main draw of this shop.

I made my way out to Withers Wool after seeing them at the Maryland Sheep and Wool. The business is…read moreopen Thursday-Saturday 11-3pm or by appointment. I found a quiet slice of paradise at withers in the pollinators garden and broadened my fiber knowledge by discussing and buying some of the fiber mixes from Marc Withers. Over all I highly recommend their fiber and their yarn. I've made a top out of the mill spun and enjoyed working with the hand spun core yarn for an electric headband. And at this point I have countless pounds of fiber I'm slowly spinning into a delightful arrive of yarns.

From the owner: Withers Wool and Farm raises Merino Sheep and Angora goats and specializes in handspun traditional…read moreand freeform yarns, mill spun yarns, roving/batts (for spinners and felters) and a variety of finished products made by knitting, crochet, felting, and weaving. Experience life on a fiber farm by taking a tour of the animals, seeing the carding and spinning equipment and/or signing up for a class. (Classes include beginning spinning, art yarn spinning, beginning knitting, beginning crochet, 3D Needle felting, "painting with wool", and creating a felted shawl.)

One of the best yarn shops in DC, they have a really diverse array of high quality yarns. Of…read morecourse, when you shop at this level of premium (often imported) yarns, the price point is a bit steep, but that's just the truth of paying fairly for unique animal based yarns. If you're in a store like this for yarn it is a great indication of how you want to expand your horizons as a fiber artist because sourcing is a large component we can oversee since conglomerate yarn is so readily accessible. Big industry yarn its not always the best option to support the field as a whole or for wearing. If you are a beginner fiber artist, just go and see the splendor of seeing this many coveted yarns in one place. I would characterize their selections as deeply saturated, vibrant, textured, and elaborates on different shades and tints of a single color (which gets serious when you are looking for something specific). All their employees are trained to help guide you throughout the maker's process. When you buy your skein of yarn, they even wind it for you, which is such an essential service I really appreciate it.

Very cute & cozy yarn shop. We came down to DC just to visit here. It's not a huge space but didn't…read morefeel cramped and their inventory was decent. It's definitely for the yarn snobs who's particular about their yarns.

The new location is cozy and adorable. They've managed to pack a lot in there. I hope they continue…read moreto do well, even though they have downsized quite a bit...

Always kind and knowledgeable service. They go out of their way to help with any question or…read moreproblem that requires professional skill.

Had a fabulous time at SO Original for a birthday celebration for a dear friend of mine. Ran by a…read moremother and daughter duo, this unique and educational establishment takes the cake when it comes to tutorials and hands -on workshops. With plenty beautiful yarn and knit fabrics to choose from, you can really get creative here. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned at the art of crotchet, anyone can join in the fun. I highly recommend and I most certainly will be signing up for another class.

We're not super local but hubby received a gift certificate to SO original from a friend who lives…read morein Columbia. It took us almost six months to make it out there on a Saturday, but we went last weekend in search of yarn for a hat he wants to make. We were both impressed with the shop. Lana, the owner, is delightful and super helpful. She asked which of us was the knitter and didn't assume it was me (it is both! But he was the shopper that day!) and she spent a bunch of time showing him options based on what parameters he gave. While they searched I went off on my own looking at the selection and saw she has a really good variety of both workhorse standards and some luxury brands as well. When hubby wasn't sure if he would need 2 or 3 balls due to ambiguity in how the pattern requirements were described, she said if he bought 3 and didn't use the last one he could return it - that is very rare! I suspect he could make something from the third if he doesn't use it anyway but it was very kind of her to offer. She has a cute and very chill pup hanging out at the store with her and many samples to see how various yarns knit up. Honestly if I hadn't gone completely off the rails buying 3 sweater quantities at Alpaca & Fleece last month I would have bought a bunch for myself too when we were there. Next time!

Thank you, Melissa for being so welcoming when I was visiting Baltimore for the weekend. While…read morewaiting for a ride back to the hotel, I sat at the table and met several lovely ladies while we worked on our projects. These two little beauties, had to come home with me! I will certainly visit next time we are in town

I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted/needed when I got there, but was pleasantly surprised at what I…read morefound. The yarn matched what I wanted to do much better than I ever imagined. The manager was amazing, and even special ordered a perfect match for one other part of the project. Really high quality items and people!

I went for help learning a stitch. Melissa was excellent. Took her time teaching this stitch…read more Show me on line where I could go for more information. The best!!

What a lovely hidden gem yarn shop! Great selection and good service. I stopped by while on a work…read moretrip and decided to go back for a second visit before going home. Highly recommend!

i've been to yarn stores with more variety and friendlier staff. though, it is great if you're in a…read morehurry and want to start a project asap. i called the store to check if there was a particular item that i was looking for - i was told it did not exist. i went in store to browse their selection as this was the closest yarn store to me and simply felt unwelcome.

The staff was extremely helpful as I am new to this craft. There is a largest selection of yarn and…read morepatterns.

Fantastic yarn store that also fabric and sewing items in the same location! The service was…read morefantastic when my mom and I stopped by recently to stock up, with a very helpful person at the cash register. I was also pleased to see the sale areas on yarn and we got some good deals.

Great shop! My husband and I took a cable knitting class and learned so much! Our teacher, one of…read morethe owners, was so helpful and thoughtful. We now feel comfortable trying out a cable pattern on our own and she taught us some other helpful tips and hints. Great selection of notions, needles and yarn. Even some dyeing kits and needle felting equipment. Very reasonably priced for the items and the class. Can't wait to tell return!

Lovely small town hidden gem. Proprietor was sweet, caring, and helpful. Wonderful lady! Shop…read moreOffers a large variety of items and lovely item made by locals to inspire.

The yarn is lovely and Catherine and Paul are very gracious. Geography makes visiting their shop…read moreimpossible, but it would be privilege.