Knitters Gone Wild

I gathered a bunch of random thoughts together after reading the blog entry mentioned below. I tried to connect them into a semblance of logical thinking. And I apologize ahead of time if the entry seems really negative. I enjoy all the activities involved with my knitting, even when I think I may have to do some serious surgery on my Olympic knitting - but more about that in a few days.

I just started reading Carol’s blog but based on this one entry I can tell that I’m going to look forward to her opinions.

Why? Because the views she has expressed in this entry have been witnessed by me many times over in not one but several NYC yarn shops. The folks that walk in a couple of weeks before the holidays and expect to make a show stopping scarf for ”my whatever” and them proceed to monopolize the sales help for eons, get ready to make their purchase only to then admit “Will you cast on for me? I know I can do the rest even though I’ve never done it before” or “So, now you can show me what to do. I’ve never knitted before” while there are 3 people waiting to pay and 4 other folks waiting for assistance.

Or the customer that walks into the store, wanting to buy yarn the shop doesn’t carry and putting the owner in the awkward position of sending you to a competing shop. Do you ever ask Saks if Bloomingdales carries that shirt in a different color? No.

Or attend a knitting circle sponsored by a yarn shop and consistently use yarn and products not carried by that shop. And better yet, you like the circle so much that you bring 3 of your friends, all of whom don’t use any of the yarn or products purchased from that shop.

Recently I had to sternly correct someone who after purchasing some yarn, saw our knitting circle and eventually said “So if I come you will teach me how to knit this baby blanket”. I’ll be honest, my resounding “No” drowned out everyone else’s response. I said “No, for lessons you really need to check with the owner and sign up for a beginner class”. I didn’t say that to be rude. I know what it’s like when you want a little guidance. But this women wanted lessons. For free. Later I ‘fessed up to the owner and she totally agreed with me. “You guys come to knit, not to teach people”.

Last summer I was put on the spot by new knitter who thought she could drop her knitting into my lap, expecting me to fix what she did wrong while she walked away to make a cell phone call. Ummm….I think not.

Our circle has been together through thick and thin for almost 2 years. So we know each other, we kid each other and we chat a LOT. It’s to the point where I bring easy projects so that if I mess up my knitting is easy to fix. And everyone has their spot at the table. We have camaraderie. We know each other so well that I think we’ve managed to scare off some new folks. But as new folks show up only when they need help, well there’s just no room at the table. Some folks think “free = entitled to” and they abuse both the privilege and the accompanying hospitality.

Knitting circles can be a bit surreal. I attended two others before I found one I liked and who liked me back. And honestly, if the group is being held in a yarn shop, there are some extra manners that need to be exercised by the attendees: 1 – Be considerate of the owner, 2- Quietly discuss other yarn shops, 3 – And most important, discreetly discuss the great bargains you bought somewhere else. The circle is a promotion tool and the owner would love for you to spend your money in that shop. But it costs money as well as the staff’s time to keep the shop open for a knitting circle. If there isn’t enough business you won’t have a place to knit anymore. A recent trend by some shops is to charge a knitting circle fee (some up to $125 for 6 sessions). I thought that was outrageous but now I support that idea 100%.

Now after saying all that would it surprise you that I’m mentoring several knitters? One person used to work for me and she’s been progressing nicely, almost ready to make herself a sweater. The other person is a returning knitter who just needs a bit of coaching. Now I can’t keep her away from the yarn stores. And she managed to get me to teach another employee how to crochet. I haven’t crocheted since 6th grade. But Marsha said “You’re a good teacher. I know how to knit and you still managed to show me new things”. I’m also looking forward to the lunchtime gathering that happens in our building's courtyard when the weather gets warmer – I’ll be a newbie to that group.

Now as for the customer service issue that Carol addresses in her blog entry; I’ve gotten excellent customer service from all my favorite stores. They’re my favorite stores for a reason, right? Only a couple of them know me by name. Rita at Downtown Yarns will always shout out “I’ve got new sock yarn” when I walk in. Joelle Hoverson, the owner of Purl, always says hello, especially after I told her how much I liked her book shortly after it was published. And Jane at Yarn Connection! She actually arranged to mail me a free pattern when they got more copies and asked me if I got it the next time I was in the store! All these owners are available for chats, when they have time.

Knitting is not as simple as it looks. But I do know this much - You give nice, you get nice.

Comments

[Emy]

It's always nice when someone understand both sides.

I for one, have gone to knitting circles before where people expect you to help them learn new techniques for free. Like they are enititled to them.

So I don't join them anymore since I have my own knitting students to take care of. And they are paying fees.

[Christine]

Being friendly and friends with LYS owners, I totally agree with you! Another note to add is... you will more than likely notice that most shop owners no longer knit or crochet because they don't have the time. I have run into shop owners also, who should watch their tongues also. There is an LYS very close to where I live that will say very nice things about my friend that owns a shop (far away that is not considered competition) and has said not nice things to a friend of mine about the other shop (FYI, I don't go to the shop that is very close to my house anymore)

[Nancy]

There is a woman in my knitting group who is constantly complaining about the service in NYC yarn shops. If you listen to her closely though it is very obvious who the problem is. She asks for too damn much! I can't even carry on a conversation with her because I can't make her understand that she is the one who should be complained about.

[Gina]

Wow! Having worked at my local yarn shop, I commend you. There are so many people who come to the shop for help, and the owner NEVER charges. Now, there's help, and then there's H-E-L-P. The latter should command a fee. Thanks for the reminder that everyone (owners, shop workers, and customers) should give and receive "pleasant" and "considerate".