Article Pract

Stopped in there today to buy cashmere yarn for a project. was blown away by the attentive non pushy service and help. Even when I walked out without buying the girl there was super nice and just a pleasure. Needless to say I came back after lunch to buy the cashmere yarn and she suggested the appropriate needles for my project. The whole experience was a very positive one specially in this area where sales people don’t have much clue about anything. The service was attentive, courteous, non pushy and very knowledgable.

So, I just went in the store and despite it being a yarn store… I did not feel warm and fuzzy. There was no acknowledgement, no hello, no customer service. This is the second yarn store I have been to in Oakland and most likely, the last. I don’t know what is it about these yarn/​textile stores in Oakland but there is no customer service at all. I wish I could leave 0 stars.
Let me also state that there were two people working in the store and one customer at the counter when I walked in. They were in the middle of transaction. An employee walked right past me; no greeting, nothing.

I’ve had nothing but bad experiences here:
1. Yarn on order that I needed for a sweater never showed up.
2. Really bad class in which the instructor talked me into knitting a pullover sweater and cut it down the front to make it a cardigan. (What a disaster!)
3. I was told that they would be open one Mother’s Day and when my mother and I showed up (my gift to her was going to be yarn of her choice) the place was shut tight. I mentioned this to the owner and she told me her employee forgot to come to work. Forgot!
I now take all my knitting needs elsewhere.

I read the reviews of this store and was expecting mediocre customer service, being a complete beginner. However, I have found them to be very helpful every time!
I have now taken two classes. One in beginning crochet from Kira and the other a knit level 2 baby vest from Zoe. Both were beyond outstanding. Excellent teachers with a well organized «lesson plan.» I learned so much in both classes. I even have another local knitting class to compare it to (Verb for Keeping Warm), and I prefer Article Pract’s classes for their length, experience level of teacher, and amount of information I learn.
The prices are a little steep, but because the customer service is GREAT and I go to their help sessions on tuesdays and fridays, I believe it is worth it to me to shop at this local store. And that’s saying a lot, because I am a amazon prime member and all.

Extraordinary store and amazing selection. Trust me. Im a fucking absolute yarn freak.

Before I moved away, this was my local shop. I still am back in the East Bay pretty often visiting family and to do my rounds of the local yarn stores. I have really mixed opinions about this store. The location is great and they have a good selection. They have a sizeable sale section (but because most of the sale yarns are actually discontinued yarns, I have bought the same yarns much cheaper elsewhere (LA, SF, Portland) — that is they look cheap compared to the other yarns in the store, but not cheap compared to what you can get them for elsewhere). That said, I still usually end up find a skein or 12 of something worth buying.
Have to agree with others about the friendliness/​helpfulness level. I was the only person in the store with about 30 minutes until closing. I was asking for some ideas of projects for a specific yarn. She offered me use of the store’s ipad to look on ravelry. That was helpful and I am glad they have it, but would’ve been nice to also hear her views or suggestions. I also found 10 skeins of yarn in the sale section that were loose. If they had been in a bag (yes they were all the same yarn), they would have had a bigger discount. I asked if she would give me the discount — I know I was being whiny but she looked at me like I was crazy.
BUT I have gone in here with new knitters other times and they were very helpful. I actually think they are better with people who really need the help than folks who seem to already have a handle on the craft so they are probably expounding their energy in the right place.

My husband bought me some Christmas gifts; books, yarn and small trinkets. They told him that anything I didn’t want could be returned or exchanged. Including books that were suggested to him by the sales person!
We called since the receipt clearly says no returns on books. And sure enough they aren’t returnable.

I haven’t gone into the store again since my review (just haven’t been in the area), but I did receive a very nice message from the owner via Unilocal.
For that, I have to give the store another star.
Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to bump around the Temescal area again and visit the yarn heaven.

