I just purchased a $50 skein of yarn from Tess Designer Yarns at the NY State Sheep and Wool festival. Next day I went to wind it up and not only was it very tangled, but it had a lot of breaks in the skein. Ends are frayed and it looks like it could be moth damage. In all, I ended up with ten pieces of yarn. In addition, there are several weak spots in the yarn. I've reached out to the company a couple of times (including pics of the yarn) and I'm asking for a refund. So far, no response at all. Very sad as this wasn't inexpensive yarn and I was planning on making a Christmas gift for my grandson with it. Will edit review if I get a response, but looking at other reviews, I'm not holding out much hope. read more

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Ordered yarn needed for a class two weeks in advance. Their order form has a comment section in which I asked to be advised if there would be a problem getting the yarn in time. I called 2 days before the class. They never sent it out. When I asked about the comments on the order form, they said they don't always get them. They implied that it was my fault because I waited until the last minute to call! Talked over me and accused me of yelling at them. I wrote an email to Tess complaining and received terse BS response. I will never do business with them. Their yarns are lovely, but the market is no longer small and their are lots of equally and more beautiful alternatives that can be purchased without being treated in such a nasty manner. I won't say it was the worst customer service, because there is a complete absence of customer service. It's customer abuse. read more

Tess Designer Yarns - Hobby Shops Near Me - Westbrook, Maine

I have never left a public review before, let alone a negative one, but after the customer service treatment I received from Tess or Miranda (email was sent to "Tess" but person responded as "Miranda") I had to warn others. About 3 weeks ago I sent an email enquiring about a custom colorway and how I could order it. Today I received a private message on Instagram asking if I was still looking for the job to be done. I was immediately struck by how brash and aggressive her tone was when I explained that I couldn't speak on the phone because I was at work and it was long distance. I didn't see the problem in communicated my request via email - which was a better option anyway so that I could send photos of the colorway I wanted. Instead of reading what I was asking she would reply with one word answers or simply state "I don't know what you want" I felt as though we were talking two different languages. The emails were curt and still aggressive. I sent photos and explained what I wanted. There was no warmth in the replies and I would receive three word responses. I apologized for her not understanding me and continued to try to explain I wanted a certain colour - or variation - merino wool in dk weight. I even asked if she had a list of fibres on the site that she could send a link to. She said "no"! Huh!?! I'm pretty sure I looked on the site later and saw 2 pages of yarn fibres. She asked how many skeins and I replied with: "how much yardage in one skein" so that I could decide how much wool I required. Her reply was this: I can't dye yarn for you. I don't like the colorway and you don't want to order  enough to make it worth the time. Thank you for your interest  Best,  Melinda  ? How much am I ordering? Because i didn't tell you. This type of service speaks volumes and I'm glad I read other reviews here before parting with my money - it was to be a large order actually. I'm pretty curious to know how well the business does when there are so many similar experiences with arrogant and aggressive customer service. In such a saturated market of indie dyers it's a wonder the attitude from this shop hasn't changed given the negative feedback. It only speaks to the arrogance of the people who run it. read more

My first Tess experience was at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. I was overcome with how beautiful the yarn is. I was lucky to find four coordinating skeins of Cultivated Silk & Wool in a sale basket. It was truly a pleasure to knit and I get compliments on the top all the time. In Fall 2017 I visited the store on a Saturday afternoon, in their new upstairs shop location. (I did contact them to confirm because I know their weekend hours can fluctuate). They opened at the expected time, and I had the most fun just slowly browsing... not needing to wiggle my way into the crowd like I have to do at the big yarn shows (her booth is always crowded!). It was such a pleasure. The clerk was friendly and we had a fun conversation about the shop experience vs. the show experience. Ultimately, I'm shopping for a product, and I love Tess' yarn. It is a high-end product and lives up to expectations. I would not buy it online, though, because every skein is so different in appearance, and I'd rather choose it with my own eyes. read more

