Connecticut Yarn & Wool Company (CYWC) is home to the complete palette of Farmhouse Yarns - bumpy, subtle, soft, wools (and other types) - dyed in color so beautiful to look edible (luscious). CYWC has two locations - 85 Bridge Rd., before the swing bridge that leads to the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, and an outlet location at 25 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Both stores are brimful of tactile delights for anyone who loves to knit, crochet, felting, or related fiber arts. Artists will revel in the paintbox effect - wall-to-wall pure color and textures.
A good selection of quality yarns (other than Farmhouse) is offered, too, along with knitting needles, quality buttons, designer totes, and other must-haves. Twist of Fate Spinnery of Portland yarns (such as the half alpaca/wool) is among the delights made in Connecticut, available at the store.
Suzanna Mayhugh was working and knitting up a hot pink variegated toddler jacket at the Madison outlet location. Inside the shop there was a 40 percent off all yarn (Sunday) sale going on.
Sales vary at each location, so be sure to pick up a free brochure calendar listing goodies such as 50 percent off fill-a-bag yarns and free Mardi Gras beads. And the outlet store (Madison) is not open on Monday and Tuesday; call ahead to verify hours.
More about the free workshops, knitting help, great teachers, and the entrepreneur (and passionate knitter) behind the creation of Farmhouse Yarns, in an upcoming profile story. (She knows her sheep by name and yes, she has her own Connecticut flock.)
Worth a drive to spend time inside with all the colors, especially in late winter, going into spring.