Article Pract is my go-​to yarn store in Oakland. A great selection (and they’ll order anything for you, too), and a nice feel in the store. Prices here aren’t cheap, but the yarn isn’t cheap. And if you’re looking for cheap yarn (and it ain’t no sin), you should go to Michael’s and buy it. But if you want quality yarn at regular quality-​yarn-​prices, I’d send you to Article Pract in a heartbeat.
But what makes this store worth every cent of your yarn money is that if you buy your yarn there, you can come in for *free* help Tuesday and Fridays with Song, who is an incredible help at any stage of your work (and just generally enjoyable to be around) and sometimes another person whose name I forget but who is equally helpful. I’ve come in having done god-​knows-​what in the pattern and Song has simply looked at it for a moment and then said «oh, here’s the problem» and then walked me through what went wrong, how to fix it (easily) and how to avoid the problem in the future. It’s both conceptual help AND specific help. For ANY part of a pattern/​project, etc., as long as you bought your yarn there.
A few reviews have taken umbrage with customer service, and I’ve interacted with a number of people in the store. I’ll say this: if you’re looking for Mary Poppins, or Mrs. Doubtfire, or some other kindly sweet old lady to hold your hand through the shopping process, this isn’t your store. And, again, ain’t no sin in wanting the nice-​old-​lady (or, not to be agist, young-​super-​sweet-​lady) experience. The service here isn’t cloying. And I like that, because I’m a grown-​ass-​woman who doesn’t need to be coddled. I craft; I’m not emotionally needy.
But I agree with Preeti M. who said that this can be seen both ways: I think we’re all used to a yarn store experience that is about the community, particularly of women, who help and support each other and really FEEL you, you know? This isn’t that shop. The owner isn’t particularly *warm* per say, but she knows her shit and can get you what you need. Unless what you need is an emotional experience, then you should try the shop where my Nana goes.

Great store with a welcoming and friendly attitude. I got some lovely yarn at a reasonable price and some REALLY basic level assistance without feeling like I was asking dumb questions. If you are new to knitting and feel a bit intimidated by yarn stores you can overcome that with one trip to Article Pract.

A couple of months ago I bought a groupon deal for a beginning knitting class at this store. The class was small located in the back of the store. The teacher was very patient and everyone was very nice as they helped each other on their projects. After the class was over, I placed an order on a yarn. You have to put a $ 5 deposit (no refunds) when you place an order, and I was told that I would be called in a week when my yarn would arrive. Well, one week turned into 3 weeks and I still did not receive a phone call. I called and spoke with Amy and I told her that I waited too long for my yarn and am not interested in getting my yarn anymore. Amy says she didn’t know what happened to my order, but they usually do NOT do refund on the deposit. However, she will help me out and will refund me and will mail me my receipt in the mail. Thank you Amy for such great customer service!

Yarn Love!
I used to never have a reason to browse and fondle gorgeous yarns because I just wasn’t that crafty. But then, thanks to a long road trip through Europe, I learned how to crochet.
Oh the glory of Article Pract! Yummy, delicious yarns and a thoroughly knowledgeable hostess of all things yarn, Christina, made for a great visit. I am still a beginner, so she helped me find the right book, and even suggested just going on youtube to learn for free. I wanted non-​hippie looking variegated skeins, and she found them for me. I needed a new needle after my cat chewed up the bamboo one– she got it for me. I wondered how to roll the yarn up– she showed me their special machine. I wondered if I was finishing my pieces off correctly– in fact, turns out I don’t need to knot it.
The location is so convenient, and I love supporting my local, woman owned businesses!

After unsuccessfully searching three stores prior to stopping into Article Pract, I will now stop here first for my knitting gear. I had about given up on finding knitting patterns when an individual, after overhearing me ask the clerk at Stone Mountain for a suggestion, stopped me in the parking lot and suggested I try «a knitting place near Telegraph and 51^st.» With only that information in hand, I trekked my way to Oakland and, eureka, did she ever lead me on to something good! If you need knitting patterns, or any assortment of knitting supplies, this is the place to go. I found wool to be more cost effective elsewhere, but nowhere else can compare with the pattern selection. The clerk also offered up the store’s yarn ball winder and was willing to share her expertise with a smile. Really rocking knitting joint!