Bought yarn from them at Vogue Knitting Live in NYC in January. The yarn display was gorgeous but the booth was empty. That should have been a clue. The gal who assisted me on was gracious and helpful. But then, there was the cashier. Was this possibly Tess? She had attitude and then some. There was no one on line ahead of me, and even though she acknowledged my presence, she turned away to begin a lengthy conversation with an acquaintance who had walked up at the same time. It was actually her friend who suggested, after several uncomfortable glances at me, that perhaps they could continue their conversation after my items were rung up. The cashier then summarily stuffed over $200 of yarn in to a quart sized bag. No, it did not fit. Their colors are lovely, the price is decent, but I'd rather pay a bit more to another dyer and keep that other dyer in business. BTW, it's worth reading the reviews that Yelp has deemed not worthy of posting, because they sound legitimate. read more

Tess Designer Yarns - gorgeous colors, lousy customer service. - Hobby Shops Near Me - Westbrook, Maine

The one star is because the yarn is truly lovely and knits up beautifully. When I started my project, I thought I would be a loyal customer. That summarizes the positive things I have to say. Believe it or not, this is the short and sweet version because I actually want people to read this and be forewarned. After being assured at the time of purchase that the yarn I ordered was plenty for what I was making, it turned out it was not. I reached out by email to inquire about ordering more yarn (the color I needed wasn't clear from the label) and was told I needed to send a sample. After sending a sample, Tess (who was lovely, actually) told me that she would dye the yarn to match, but said it would take a few weeks. Awesome - I though that was great and paid for my order with my credit card. When two months rolled around and I still had not received my yarn, I called and was informed by Melinda that I would need to send a new sample. After I did so, Melinda called me and informed me that she could send me yarn that was a little lighter or a little darker because she did not have my color in stock. When I asked why my yarn wasn't being dyed as Tess had promised, she became hostile and accused me of lying about having already paid. I was shocked at how I was being treated and started to tell her so until I realized she had hung up on me! I emailed her proof of the charges on my credit card (both my initial purchase and the second purchase that had never been fulfilled) and said that I would seek a refund through my credit card company. Melinda then sent me a rude and, frankly, inappropriate (and quite revisionist) email. Honestly, the whole exchange with her was just awful. I have never been treated so badly as a customer. I disputed the charge with my credit card company and thought that was it. But, having no shame, Melinda claimed that my order had been sent and received. She knew that was untrue - the whole discussion centered on the fact that they never fulfilled my order. I think that was the biggest slap in the face. I did get my refund from my credit card and really wanted that to be the end of it, but I honestly can't justify not adding my voice to the countless others who have detailed their bad experiences. After the horrible phone call and email with Melinda, I found these reviews and felt so much better knowing I wasn't the only one. One thing I'll add is that my mom bought yarn at the same time that I made my initial purchase. Her yarn seemed to be twisted strangely but she was assured it was fine. It was not. It took several hours (at least 15) to untangle the yarn by hand and it was still broken in several places. The yarn is lovely, if wound correctly, but is definitely not worth the aggravation. There are so many fabulous indie dyers that there's no point in giving business to a company that doesn't care about its customers. read more

How do I put no stars? Very bad service! Unfortunately I still have to deal with them. After spending $400 on yarn to make a blanket for my daughter only to find out she is allergic to. They gave me the hardest time and would not return. So now I have a $400 store credit. I was insulted and they threatened to call the police when I repeatedly said I was unhappy with their service and told not to talk about it because somebody else was in the store. After telling them I wouldn't shop there in the future because of their policy the reply I got was something like that's OK we have plenty of other customers no offense. It amazes me that's a place like this can still be in business with such terrible customer service read more

