Halcyon Yarn is one of my favorite yarn shops. It's definitely an old school knitting and weaving shop, still stocking a lot of yarn on cones, and having disproportionately more fine, synthetic, and cotton yarns as compared to a shop more focused on knitting -- because knitters tend to favor thicker, quicker animal fiber and synthetic yarns while weavers tend prefer lighter, finer cotton yarns. That said, they carry a respectable variety of classic New England wool knitting yarns -- Bartlett, Harrisville, Peace Fleece, Jaggerspun -- and a few of the trendier luxury yarn lines -- Debbie Bliss and Malabrigo, among others. But what I like most about them is actually criticized by other reviewers. As a male knitter, the thing I despise about visiting yarn stores elsewhere is the constant attention I get. There are stores I have walked out of without buying yarn, never to return, because the staff have stalked me around the store as I browsed as if they're afraid I will snatch a hank of cashmere and bolt for the door. At Halcyon, they nod at me when I walk in and then leave me alone to shop, trusting me to come up to the counter if I have a question. Other shops treat me as a freak or an idiot because I'm a male knitter; the staff at Halcyon trusts that I know what I'm doing. That said, every time I have had a question, the staff have been incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, and every time I visit the area and can make time, I visit Halcyon. read more

What a fantastic experience at Halcyon. Love the open area with old wood cubbies stuffed with yarns. Loved the story cards for each yarn with explanation and suggested patterns. Loves the huge selection of comedy yarns and specialty luxury yarns like silk n cashmere. Friendly staff that let's you shop without interruption or able to help anytime you are ready. They have mail order too so the catalog will be great to order from. Huge selection of spinning and weaving yarns, fibers and tools n looms. What a great place. I didn't want to leave. read more

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Awesome selection and great customer service. We enjoyed our stop today and look forward to more trips to the area so we can pop in.

Since I didn't finally learn to knit before leaving home, I'd never actually been in here before, so yesterday we stopped in. So much yarn! I think they have at least as much yarn as Mass Ave Knit Shop, but they more room to display it in (being an old warehouse building), including tall, tall shelves that you have to use a ladder to reach. I managed NOT to buy any gemstone silk laceweight despite its sheer gorgeousness (I'm intimidated by laceweight) but did get a big skein of deep-purple Swans Island yarn in fingering weight--it will make an amazing shawl. I also got a copy of the equipment catalog and gave my address for the yarn catalog. read more

Stopped here in our way up to Acadia and Bar Harbor. The location of the shop is easy to find and there was plenty of parking. The yarn selection is nice....really nice if you weave. The shop is fairly large and since none of the people working their talked to me it was a little hard for me to navigate. I still don't understand how the shop is arranged. Customer service is why I am giving the store 4 stars and not 5. I was in the shop for a good 25 minutes before any of the people working there even spoke to me and that was only because I asked where the bathroom was for my daughter. Finally, an older lady asked me if I needed help and offered me a basket to carry my large amount of yarn in. I don't like pushy sales people but I expect more from a yarn shop. Knitters on the whole are a friendly bunch and I have come to expect chit chat when you got into a store. read more

Halcyon Yarn - Fabric Stores Near Me - Bath, Maine

I don't know anything about yarn, I was in Halcyon looking for acid dye and they had it. In fact, they had several different kinds. This was nice but one kind had a price and no instructions, but another brand had instructions and no price. I found the people working there to be very helpful and I ultimately bought two different kinds. If either of these dyes does what I want, I'm sure I'll go back. While I was wandering around I looked at the yarn and I had no idea there were so many colors and types of yarn. I wanted to ask someone there to make me a sweater but I restrained myself. read more

So much to see! Nice yarns and kits. Helpful staff. Now will be order online when i return home and visualize inventory. Got a beautiful needle holder made locally in Maine. read more

I generally buy my rug yarn online from Halcyon, but couldn't resist the opportunity to see the shop in person. So glad I did. The person who waited on me took the time to walk me through other yarns that I had never considered. It was a real treat! read more

I have been an online customer of halycon yarn in the past and am a returning customer. The web site is easy to navigate, the shipping prices are not too out of line (as in other sites where I tried to purchase cotton rug warp for a weaving project) and I enjoy using the sample cards that can be purchased. read more

Simply put, this is knitting nirvana - wonderful variety in their stock, and the yarns are arranged and displayed well in the store, making it pretty straightforward to find what you're looking for. The women who work here are incredibly knowledgeable and are more than happy to help and give suggestions if you ask. Whenever I'm in Maine, this is on my list of places to go, and the last time I went I was able to stock up on some really nice local yarns as well as one of my favorite alpaca yarns. This is a real gem, and there are lots of cute little places to grab a bite and a coffee in the Bath area. Given that I live in NYC and have ample access to an absurd number of shops here, it says I lot that I still find myself preferring the experience at Halcyon. read more

Halcyon Yarn has an absolutely fantastic selection of yarns, weaving supplies, and much more; and it's such a treat to browse through the store. Their website for online ordering could be improved, and take a careful look at the return policy before ordering. read more