This cozy little nook for crafty folks is worth a visit, especially if you sign up for a class. Though I wasn’t able to finish my session of Beginning Crochet, I was impressed with the 2 hour session with Kira. A great teacher, she walks you through each step, then makes you practice and gives one-​on-​one coaching. Students get a discount on supplies so it’s good to take advantage of their extensive selection. I will definitely be making up my class soon.

As a girl I watched my grandma crochet and she taught me how to make a chain stitch, but that was all I ever learned. I wanted to make baby things while I was pregnant and I bought books and a video to teach myself crochet. Needless to say it didn’t work out.
When I found Article Pract I jumped at the chance to take a class here so I could learn.
The beginner’s class was 4 hours long over two Sundays and it was a small class. We were started off and guided the as we worked on our projects (a bunny and a scarf). The bunny was a quick and easy first project and it felt great to «make something».
Kira was very patient and she checked our work to make sure we weren’t learning any bad habits. We all received a lot of one on one attention, which was great because I definitely needed help at the end of my rows. I was very impressed by her skill and knowledge… I had no idea there was so much technical work involved in crochet!
In the end I learned that sometimes it’s worth it to just take the time to go to a class. I enjoyed my time at Article Pract and I want to keep up my crochet skills. Hopefully I can take more classes here, they definitely have me hooked! ok… sorry for the cheesy word play! ;)

The update is for the class and for the employee who worked during my last class.
The good: I learned to knit! Hallelujah! I am terrible with anything spatial, and I can now follow a very (er, extremely?) simple pattern. The employee the second time I visited (for the class) was incredibly nice and helpful. I bought some beautiful Malabrigo wool yarn that I want to use to make a hat. Only… I haven’t been able to catch on to the whole circular knitting thing. I apparently need another class.
The not-​so-​good: The teacher, Kim, was overall a good teacher (I learned to knit, right?), but I didn’t catch on as quickly as others and I think she thought she was being funny to me, but it was actually really insulting (the lack of spatial skills is a learning disability I’ve struggled with for my whole life). She said, «I’ve taught adults with mental retardation how to knit. You can learn.» I don’t find being compared to someone who is retarded particularly helpful or kind. I’d never say that to a struggling student (I’m a teacher and tutor myself). So, overall I am satisfied. I’d take the intermediate class, but I think I’d prefer a different teacher — I’m sensitive and need someone a little more gentle ;)

I finally found a reason to go shopping at Article Pract — GIFT SHOPPING! I wasn’t sure what to get because I’m not a knitter or crocheter. The only kind of stitching or sewing I’ve done was way back in middle school for home ec. I made a special trip to Article Pract to try and get some good suggestions from people who know a thing or two about the subject. Helping a local Mom and Pop store would just be extra.
I visited Article Pract on a Saturday afternoon to look at the yarn since my Mom likes to make scarves. I thought I’d get enough high end specialty yarn for a scarf or two. An employee at the cashier asked me if I needed any help. I said that I was specifically looking for a gift even though I had no clue about crocheting. She highly discouraged me from buying any yarn as a gift because it’s such a specific thing for crocheters. Instead she recommended me getting a book. She went over to the book shelf and recommended a crocheting book along with a daily crocheting pattern book. Another customer overheard us and recommended another crocheting book. Out of the three selections I decided buy two of the books. Strangely enough the customer ended up being way more helpful than the employee.
The next day I presented the book gifts to my Mom but she said he had already checked out the same books from the library. It turns out that the patterns were too difficult and time consuming for her. So I, like anyone would, graciously took the gifts back to get a refund, store credit, or exchange.
I drive back the NEXT DAY Sunday afternoon. The person working the store is not the same employee as I had met the day before. I tell her that I would like a refund or store credit or basically anything for the books. She says that the store policy is that there are no store returns on all books.
I stated my case that:
1) I had just been there a day before
2) I had no clue about crocheting, so there was no reason to copy patterns from the book
3) I told the employee that I was specifically looking for a gift
4) The employee didn’t state the store policy to me when I purchased the books.
5) The employee had highly recommended getting a book as a present instead of yarn (a product that could have been returned)
The lady said there was nothing she could do. I asked for the manager and she stated that she was the manager.
«Who helped you yesterday? Did she have red hair or brown hair?» says the manager.
«She had brown hair,» I replied.
«Ohhhhh.»
Just what does that mean? So clearly now I’m thinking that the employee is new and didn’t know the store policy. Wouldn’t this be the store’s fault? Instead of accepting fault and making an exception the manager still doesn’t budge.
«There’s NOTHING you could do for me?» I asked.
«NOTHING.» she replied.
She then told me I could talk to the owner, Christina Stork. She gave me the owner’s business card. So I called the number on the card and it turns out it’s only the number for the store. The manager picked up and said that the owner is only at the store on Wednesday and Thursday. OH HOW CONVENIENT, two days out of the week! The email on the business card is only for the store too.
_​_​_​_​_​
I’m not as aggravated about spending my money as I am about the customer service. I go out of my way to drive to Oakland to help support a local business, but all I get is misguidance and a stern «NO». I feel swindled and duped. Two card monte? More like two book monte.
Shouldn’t the store policy be to make your customers happy? Not at Article Pract. I’m not returning EVER.

