Shop Review: Queen of Purls

Shop Name: Queen of Purls

Address: 91 Saltmarket, Glasgow, G1 5LE 

Website: http://www.thequeenofpurls.com/ 

Do they sell online? No

Easy to get to?  It's near Glasgow Green, about 10 minutes walk from St Enoch Underground Station and 15 minutes from Central Station

What's the Shop like? 
Queen of Purls is a multi-coloured yarn beacon on the Saltmarket; an independent shop stocking a carefully selected range of yarns and accessories for all types of wool crafts. It's a welcoming environment and much-needed at this side of town. A relatively new enterprise, it opened in May 2014. It's a bit off the main shopping thoroughfare, but not far to walk.

 

If you are looking for a shop that stocks real wool in beautiful colours rather than acrylic-based yarns in pastel colours - this shop is for you. The selection of yarn and accessories is aimed at those who love the experience of wool crafts, such as the KnitPro needles and hooks (which are a joy to use) and a tempting range of wool. The products have been selected by the owner Zoe because she loves to use them herself. This care and attention is evident in the choice of product and handmade woollen decorations which adorn the shop.

Joyful Jamieson's of Shetland yarns

If you want to learn something new or connect with other crafters, they run well-priced weekend classes and have a craft night on a Thursday.

 Natural and undyed wool tops, sold by weight

What can I buy there?
A vast range of Drops yarn (my favourite brand) plus Jamiesons of Shetland in many stunning colours and other Scottish and British yarns. They sell double pointed needles, circulars and crochet hooks from Knit Picks (including tips for the interchangeable needle sets) plus bamboo DPNs and crochet hooks by Brittany, Addi circulars and also needles from Hiyahiya. They have wool tops for felting and spinning.

A central table holds a smorgasbord of yarn deliciousness: multi-coloured Drops and Mini Mochi, Arucania, Schoppel Wolle Zauberballs and more. They also sell patterns, with a focus on Scottish designers.

 

What's the best thing to buy there?  

Of course I'm going to say Drops, which starts at £1.60 for a 50g ball of wool blend and pure wool from £2 a ball. The Opal variegated sock yarn is popular as are the wool tops. The half day classes are not expensive (all listed on the website) and look like a good way to learn a new craft, from felting to expanding your knitting skills.

Sum it up
A great range of yarns from the pocket-friendly to the more luxurious, plus supplies for felting and spinning if you fancy branching out, and classes to teach you how to do it.

This is one of a series of reviews of fabric and wool shops in Glasgow. See more here. All posts are independent and represent my own opinions.