Sophie's Yarns

I really want to like Sophie's Yarn. I go there all the time to browse, but somehow never end up buying anything. They have some of the basic yarns: Cascade, Rowan, etc... but i am never wowed by anything beyond the basics. They have a selection beyond what i mentioned - this isn't a store just filled with basic wools - but nothing that has ever really wowed me.

They also stopped carrying metal circulars (although i believe they still have a few Addi Turbos) which is difficult for me, as metal needles are much cheaper than their bamboo and hardwood counterparts. The prices are on par for this city - a little on the expensive side, but not unreasonable.

I think Sophie's is a great resource for people learning to knit - their class list seems to cover all the good topics, but I cannot comment on the quality, having never taken one. I would however, recommend that you go there for yourself and check out the yarn. Everyone's tastes are different, and mine are just not drawn to Sophie's as much as other places in the city.

I've always wanted to learn how to knit, so I signed up for the Basic Knitting class at Sophie's Yarns. Over the course of 4 sessions (1 per week) you learn all the basic skills every beginning knitter needs to know and even come out with a hat at the end! SY also offers workshops on select Sundays so you can continue to develop your skills.

I'm very glad I took this class and would definitely recommend it to a friend. The owner and staff at SY are very helpful, knowledgable, and patient. Even after the class is over, they are more than willing to give you help/advice on your next knitting project, which is invaluable to a beginning knitter like myself.

It's very pretty and friendly, but doesn't have a great selection. I loved all the Cascade and Rowan they had, but there didn't seem to be too much else that caught my eye.

The layout is very chic and artsy, but also a little bit cold. It's not as inviting as Loop or Rosie's.

This place was the place that renewed my love for knitting. The place is cute and cozy. Many different types of yarn, some even on sale at times. They offer classes and you can linger all you want at the store asking questions.

The down fall is that the place is dusty and has a bunch of cats roaming about. Not good when you are allergic to them.

I lived across from Sophie's Yarns for the year that I lived in Philly. I would always look at the cute window displays and cozy interior and think, I really should take a class there. Sadly, I never got around to it... but my mom did! Well, she really had more of a private tutorial. :)

My mom came to visit me for a week and had some down time while I was tied up with some other things. Capitalizing on the proximity of Sophie's yarns, she marched right in and met the owner, Jennifer, who offered her a private knitting tutorial. Jennifer even came in on a day they were usually closed in order to work with my mom since she was only in town for a limited time. Jennifer is amazing (I came in to meet her, too)! She gave my mom one-on-one instruction (and great conversation) and even arranged to see her again when my mom needed another class.

So even though I didn't ever get a class in at Sophie's Yarns, my mom had a great experience there. Thanks to Jennifer, she is knitting away to this day back in St. Louis!

Yes, this shop is small, but it has all the basics plus a few fun things. I picked up a couple of Plymouth yarns that I haven't seen anywhere else (Plymouth Earth Ecco Cashmere & Plymouth Homestead). The owner had a shop pattern for a really cute hat made from the cashmere. I am from California, so finding some "local" yarns is great! The shop was neat, the owner friendly, and overall it was a great experience. Another plus is the location on Phila's Fabric Row. I would definitely stop in the next time I'm in town.

I think this place is no longer in business. I walked up and down S. 4th St. last week looking for it :(