Spent valuable time weaving a beautiful scarf with two colours of Tess designer yarn for a friend getting chemotherapy. The yarn looks nice but when I wet finished it, one of the colours had massive bleeding and destroyed the other yarn. Clearly a rush dying job without proper fixation of the dyes or rinsing. In addition, these are the rudest yarn sellers I've ever encountered. They act like they are doing you a big favour by selling you their crap yarn. I'd never buy anything from them again and I tell anyone who'll listen not to either. You can buy beautiful well dyed yarns from many indie dyers but Tess designer yarns is not one of them. read more

Horrible service... agree with prior people who have made similar comments. I've written three emails - both contact people on their website. Not even the courtesy of a return message - AND - I was ready to buy! Truly, a reflection of the ownership team. If service is that bad - can't trust the product either. I don't BEG vendors to do business with me. Going elsewhere. They are known for great quality - but the comments I've read before are reinforced by my experience! read more

Beautiful array of hand-dyed wool/silk/cashmere/angora with several knotted-up examples to feel and see. Tess was quite helpful and encouraging as I struggled to narrow my options for my next project. Only complaint is inconsistent hours. Just glad the shop was open today when I was visiting from out of town! read more

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I love this shop! It is hidden downtown and it is paid parking so bring some change. The shop is small, but full of every blend and weight of yarn you could ever want. All the yarn is sorted by color way with sock in the back corner. Prices seem to be fair for hand dyed yarns. There is a fee for winding yarn, which seems odd, so wind at home while adoring your new yarn. Keep in mind the shop is small so if more than a couple people are in the shop it feels crowded, but it is worth the trip. read more

Nice location on near the wharf on commercial street. A little hard to find because you have to go through a hallway that is shared with a paint store and kitchen/bath design company, then go downstairs. The hours are unique, not opening until 12 noon. The selection is attractive and only the Tess label. The colors beautiful. They don't sell patterns so make sure to bring your pattern with you or know how much to need to buy for your project. read more

I had purchased yarn from Tess in January 2020, when I was visiting Maine. In March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic I thought supporting an independent dyer would be a nice gesture, since the local yarn festival in Maine was canceled and the Maryland Wool and Sheep Festival was canceled. Therefore, I called and ordered $276 from Tess. I had ordered yarn from two other vendors at the same time. The yarn from the other vendors arrived within a week. I had to emailed Tess twice to ask when my yarn would be sent. Her mom responded in a curt email, that Tess does not work every day. Then I decided to call Tess. She said the yarn would be in the mail the next day. It was sent a week later in the middle of April. When I wound the Kitten yarn n April 18, each of the two skeins was broken in multiple places. I called and spoke with Tess. She said she would send me another skein of Kitten. I have sent her three emails with my mailing address, have not heard a response from her, nor have I received any yarn. Also, a pattern was to be included in my initial order. Mom sent me an email saying I could purchase the pattern. Again I called Tess, who did email the pattern to me. There are a lot of vendors in the yarn market, who have phenomenal yarns and fabulous customer service. Tess Designer Yarns is not a reputable vendor, who cares about positive customer service. What a shame!!!!!!!! read more

Tess Designer Yarns - Kitten Yarn received 04/18/2020 - Hobby Shops Near Me - Westbrook, Maine