I love this yarn store. I’ve been to yarn stores all over California and in a couple foreign countries and Article Pract is definitely my favorite. They have a great mix of high end and more «utilitarian» yarns, a huge selection and a very nice sale section. When AP first came to Oakland I was completely thrilled — Straw into Gold had recently gone out of business and the stores in Berkeley and Piedmont were a little weird.
I know some people complain about the service, but they may not realize that most yarn stores give unbelievably terrible service — I have been snubbed, yelled at for touching yarn, completely ignored, and sneared at at various yarn stores. I have also had to wait in a half hour long line just to put in an order for a kit.
Personally, I’ve always gotten perfectly decent service at Article Pract, sometimes the cashiers are in their own little world and thinking about something else, but usually they can help me find a yarn and make some pleasant comment. They are very kid friendly and are nice even if I haven’t been in for a year and spend an hour just touching every yarn in the store then buying an $ 8 skein.

Hands down my favorite (and in my opinion the best) yarn store in the East Bay!
Article Pract has a knowledgeable and friendly staff, fantastically delightful variety of yarns and decent prices. I’ve been going to Article Pract for about 6 years now. They had a special little area under a table with kid’s toys which kept my then– 5 year old entertained. As she’s grown and learned to knit, my daughter loves to go there and paw yarn with me. Unlike some shops I’ve been in (in Pleasanton) no one corrected her or though she was about to ruin yarn.
I highly recommend this shop to anyone interested in yarn-​craft. There’s are a few great little eateries right next door as well so you can nibble, sip and then get your yarn fix in whichever order you like!
Parking can be a challenge (most likely you’ll have to park in the neighborhood above and walk around and down) unless you’re a co-​pilot and someone drops you and finds a place until you call them back. :)
Knit and crochet on!

This store was recommended by some local knitters I met in Oakland. It’s not that large, but stuffed to the gills with the most interesting yarns! They have handpainted yarns, fancy yarns, sock yarns, and everything in between. I browsed for quite some time and I was still fascinated. I believe the yarns are organized by weight. Prices are on-​par with other yarn shops I’ve been to. They have a clearance section near the back of the shop.
I showed massive restraint and ended up purchasing some Noro Silk Garden and Cascade 220.
The two young women working there were polite, but not super friendly. They informed me that they were busy and could not help me if I needed knitting help. That was odd, since I did NOT ask for knitting help. I’m an advanced level knitter and a certified yarn hoarder, even though I look like a college kid.
They have a back room which looks like a storage area. It has a table where you can work on your projects. Definitely a «warehouse» vibe… I wouldn’t feel comfortable knitting there at all. My advice is to go and pet the yarns, buy what you need, and find a cozy spot elsewhere to knit.