Three Bags Full Knitting Studio

Whenever I’m in Northbrook, I stop by to visit Lynette & her store. Besides the comfy seating arrangements that’s always changing, the yarn stock is absolutely amazing and I love the customized wooden shelving that she ordered to display all the yarn … a truly blissful place!
Its easy parking with a Starbucks, Ace Hardware, and Dollar Store a few doors down. There’s also a Sunset Foods, Book Bin, post office, and hallmark store across the street … gotta love the one stop shopping!!! =)

I’ve been to other yarn shops in the area and I’m happy to say that I’ve finally found my «home.»
First of all, the yarn selection is pretty awesome. They have everything from budget yarns to the luxury, expensive stuff. The prices seem very reasonable.
Second, the people who work there are really great. I was able to walk in on a Saturday and sign up for a class that started the following Monday. They were nice and warm, but not at all pushy. They even helped me find a yarn that was on sale to bring to my class, since it was just a practice/​beginner class.
Finally, the classes are outstanding. The teacher was incredibly patient and kind and helped me even when I was little bit behind the rest of the students.
I’m planning on hanging out here a lot. I can’t wait to sign up for my next class. The newsletter can’t come out soon enough.

I was a little confused when trying to find the place, I didn’t realize it was in a little shopping center, but I found it, and I’m very happy I did.
I was looking for a specific yarn, I didn’t see it, I asked if they had it, and they directed me to it. Nothing special, but very nice. I bought my yarn, they wound it up, and that’s when the extra special things started happening.
I was talking with a very nice, lovely, and helpful lady named Joan who spent a lot of time talking to me about techniques, yarns, books, and everything else I had questions about. I’m a new knitter, so advice from an expert is always welcome.
I didn’t feel like I was intruding in a cool club by ANY of the people who were working there. There was a table of ladies knitting who I felt gave me the stink eye when I got a little too close to their table, but no big deal!
Nice yarn so it’s not cheap, but seems like fair prices.

I had been to the old location several times over the years. It originally was in a quaint little renovated house which always had a good selection. Now they have moved to a new location and I was finally able check it out last week. I wasn’t disappointed. The new location is in a strip mall (but don’t hold that against them). The shop is much bigger than the previous one. It’s not cramped, you can freely walk around. I was greeted by the owner, Lynette, who has always been friendly and helpful. It’s nice to see that hasn’t changed with the new digs. The rest of the employees were also very helpful. It looks like they have more new yarns, as well.
I have never taken any classes here. However, the new location is spacious and very conducive to classes. As a matter of fact, my visit was during a Kid’s Knitting Class. Even though there was a table full of children knitting in the shop, I was able to move around. I was not bothered by the class or students nor did I have to walk over people or their stuff to get to any yarn. This is a big plus in my book. I know space can be an issue for yarn shops who conduct classes.
Their yarn selection caters to knitters of all levels. If you are a sock knitter, there is a wall of Koigu. If you like chunky, bulky yarn, there is a selection of that, too. Don’t be fooled by the yarn out on display. They carry a lot of Cascade 220 colors, so you will see their selection of colors. If you need more, ask. They will happily get as many as you need. If they are out of a specific yarn or color, they will do their best to get it for you.
Pricing is reasonable. You have to remember this is a specialty shop, so you won’t get the discounted craft store pricing. I’ve compared the prices of some skeins at Three Bags Full to those from various brick-​and-​mortar shops in the Chicago area and their pricing is competitive. Translation: it didn’t feel like I was going to get ripped off here. Always a plus in my book. They had several brands of needles. They carry quite a bit of bags, books, magazines, and additional accessories. Another plus is this location has a parking lot. A big one.
I’m glad I was finally able to go to this new location. I would definitely be going back if I’m in the area, if I need a specific item or if I just wanted to see if any new items arrived. I think the first reviewer may have visited the shop when it was in between locations. There were a few months at the end of 2008 when they were in a temporary space. I would definitely recommend giving it a second chance if the only impression was from the temporary location.
And if you’re thirsty, Starbucks is right next door. Coffee and yarn. I’m happy.

It kills me that I am actually going to give a yarn shop only two stars. However, I feel that two stars is WAY too generous to begin with.
This is not one of my normal yarn shops. Actually, I’ve only been here one other time and that was at least five years ago. However, I am making socks as a birthday present and this was close to the recipient’s home so that’s where we went.
The Space:
Much larger than the other location. Doesn’t have a warm, fuzzy feel like other shops I’ve been in.
Layout:
Just ok.
Selection:
Underwhelming. I really was surprised by the lack of selection. I guess since I’ve been to «yarn heaven» I expect all yarn shops to have the same degree of selection.
Staff:
This was the icing on the cake for me.. . of all the people working there, I only encountered one person who was truly genuinely nice and helpful. (This is the only reason I’m giving the place two stars instead of one) I felt everyone else was kind of snotty and rude. Especially when the person I was with asked about knitting lessons. Their questions were received with short, rude responses.
The Bottom Line:
This visit to Three Bags Full Knitting Studio will be my last one.