The Yarn Cupboard, Jamesville, NY

Every time I visit this utterly charming, (and definitely hard-core!) gem of a yarn shop, I love it more. I even love nearing the tiny, quaint corner of upstate New York, the historic hamlet of Jamesville, just to the south of Syracuse.  I made my first visit in September when Miss Laura and I were on our road trip. It was doubly adorable this past weekend when I visited Yarn Cupboard with my sister-in-law; with the autumn leaves in full color, little Jamesville looked like something out of Currier and Ives. (I could hardly be expected to make an airport pick-up without stopping in, now could I??)

Tucked in to a little house next to Sweet Salvage (incredible in its own right), you’ll find a true jewel of  a yarn shop. Owner Susan Miller has focused on Danish yarns (squeal!), like Isager, Geilsk and Wool Folk. Delicately dyed in gorgeously subtle colors, many are available in sweater lengths. I spotted Blue Sky Fibres, Spud & Chloe, Swan’s Island and Shibui in various weights all packed cozily into this little cottage of delights. Yarn Cupboard also stocks a wide variety of Holiday Yarns dyed by the talented Jennifer who is our neighbor at the Sterling Renaissance Festival. I’m currently enjoying her amazing Flock Sock yarn with its incredible hosiery twist. Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and Loft make an appearance as does the dulcet Lotus. Having exercised great restraint, I arrived home with enough Isager Alpaca Merino for a pretty knitted T that I’ve had in mind, plus an extra skein of Wool Folk to finish my Aurora scarf (and, yes! I managed to match the dye lot!).

Then there’s the button collection. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this broad a selection of buttons in one place, certainly not in a yarn shop! There are buttons in all sizes, moods and materials, nicely organized and easy to shop. Your only problem will be overcoming “option paralysis”!

Here’s the best part: Yarn Cupboard is closer than you think. If you’re in Kingston, Ontario, this is a very pleasant 2 hour drive that can be combined with a trip to Joann’s Fabrics or Marshall’s and only about 15 minutes from the airport. Honestly, well worth the drive! I know I’ll be spending many an afternoon there when I’m at Sterling this summer. As an added incentive, definitely stop at Robbie T’s right around the corner for the absolute best calzone in the history of the universe! (Get both cheeses, pepperoni and sauce on the side!) You’re welcome!

Yarn Cupboard