Brooklyn Yarn Cafe

Please update your hours! I would give you five stars but half the time I show up and you’re closed even though Unilocal (and Google) say you’re open (like right now). It’s pretty annoying.

I came here with a friend to take a class. Our teacher was Rosemary, and she was awesome! The class consisted of 4 pupils so we all got to know each other over the course of 2 hours. Rosemary is smart and most importantly encouraging. She doesn’t just show you how to make lotion or soap or candles; because of her background she explains every step with the science behind it! So you are really getting two educations for the price of one. The space is a work/​teach space so at all times you are surrounded by her creations! I found it inspiring. I read some reviews stating the classes are unorganized, cluttered and started late. Which for that particular class may be valid, but this is art! If it were black and white and stuck to a script… I don’t think creative people operate like that. I will say our class started 15 minutes late but THANK goodness! Because my friend and I were 12 minutes late and one other person came after us! We have already signed up for an advanced class. If you are still iffy catch one of her deals on Living Social. Try it, you might like it!

Visiting from elsewhere, really wanted to take a craft class and this is the only one that worked out timing-​wise. Was excited about learning how to make candles, but as soon as I walked into the space I knew it wasn’t going to be what I was expecting. They asked me to wait 20 minutes after my scheduled class time started. I ended up making two candles, which I probably could have learned how to do from a YouTube video. After the candles were done, I sat around the shop for 20 more minutes waiting for them to harden so I could take them home. It wasn’t that expensive, but still not really worth it. Disappointed. They have other classes that are maybe more hands-​on and involve less waiting time.

OMG– what terrible business practice.
The groupon listed a «4 hour class with snack and drink» (I really don’t care about the snack and drink but it was in the description for $ 139 (for two people). Our class lasted only 1.5 hours. I contacted the owner regarding this but she said the description said it was «up to 4 hours» depending on the amount of students then she states that sometimes they have 20 students. We were crowded with the 6 that were there!!! I would’ve been OK if they listed it properly. Then she said I was the only person (out of thousands) who ever complained. I guess she doesn’t read Unilocal!
The company’s website wasn’t functioning and phone numbers I found online and through Groupon were not working so it was difficult, almost impossible to get in touch with them. Finally I did receive an email from the owner, who was in Africa. So that’s how we communicated.
Not sure what to expect, we went to the class in Brooklyn (1 hour drive away). The class and teacher and the studio were nice. That’s about the only good thing about this experience (but not worth the $ we paid).
Then we were told that we had to go back to Brooklyn to pick up our soap 1 week later, kind of hard when you live so far (why wasn’t that information included in the Groupon?). Of course when we wanted to pick up the soap no one answered the phone (using a number that they gave to us on their business card 718−581−6226). My husband took a chance and was able to pick up the soaps. Would you believe that the box with my name on it wasn’t even the soap that I made!!! I have pictures to prove it!
The teacher said that she was going to email us the recipe but I’m not holding my breath. It’s been over a month and still haven’t received it.
I didn’t like how this class was listed in Groupon and I was very disappointed in this company’s business practice! It would be a great place if they could clean up their act (no pun intended)!

So I’ve never written a review but felt compelled to write one after my frustrating experience with them. So I purchased a Groupon for a soap-​making class. The class was on September 6^th. The instructor, Yesenia, told us that either I pick up the soap the following Tuesday or get it shipped and it’ll be received in 2 weeks (looks like they told others that judging by previous reviews), and upon receipt we were supposed to continue turning the soap until it hits a month (October 6^th). I chose to have it shipped as I was out on vacation during the pick-​up period. 3 weeks passed, nothing. I tried to call the shop and the phone «could not receive calls at this time.» So I emailed them and Rosemary, the owner told me that soaps are usually sent after 4 weeks. I told her that that’s not what the class was told and who knows if anyone was turning the soap in the time I’d been waiting for them. Rosemary then assured me that she would personally have them sent out on October 9^th. 2 weeks after that passed, nothing. I tried to email and call them again… No response. I was finally fed up and escalated my issues to Groupon. And what do you know, the number worked again and I was able to get ahold of someone. I was told that the packages weren’t at the studio and were already put together and sent to be shipped. They said that due to the Jewish holidays there was a delay in shipping but apparently they had told Groupon that they tried to send the package to me before but no one was home. The package was to be sent to my parents, who are retired, and are home all day. Typically a note is left if no one is home to receive it, and will either try to deliver again or make it available for pick up at the post office. Then I get a call back saying that there will be an extra gift for me for all my troubles. Hmmmm, that’s strange to be able to add an extra gift, if it was supposedly already sent out for shipping. My guess is that they didn’t have it shipped at all until I got all over them for it and gotten Groupon involved. Finally got the soap last Tuesday, nearly 2 months since the class, and most of the soap is really soft (easily bendable with a quick press of the fingers), which means it didn’t really solidify the way it should’ve. I’m using it anyway because I paid too damn much for it. The crappiest soap I’ve ever used was unfortunately the priciest. I wished I had read the reviews on here about the soap making class because it looks like others have had the same crappy experience.
While I enjoyed the class at the time, the hassle I went through since was so not worth even the Groupon price. This business needs to get their act together.

