
Modern Yarn, formerly of Church Street in Montclair, has reopened at 182 Glenridge Avenue, just a few steps from their old digs. Co-owner Paige Sato explains the move: “We had decided not to renew our expensive lease, thinking we would be able to find another spot before our lease expired.” When that didn’t happen, vendors were notified and the liquidation sale began, with the closing date set for June 1. Then, two weeks before they were set to close, a new spot became available right in town and everyone was notified of the good news. Modern Yarn was re-born on in its new location on August first.
So what’s different about the new Modern Yarn? “We always joked that we could turn our old space into a bowling alley if the yarn store didn’t work out,” says Sato. Now, she says, Modern Yarn is a space to come in to and say “Ahhh.” With two seating areas, customers can now work comfortably solo or in a group. As an added bonus, the former tenant left behind some antiques to be sold on commission, so there are very unique fixtures to complement the wonderful colors and textures of the yarn.
With two other yarn shops in town, how does Modern Yarn compete? “We try not to duplicate ourselves yarn wise, “ say Sato. “It doesn’t do anybody any good to have repetitive stores.” Modern Yarn is the official “stockist” for Rowan yarns in the area. They also carry Blue Sky Alpaca, Manos, Noro, and Koigu, to name a few. According to their website, Modern Yarn also carries many yarns that support local economies in South America, Nepal and Vietnam, as well as Eco-conscious knitting tools and accessories.
If you’re intimidated when walking into a local yarn store for the first time, Sato has some advice. “ Assess the store when you come in. If you get a good vibe, ask questions. People are willing to share what they know.” If you don’t get a good vibe, keep looking. “Find the spot where you belong.”
Find out if you belong at Modern Yarn at their weekly Stitch 'n Bitch group knitting event, Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Store Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri:
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tue, Thu:
11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat:
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun:
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.