LYSes in the Lower Mainland – Part II

Today we are continuing with local yarn shops in the greater metropolitan area of Vancouver. We are currently in Vancouver proper and going over the shops there. surprisingly, there aren’t any in the downtown core of Vancouver. As we saw from the last post though, there is one on Granville Island. As we head out of the core and East a little bit, we see them starting to show up again.

Birkeland Brothers – Located on Main street at 19th, BB is probably the oldest yarn shop in Vancouver. It has been around since the early 40′s when two brothers brought over a gigantic carding machine that is still in use today and kept in check by Norm Birkland. Daughter Kara runs the shop and from last contact is looking to create an heir apparent and keep this business in the family. If you’re interested in spinning, batting, fleece, or more rustic and natural yarns, this is the place for you. Norm will tell you about all the different breeds of sheep and you’ll find their fleeces in the basement, ready to be carded. If you go, make sure you step in the back and have a look at the carding machine. General price range: $-$$$

Three Bags Full – Just a hop, skip, and a jump from BB is newly erected Three Bags Full. Three bags carries a fairly wide range of medium to higher end yarns that will appeal to almost every taste. The store is cozy an warm and offers a lot of visual for the eyes and tactility for the hands. It is definitely worth a look into this shop, especially since you can kill three birds with one stone – Three bags, Birkeland Brothers, and Shaktea in the middle of these two places (best tea in town). General price range: $-$$$

Baaad Anna’s – I love this store’s slogan – Not your mama’s yarn store! And they back it up too! I’ve been in this store once (but plan on returning) and was impressed with their selection of yarns. Lots of Alpaca (in chunky weights to) as well as all the usual suspects. They’re located out on Hastings near the PNE (where i used to live – good thing I’m not there right now) and easily accessible by transit or car. There’s also a library right across the street in case you need a book they don’t have in stock, and some of the best cinnamon buns in Vancouver are sold a few stores east at Laughing Bean – definitely worth checking out! General price range: $ – $$$

Sweet Georgia Yarns – Okay, I have to check out this store. I wasn’t aware of its existence until I started doing this post and did a search online. I know of a studio that used to be located where they are, but they don’t have the same name. Once I find out more info I’ll be sure to update you on my findings. Check their website in the meantime.

Black Sheep Yarns – Located in Port Moody, Black Sheep is a cozy little yarn shop that has a surprising array of yarns and accessories. It’s been a while since I’ve visited this store, but the customer service was great when I was there last. Give them a call to get their hours and definitely drop by if you’re in the neighborhood. General price range: $ – $$$

Shan’s Needlework – Shan’s is the premiere yarn shop in New Westminster, BC and has relocated in New West after a brief closing. Luckily for all her patrons, she was able to find a new location in the developing quayside area of New West. Shan’s has a wide variety of yarns and accessories, and also does frequent workshops on everything to beginner basics to socks! They’re open Mon – Sat and are a hop, skip, and a jump from the New Westminster skytrain stop if you’re coming by transit. If you’re driving, they’re almost right at the key, so it’s a great location to bring a project and sit outside and knit! General price range: $-$$$

There are a few more shops I still have to do a write up for (Knitopia, 88 Stitches, and a few from the Island) but they’ll have to wait until next time. If you have a favorite yarn shop that you’d like to tell us about, please do so in the comments (no matter where you live). I’d love to know where to go if I’m ever in your neck of the woods!

Hugzzz