I bought two Living Social coupons for me and my bestie as a birthday gift. It was for the 3 hour sewing class. My friend and I were the only two in the class. I was thrilled to have the teacher’s undivided attention. She was very patient and hands on with us and explained each step thoroughly. We each made a handbag. We were able to choose our own fabic and size. At the end she provided instructions on how to make it if we wanted to try it again at home. We were so pleased with everything that we decided to sign up for the 5 week course. It’s normally $ 250 but since we already purchased the Living Social coupon she’s only charging us $ 199. Whoohoo! During the 5 week course we’re going to learn how to make an Apron, a pair of pajamas, a skirt and a makeup bag. She also mentioned if we have some things at home that need alterations we could bring it in and she will show us how to do it. The 5 week course can be taken at your own leisure; you pick up right where you left off.
***Beware that you have to pay for the items you are making. It is not included in the initial price. The Living Social coupon covers the price of the lesson. The bag we made cost $ 20 each. Same goes for the 5 week course. The $ 199 is for the lesson. The Apron would be an additional $ 20, the pajamas would be $ 35 and so on and so on.
Her shop is very small but it’s inviting and it smells sooooooo goood. She also offers soap, candle and cupcake making classes.

Walked 20 min there about 2pm today and they were just not open. No note about why or hours.
It looked like they had exactly what I was looking for too :(I guess call ahead before you make the trek.

Came here for the soap making class. When I came back to collect my soap, the owner, Rosemary wasn’t around so she left it with the barista of another café. She left me two containers of soap, one was mine and another belonged to someone else. How could she got things mix up?
I went home, turned the soap everyday and waited for 45 days. On the 46^th day I decided to use it. They were the worst soap I’ve ever used. I tried calling Rosemary, writing her emails telling her about the soap and asking for the recipe but she didn’t answer/​reply.

They sent me my soap I made. They told me it would take 2 weeks. It took closer to a month. The soap they didn’t package well. They should have put it in a little box to keep it from being crushed since it’s summertime and hot. They wrapped each piece of soap in some type of wax paper, then placed it in a self sealing bubble wrap envelope. My soap bars leaked all on the inside of the envelope and were pretty much smooshed like pancakes. I was told I was supposed to turn the soap every day up until at least a month after the soap was made. What about the delay since they shipped it to me so late? It was not usable. I threw it out, unfortunately. I did enjoy the soap making class, but wish I’d waited before giving such a glowing review. This was the most expensive soap I’ve ever had to purchase and not use and throw away.

great, friendly soap-​making class! highly recommend — find specials on groupon or living social!

Moved the place. Has everything you could possibly need. Very helpful people too. Even though I wasn’t signing up for a class they still answered my questions on how to do certain projects.

Just a horrible experience. The owner was ill prepared for the sewing class and played favorites with the clients
It was really hard to get her attention and ask questions and she also gave me bad advice. Since taking a class I have gotten sewing lessons from someone else who was very understanding and helped me out. In 30 minutes with my friend I learned more than three sessions with Rosemary

I am really enjoying my time at the Brooklyn Yarn Café. Yesterday, I started the beginner sewing class. I thought the shop would be closed because the weather was really nasty. Rosemary said the shop was open and I made my way there. I am really glad I did. Kim was a great instructor and I loved the way she taught me. The atmosphere is very relaxed, yet professional. This is my first sewing class there but my second class at the shop.
I plan on learning to knit, crochet, and do whatever else that catches my fancy that is offered there.