I've never visited the store, but I've dealt with them at a major fiber festival. Yesterday I bought yarn, all supposed to be on discount due to the show. I was, however, charged regular price for one item, bringing my purchase to nearly $100. I wrote an email explaining the situation and asked that the difference be put back on my credit card. Today, I went back to the show, and decided I might has well talk with them directly. Sweet lord. The first person I spoke with was VERY nice, and walked me over to someone I assumed was the owner (She was the dyer, but could possibly be the owner as well.) I told her the issue ; she told me she couldn't help me. "Do you know how tired I am? Do you see all these customers?" I told her I understood but asked if she could handle it when she returned to Maine. She said she couldn't help me. Within seconds, I was accused of lying about the purchase (I had a receipt -- purchases aren't itemized), trying to cheat them, causing a scene and (my favorite) needing therapy. I asked the first person if Miss Crankypants was always like that and she nodded. She walked me over to the cashier (who I think is really the owner), who gave me a lot of attitude and told me the yarn in question wasn't on discount even though I found it in the sale bin along with several other skeins like it. All this agita was for $14. The first person who helped me apologized to me. I told her there was no reason to apologize; that she had done nothing but provide good customer service. Cashier woman told me Person # 1 worked for her and couldn't talk to me. I told Cashier I was having a private conversation and to stay out of it. Rather than jeopardize Person#1's job, I left. Afterwards I was standing outside of the booth (a tent) talking to my friend and Crankypants came over. I told her I was having a personal conversation and I was finished talking to her. Next, Cashier came over, I told her the same thing and she told me to leave her booth. (I was standing on the grass outside her area.) I told her I was finished with her company and with her. I got my money finally, but was left with a really bad experience with a long-time vendor who I had bought from before and who I sent other knitters to. I saw there were complaints about service posted with the BBB and I can understand why. Honestly, if they can't handle customer service, they need to find another business. And for goodness' sake, don't come to festivals! read more

Wow, I should have read the reviews before purchasing anything from this company. I purchased a skein of yarn at the knitting show and it was defective when I unraveled it. The yarn wasn't dyed properly and had splotches all throughout it. I contacted the company in Maine and shipped the yarn back. I never received a refund for the yarn. I contacted the company so many times via email and phone and must have spoken with "Ms. Cranky pants" as described in the previous review. She was so rude on the phone and informed me that she would decide at some later date if I would receive a refund and then proceeded to hang up on me. I haven't dealt with a lady this crazy in a looong time. Do yourself a favor and shop somewhere else. They sell defective low quality yarn and keep your money!! I'm still waiting for my refund.... read more

The worst experience in buying yarn EVER! The worst customer service EVER! I'm surprised this business is still IN BUSINESS! Buyer BEWARE! read more

I have bought yarn from Tess' Designer Yarns nearly every year at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival -- they really have some gorgeous products that I would recommend to anyone; I am especially fond of their microfiber ribbon yarn. However, I had to knock them down a star because if you ever want customer service from them, they're nearly impossible to get in touch with. Emails and voice mails go unanswered; you have to be lucky enough to get them in person (and not at a festival, where they're too busy to deal with individuals) in order to ask them any questions or place special orders. read more

I agree with so many here, this has been the worst experience I've ever had ordering through the internet. I had problems both with the pattern and the customer service. The pattern does not give any sizing information so you have to guess if the numbers are small, medium, large, extra large or extra small, small, medium, large. Then the materials instructions give no allowance for size. 2 skeins may be enough for a small, but not a medium. I ended up having to order additional yarn. Now to the customer service, my first order took a month to be shipped and then when they sent it they lied to me about when they sent it, as I could tell by the postmark. When I had to order more product they did not respond to my outreach. Again, after a month I had to write a formal complaint to the Better Business Bureau before I finally got my shipment. Throughout this process all phone calls were greeted with incredible rudeness and poor excuses. So, if you're in no hurry, don't care when you finish your project, are good at guessing what a pattern is supposed to be, and enjoy bad behavior, go ahead and order from Tess. read more

I was so excited to visit this shop. I was in Maine for the week and in dire need of some great fiber. I visited the shop only to be met by a frosty clerk, obviously not interested in providing any type of customer service. I spent $120 on 3 skeins of raw silk and asked the clerk if she would ball the yarn (there was a swift right next to the counter). She told me that there was a $10 per skein charge to ball the yarn. Wow~ never heard of such a thing. Obviously they are more interested in their wholesale business. Hopefully they don't have a long term lease. I'll definitely not shop there again. read more

I purchase alpaca/silk yarn from these folks at Vogue Live in Bellevue WA. It has black spots in it (not in tended color) have contacted them but no answer on replacement. I got one answer saying another person would be contacted. Very disappointed in this shop I would not advise dealing with them read more

