By Magdalene Paniotte

As the weather gets colder and snowier, this may be just the right time to take up a new hobby or learn more about knitting. The following arts and crafts stores offer lots of creative ideas.

(Credit: woollylambyarn.com)

Woolly Lamb Yarn Studio
6007 N. Nina Ave.
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 631-6208
www.woollylambyarn.com

A simply wonderful yarn store located in Chicago’s historic Norwood community, the Woolly Lamb is owned by knitting enthusiast Brigitte Biver, who developed a love of the craft from her tender childhood years. Brigitte very much enjoys sharing her knowledge with students at all levels and has been successfully doing business for six years, offering expert instruction in a warm and nurturing atmosphere of learning. Classes are tailored to fit individual needs from beginner and beyond, to crochet and reading stitch patterns to the Great American Afghan night where knitters make new friends while working together in a group setting.

(Credit: magneedle.com)

Magic Needle
463 Roger Williams
Highland Park, IL 60035
(800) 462-4429
www.magneedle.com
   

A well-established arts and crafts shop on the North Shore for more than three decades, the Magic Needle specializes in beautifully hand-painted needlepoint artworks on canvas and carries a large selection of yarns, knitting and stitching supplies. The store has expanded to online sales and marketing of unique needlepoint works in everyday themes, as well as a fine selection of religious and art adaptation designs from great painters such as as Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and Matisse. The friendly owners have catered to generations of knitters and are happy to provide feedback or instruction on all things needlepoint related. 

Montoya Fiber Studio
2566 Prairie Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 869-1089
www.montoyafiberstudio.com

A unique store and great for knitters who can envision themselves becoming totally immersed in the craft. Montoya Fiber Studio in Evanston is operated by a husband-and-wife team who has a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of the value of knitting and the sheer enjoyment that can be derived from committing oneself to the practice. The shop carries a rich variety of needles and yarns to complement its flexible schedule of classes and encourages involvement in several ongoing charitable community projects to promote healing and well being.

(Credit: stitcheswinnetka.com)

Stitch(es)
1054 Gage St.
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 441-0677
www.stitches.com

A fun and creative approach to the artistic process of working with yarn, Stitch(es) in Winnetka is an excellent place to learn how to make a scarf, sweater or quilt, and carries an abundance of high-quality supplies, fibers, patterns and books. The curriculum is designed to naturally expand a student’s knowledge and understanding of the different methods and fabrics used to knit, crochet, sew and stitch. The store offers a variety of private and group friendly classes for adults and children, ranging from basic beginning projects to intermediate and more advanced levels.

Mia Bella Yarn
1815 St. Johns Ave.
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 748-8419
www.miabellayarn.com
A quaint and cozy shop in Highland Park, Mia Bella Yarn exudes a personable approach to unraveling all there is to know about the art of knitting, crocheting and spinning. The store carries an extensive selection of yarn from well-known vendors such as Mountain Meadow Wool, Lantern Moon or Classic Elite, and provides valuable information about each. The shopkeepers invite all newcomers as well as those with a bit more experience who hope to discover a welcoming and comfortable classroom ambiance conducive to learning much more about the craft of knitting.

Magdalene Paniotte is from Chicago and very pleased to be a CBS Contributor. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and has studied creative writing at the graduate level. Maggie enjoys composing articles and developing her voice as a freelance writer. Her work can also be found at Examiner.com.