I LOVE the Brooklyn Yarn Café. This is why:
1. It is so homey, cozy, welcoming, adorable, bright & happy.
2. Rosemary, the owner I believe, is a sweetheart, gem, sewing & crafting genius. She is a kind a patient teacher.
3. I learned to sew. I am on my third sewing class out of 5 and I have already improved my skills and totally know how to make a sewing machine do my bidding. Now it’s just more practice! I learned a skill! Who knew?!
I bought the beginner sewing class directly from the BYC, no groupons or living socials for me, and I am so happy I did it. I will probably take a knitting class or soap making class eventually. I love this studio and you should give it a shot. Visit to check out the vibe, the sewing classes are all kinds of fun with everyone working on different projects.

This place is very — weird (What can I expect though, it’s Williamsburg.) I came here with a friend for a baking class. They were pretty disorganized; they gave us a stained sheet of paper with the recipe on it, and pretty much left us to our own devices. Did I really just pay to bake on our own in cramped and cluttered yarn shop? Uh, yeah I guess I did. The instructor was nice, but gosh, could she have cared any less? Probably not. She spent most of the time just talking to the other worker (?) or at least I THINK that guy behind the counter was an employee. Anyway, left with our cupcakes, and went on our merry way. I don’t think I’d ever really come back here.

Totally unreliable. Classes are disorganized, but at least the teacher was nice. That said, would strongly advise against signing up for any classes if you have to travel more than 5 minutes to get there. Had a class scheduled, but when I (and 3 other people) got there, the lights were off, door was closed, voicemail was full (i.e. not taking messages), website was down. Not even a sign in the window explaining.

I can honestly say I love this place too. I’ve never had an issue scheduling. While I agree you do learn to sew by reading directions, that’s to get used to using your skills when you’re not in class. You’re encouraged to ask questions, and Rosemary is always willing to stay with you until you understand what you’re doing.
I highly recommend taking at least one sewing lesson just to see what its all about. You won’t be sorry.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! It’s my LYS (local yarn shop) and I do a lot of shopping here. Rosemary has excellent taste (pun intended) in yarn and she really knows her way around a pair of knitting needles.
For those of you on here giving bad marks for the café part — IT’S A YARN SHOP!!! The café bits are there for the experience and so the KNITTERS have something to nibble on and drink WHILE KNITTING!
Rosemary has Addi Click circular needles (even in large sizes), which aren’t that common, and a great selection of books, patterns, general sewing and craft supplies. But most of all, SHE HAS GREAT YARNS AND LOTS OF IT. Rowan, Berocco, Spud & Chloe, Malabrigo (new shipment coming soon I’m told), tons of Fair Trade and artisan yarn, roving, spinning supplies, needles of all kinds, findings, jewelry-​making stuff. Tons of Noro yarns, as well as Cascade and a positively lovely small-​label yarn called Linares (beautiful! shiny! Fair Trade!).
You will greatly enjoy this shop. It’s maybe not always the best-​organized and it can be a little challenging to find things quickly (because it’s packed to the gills in there), but half the fun is browsing anyway so I hardly call this a negative. I do recommend it highly, especially for those of us knitters living in Bushwick, since this is our only neighborhood LYS.
See you there (Saturday nights are knitting hangout nights)!
–K

I bought a groupon for a 3 hour Beginner’s Knitting class. First off, when I bought it, I thought paying for it meant anything I’d need would be included (ie. yarn and needles to use). As a beginner who has never knitted before, why would I already own specifically sized needles/​specific yarn for a class?
About two weeks after I bought the groupon I emailed the address on their «Contact Us» page of their (very poorly built) website. It bounced back as undeliverable. I tried again a few weeks later and it sent, but I never received a response.
Fast forward to now. I have called the number listed on their website and it appears to be a cell phone, which wasn’t answered. Then it went directly to voice mail. Then the voice mail box was full.
There is a new email address listed on the main page, as apparently the owner will be away for her wedding. Well, THAT address bounced back immediately too!
I’ll be contacting groupon for a refund as soon as I’m finished writing this. I am thoroughly unimpressed by their ability to run a business. Most of the reviews are fantastic, which is why I’m so disappointed. With raving reviews, I expected a LOT better and AT LEAST a working email address.
Piece of advice: if you don’t know how to build or run a website and have email addresses hosted on it — start a wordpress blog and use a google email. It’ll save your customers a lot of hassle!

Good
Milk shake,
Cute idea,
Bad ice coffee,
And felt unwanted in empty café.