I've been trying to get a gift certificate for my mother from these people, i tried by phone and website. the women who answer are rude and unhelpful. the website is confusing and gives incorrect information. i was charged for my purchase and the gift was never recieved. maybe they are nice in person, but i'm still waiting for my mother's christmas present to arrive. i do not recomend their website for anything. read more

Oy. Probably should have read the reviews. When I bought the yarn at Vogue Knitting Live, I was told that the pattern was free and could be found on Ravelry. I snapped a quick photo of the sample tag and went home to find the pattern. No dice. Called for help. The lady very nicely found it in the comments on their Facebook page from a year ago, but did not respond positively when I asked if I could send her an email and she could reply with the pattern for me. Told me I should get a friend to go on Facebook. That's when things went south and we hung up quickly. No curse words or anything, but not the cuddly customer service you usually have in the company of knitters. Won't be buying from them again. read more

I ordered yarn online on May 1 and still have not received anything. I saw the yarns at a booth at Vogue Live in Pasadena. The person in the booth had a frosty attitude to say the least. I guess I might have to make a claim through my credit card company to get a refund. I emailed them once and got a reply on June 4 that I would be contacted the next day about shipment. I never heard from her again. (It is June 29 now) read more

I have been shopping at Tess' Yarns for 6 or 8 years, both in the Portland shop and at fiber festivals. The festival booths are mobbed because the yarns are gorgeous, priced well, and cannot be found anywhere else. The shop is usually quiet. Check hours. Sometimes they close if traveling to festivals. Don't expect a regular, full-service yarn store. This is a small operation (very small) and the products unique. The owner and dyer (Melinda?) has been dyeing artfully for 30 years or so; her yarns are named for her daughter, Tess. I have knit with Tess' Yarns many times (sweaters, accessories, baby items) and have never had a problem, only lovely results. read more

I was on a cruise last week and I wanted to stop in and buy some really nice yarn at this shop. It was hard to find the store, but I did and I went to the basement where I saw a young woman (Tess maybe?) She was so miserable. This was my first time there and I was so happy to see all the beautifully colored yarn and I WANTED to buy some !!!! I tried very hard to be nice and have a conversation with her but she couldn't be bothered...... What a rude woman. She really shouldn't be in business. I will make sure NEVER to buy from her again!!!!!! read more

The fact that I googled "Tess Yarn, Rude" should be an indication of just how rude this woman was to me. I entered the Tess booth at the MD Sheep and Wool Festival this year and the woman who greeted me was helpful and nice. Then I went to the pay for my purchase (very expensive and very beautiful yarn) and met the witch at the cash register. This nasty woman was so rude that she was almost like a cartoon character. She rolled her eyes when it was my turn to pay and threw her calculator after using it, sighed about 3 times, did not say hello, please or thank you. Just held her hand out for my card, swiped it, sighed some more, laid my receipt on the table and turned away and started talking to someone else. I stood there stunned as my $40/skein yarn just sat on the table. Finally, once she turned back to continue to wait on the line of customers and saw me still standing there.. she spoke her first words to me which consisted of "what?" I asked for a bag as it was raining outside and I didn't want to walk around to other booths holding a skein of yarn without a bag, she looked and me, sighed once more, then literally threw a me a tall kitchen trash bag at me. Then it dawned on me, I had a similar experience with her last year at the same event. Tess, or whatever your name is, I have a message for you...this is happy event and knitting is a happy and peaceful activity. We look forward to these festivals all year and don't need your shitty attitude killing our joy. Life is too short to be so miserable- and you looked way too young to know real misery- and spreading your misery to others is seriously bad karma. You really need to lighten up and leave your bitchy bad attitude in chilly Maine. I personally think that you may have some sort of mental disorder and might benefit from some medication. I will not be buying any thing else from your store. I am almost afraid to use the yarn that I did buy in case it is infected with your bad karma. NEVER AGAIN! PS- maybe your name should be tes-ty! read more