Attention Capital Region knitters: I am a novice knitter, who is not all that interested in purchasing yarn from Wal-Mart {shudder} or any other chain store (including Jo-Ann or Michael’s). I’m interested in high quality unique yarns. Can someone please help me find a good yarn shop, preferably within 25 miles or so from Albany?
I would also like this place to offer some knitting classes…I’m very new to knitting and need some help!
Many thanks!
By the way, I DID try to find some yarn in Kentucky, but all the dang stores were CLOSED on Sunday. Not only can you not get your drink on (dry county), you can’t get your stitch on, neither! {cue dueling banjos here}
Life at Goal 
According to Ravelry, (which, incidentally, I think it is time for you to join) here are places near your zip code:
5.8 miles:
BeauKnits (http://www.beauknitsltd.com)
182 Remsen St.
Cohoes, New York
7.2 miles:
Ye Olde Yarn & Gift Shoppe
1604 Union St.
Schenectady, New York
8.3 miles:
Lansingburgh Yarn Depot
Troy, New York
8.3 miles: The Yarn Depot
Troy, New York
9.4 miles:
Eastside Weavers (http://www.eastsideweavers.com)
1 Carlyle Ave
Troy, New York
10.3 miles:
The Front Porch
Stowe, New York
15.6 miles:
Wool ‘n Word (http://www.woolnword.com)
4401 NY 150
West Sand Lake, New York
16.8 miles:
Stitching Post
17 Phila. St.
Saratoga Springs, New York
17.0 miles:
Saratoga Needle Arts (http://www.saratoganeedlearts.com)
494 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York
The only one of these that I can vouch for personally is this last one — Saratoga Needle Arts. I went there this summer and it’s a lovely (and quite large) shop with great variety.
being the helpful aunt that I am i googled NYS yarn shops and I found this list for you. Don’t know whether or not they offer classes, but here goes:
BEAUKNITS LTD.
518-235-9151
182 Remsen St.
Cohoes, NY 12047
BEAUKNITSLTD@HOTMAIL.COM
7 SW TRUMPET HILL
518-533-9622
501 New Karner Rd.
Rosewood Plaza
Albany, NY 12205
21 N STITCHIN’ POST
518-587-9636
17 Phila. St.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
21 N SARATOGA NEEDLE ARTS
518-583-2583
888-488-9276
518-583-2548 (FAX)
494 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
24 NE NEEDLEWORKS
518-692-8980
99 Main St.
Greenwich, NY 12834
26 W WOODSIDE WEAVERS AT LEDGE ROCK
518-399-7991
4946 Consaul Rd.
Amsterdam, NY 12010
28 S YEAR ROUND YARNS
518-758-9799
14 Hudson St.
Kinderhook, NY 12106
SALES@YEARROUNDYARNS.COM
30 S THE WARM EWE
518-392-2929
31 Main Street
Chatham, NY 12037
LCBULSON@TACONIC.NET
oh, those numbers in front of the name of each store is the mileage from my address in scenic Cohoes. So, just adjust for Clifton Park.
My mother in law’s new favorite is trumpet hill. She says it is very user friendly with lots of gorgeous yarn. Good classes and a great place to just hang out and knit. Their website is trumpethill.com. Enjoy!
Thanks, Maryellen! I’m so glad you posted! I DID get your email – I just got busy and forgot to reply…
I heard that Woodside Weavers was going out of business.
I shop Beauknits all the time. They are closed Sunday,Monday,& Tuesday but have different summer hours ( check there website). They offer a lot of different classes and usually there is someone in the store that can help you ( even people that don’t work there and are just there to knit). There is also a Friday night Knitting group from 6-8 and everyone is welcome. Hope this helps.
I go to the Saratoga Needle Arts and it is a wonderful place to buy yarns and they have classes all the time. Tuesday nights is beginner night from 6-8, at 15.00 per class (which is very resoneable). Just a very friendly and nice easy to get to store!
Love it!
http://www.saratoganeedlearts.com/
-Connie
Greenwich NY
we think that Trumpet Hill Yarn is an excellent choice. Friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, fabulous selection. There are also a number of classes for all skill levels to select from. It’s located centrally in Colonie. Here’s their contact info:
501 New Karner Rd.
Rosewood Plaza
Albany, NY 12205
518-533-9622
Touch of Twist on Weast Rd in Schenectady. Neat little place.
Victoria