Craftworks — Local services in Northborough

This is more than a yarn store, even though that's why I was there. They have an excellent collection of yarns to choose from, well organized by weight and color, though it can be a little frustrating if you're trying to locate multiple colors of the same yarn. However the staff makes up for this with how friendly and helpful they are. They have good recommendations as well.

In addition to yarns, they have a collection of locally made goods. They have some home sewn items as well as local jellies, jams, and preserves. There are always a selection of baking mixes as well. There is a lot to choose from, giving the whole place a country craft vibe.

There are classes, workshops, and knit-alongs offered, as well as a program that offers badges for skill completion, which is a fun tie back to scouting days. The whole vibe is welcoming and enjoyable.

This also may not matter to some, but I've had some challenges being of a more alternative appearance in shops in the past because of my piercings, tattoos, and less conventional fashion. Perhaps it's the lack of constantlu wearing knit goods... Mostly this comes in the form of people expecting I know nothing about crafting, but it gets under my skin because I've been knitting for over 15 years, though I don't keep much of what I make or only use it with historic dress. However, here I've been given a good reception, and while there have been questions about my experience, it's never an assumption, and generally it's with the express purpose of guiding me towards selections that would meet my needs, or to suggest ideas for new techniques or tools that would appeal to my skill level. It's a...

I am so pleased that I found Craftworks in Northboro, MA, a few years ago! Several of the beautiful and unique items in the gift shop grace my home & garden, and my daughters’ homes in Maine and Germany. The offerings are ever-changing, and run from handcrafted jewelry, to holiday decorations, to uniquely crafted and useful home & garden items. Craftworks has become my go-to shop for gifting for the holidays!

In addition, as a recently-retired teacher, I was looking for a community to bond with, and some support to return to a long-put-off hobby: knitting! I signed up for a knitting class mid-pandemic, and was delighted when a space opened up in March 2021. The class, Beginner & Beyond, is designed to meet learners where they are in a friendly and welcoming environment. The talented instructors are dedicated to teaching skills and encouraging class participants to take a risk, while supporting them in a kind and positive manner. They also offer free knitting/crocheting Drop-In Socials to meet new people at all knitting/crocheting levels, make new friends with a common interest, and get a little help on your current project. The shop is well-stocked with all types, weights, and colors of yarn, books and patterns, an assortment of buttons, and a wide variety of needles and knitting supplies.

Craftworks is a local gem, and I encourage area residents to stop in and peruse the gift shop, sign up for a knitting or crocheting class, make new friends, and ‘shop locally’ to support this exceptional local business! (Check their website for other art & fiber...

I was so impressed with the selection of yarn. I believe I met the owner on my second visit and she is professional and courteous. I wanted to attend classes several months ago but was told the regulars didn't sign up for the next set of classes and that they (employee), would call me in 2 weeks. I never got a call and checked back by phone. The same employee said they still didn't hear back. The second visit was more about the yarn than my wanting to take a class. The only criticism I have is about being escorted through the store and being asked questions about being email subscribed and what yarn I purchased in the past. I have visited other yarn shops in the region and was not treated this way. I live in the Boston region and enjoy visiting small yarn shops in this area because of their unique taste in some of the best yarns. Of all the shops traveled I prefer one in Harvard and I have enough stock to know which I can buy online. To be fair, I understand the stress of challenging times before us. But I also understand that treating all customers with kindness is paramount to the success of any business. In closing, the owner has done a great job building a solid business with a good yarn selection and staff seem knowledgeable about knitting and yarn selections, overall. So I encourage anyone who loves to knit to go there and see for yourself. It's definitely...