Knitting Basket

I visited the Knitting Basket recently, driving out all the way from Richmond on a weekend day, because I was looking for some high end yarn specified in the 2008 ThinkOutsideTheSox contest. Out here in the Boonies, we have Michael's and Joann's and neither of those chains carries the kinds of yarn I was looking for. I wasn't looking forward to visiting Montclair Village because of previous experiences (many!) - I generally don't like areas where people treat me like a menace because I'm not white. But, my husband and I ventured forth with our game faces on (he's white and British but finds racial profiling as odious as I do) and were pleasantly surprised by what we found.

The new owner of the Knitting Basket is not only more than aware of the kind of treatment I wasn't looking forward to through her own personal experience but more importantly is an intelligent and charming young woman with energy to spare. She is easy-going but focused and is looking to make the Knitting Basket a place for everyone to feel at home in.

The layout of the store works for me because, although there are new books and display samples of knitting and crochet projects in the front as you come in, the majority of the knitting and crocheting books and patterns are in the back of the store where there are comfortable and well-lit places to sit and peruse them at your leisure. The variety and extent of the collection of older patterns and books really thrilled me but all of the recent titles were there as well.

The yarns on display were well chosen and seductive to the eye and to the touch. The only thing which was hard on me was the fact that, being such a small shop, only so much could be on display. I was hoping for something more like Yarn Into Gold (which used to grace Berkeley with its presence but had to close some years ago because of the cheaper and ubiquitous chain stores coming along). That place was the size of a warehouse! These days, though, shops like that can't exist because of the comparatively small market they are serving. So, given all of that, I was impressed with the Knitting Basket's variety and presentation.

One of the things I loved about the experience was that the owner was able to shed some insider light on the contest I was looking to enter. That was very helpful. She is very easy and pleasant to talk to and was working on a crocheting project part of the time we were talking. She is not an expert knitter with decades of experience but what she lacks in time served she makes up for with curiosity and enthusiasm.

As another review of the shop has said elsewhere, the new owner has a lot of good ideas for the place including a window display contest. She is trying to maintain and expand the sense of community for people interested in knitting and crocheting which the old Knitting Basket began. I highly recommend giving the place and its new owner a try - I don't think you'll be sorry. :)

I love the new Knitting Basket in the Montclair Village (Oakland, CA). It has great staff that are very friendly and knowledgeable. I love the flow of the store and easy access to everything that I need. I would highly recommend their classes - especially for beginners (like me).

I was pleasantly surprised on my visit to the "New" Knitting Basket. The store is brighter and you can feel the new atmosphere. There are a host of great classes lined up. What I like most is the store is now organized in a logical manner with books to stimulate ideas up front. The books are also available. The new owner is knowledgeable and pleasant. Keep up the good work. That other store in Oakland may find me a distant memory.

Knitting has been my latest hobby that Ive picked up from a couple of my friends. They have also taken me to the Knitting Basket for their large selection of yarn in every color and textures. I didnt know there was such a big selection. The staff is friendly and they can help you select which yarn would be appropriate depending on what kind of project you are attempting to do.

After the closing of both Straw Into Gold and E-yarns in Berkeley, I ventured into the hills of Montclaire in search of yarn. What I found was a slightly overpriced, unfriendly yarn store. The store itself was on the small side and very crowded. There was noone behind the counter and the two salespeople were helping other customers. The salespeople never asked if I needed help though I stood in the middle of the store for a few minutes and I saw them look over at me. The next time I went to this store, I recieved the same (non)treatment.

PROS: very nice yarn
CONS: poor staff, crowded, unfriendly atmosphere

A must for the beginner. They truly give lots of help without just trying to sell you the farm. I am impressed by the endless knowledge of the staff. And they are alwas willing to help. For more advances knitsters, the selection is mind boggling. Run don't walk!

About a year ago I got the urge to learn how to knit. I saw advertisements for beginner classes in the window of the Knitting Basket in Montclair Village. I signed up and learned all the basics I needed to become a knitter. The Knitting Basket has a gorgeous selection of yarns and the staff is extremely knowlegable and welcomes customers to bring in projects for hands on help. The store switched owners in May and new owner Rachel has kept up the excellent service and selection. I was able to complete a babysweater thanks to the support of the Knitting Basket staff.