I placed an order on 10-20-11 and as of 10-25-11 have not received an email letting me the order has been shipped. This is not acceptable especially considering I was charged 15.99 for shipping. I probabv ly will never order here again read more

Fabulous!!! They have something here for every needlework need. I bought some wonderful weaving books and my friend bought yarn. I would have purchased some hook rug supplies if I didn't have to fly it home. read more

I excited to find a gift for my mother, something she has been looking for Years! It gives me basic information about the yarns which is good because I don't know to this. The catalogs are very colorful, with wonderful fiber goodness on every page. They have all the yarn crafts and supplies in one place and their customer service is EXCELLENT! service is fast, and the quality is always good. Great customer service!! , i can wholeheartedly recommend your company. read more

the business tactics here are unethical. I purchased 1/2 lb of silk at a much higher price than what it stated it cost on the bin. for 1 lb. Unfortuantely i left before I discovered it and when i called they said that the computer dictates what they charge. i asked to be reimbursed because there was no way for me to know that and they wouldn't hear it. They were very corporate like. I would not patronize them again. much as i like to support local business, I will steer clear of being treated in such a manner. read more

Big disappointment. I have been enjoying and purchasing from their catalog so was eager to visit the store. Unfortunately no one was remotely eager to help. In fact, I felt downright unwelcome. No one made eye contact. No one offered to help. One sales person disappeared to her office. The other was in quiet but mirthful conversation with a friend. Well, at least I saved probably $100. read more

In answer to the people who gave Halcyon Yarn two stars for unfriendliness: I've shopped here many times in the last several years, and it is one of my two favorite yarn stores (the other being Knitty City in NYC). While no one may greet you at the door or approach you to ask if you want help at Halcyon Yarn, if you have a question you can just go up to someone and ask, and you'll get plenty of friendly assistance and advice. As for the goods in the store, this is NOT your frou-frou LYS fthat specializes in small-batch gluten-free yak/guanaco yarn, handpainted in Brooklyn at $78.99 the quarter-ounce. You want to go here for Peace Fleece, Harrisville, and other stuff like God intended folks to knit sweaters and hats out of, and in lots of colors too (they have fancy fibers also, I should add -- I just don't knit in them). You don't have to feel like you are from the wrong side of the tracks if you just want something for a nice basic cardigan. They also have Yarn Store in a Box, which is a ton of sample cards of all different brands, weights, and fibers. This means you can show the sample card of the yarn of your choice to someone for whom you want to knit something, and they can pick the color(s). I'm sure that everyone who lives in midcoast Maine and knits has already been to Halcyon Yarn, so it remains for me to recommend it to everyone who drives through Bath on Route 1. It's easy to find. If you are with a non-fiber-oriented person, drop him or her off at Cafe Creme on Front St. read more

I dream about my next trip to Bath, Maine, and Halcyon Yarn. I have heard wonderful things about this shop, so last summer I made the trip up from the Boston area to visit. The shop was quite busy with customers when I first arrived, which was fine because I needed to get my bearings. I made several rounds of the shop, picking up the Harrisville, Briggs & Little, and Bartlett Yarns that I'd come to buy. By the time I got to the register, the store had cleared out, so the cashiers spent some time telling me where I could get a bite to eat and a coffee to drink. I left my purchases in the car, then spent a few hours in town before returning for another pass through Halcyon. The ladies recognized me but left me alone until I needed help, then they were quite friendly. You know, I wonder if the people who don't like the fact they weren't greeted in a friendly way aren't used to New Englanders, who can appear to be cold and unfriendly, when the truth is, they don't want to bother someone or interfere. Of course, once I ask for help, I do like a friendly demeanor, but I'm not put off if the salespeople wait till I approach them. read more

Absolutely the best. I've been buying yarns for years, and recently took up weaving, and they've held my hand through the whole process, even replacing my original loom purchase, with one that was my suited to my skill and project level. Thumbs up, I will continue to be a devoted customer read more

I'm with the lady from CA on customer service at Halcyon. I live in Maine and have purchased several gift cards for friends and family who knit but when I went into the store found you are ignored and when you do ask for help they are rude and almost irritated to help. Hey, if you have a job shouldn't you be happy and especially if it is working with materials you love and are happy to use. VERY DISSAPPOINTED in their employees! read more

Halcyon is my favorite go to source for yarns, both mail order and in person. Orders arrive quickly and accurately (sometimes even the next day!). And their annual fall open house is not to be missed for fiber fans--door prizes, surprise discounts, and too many beautiful yarns. They carry a wide range of basics and luxury yarns, as well as fibers for spinners, rug hooking and felting. read more

I have ordered 2 times from this company and have yet to actually get any yarn. first time they did not have yarn yet the site did not say so and allowed me to order. they said it could be months before yarn available. tried again last week. same thing, yarn now on back order for 2-4 weeks. im starting to get real upset.. read more

I was surprised in this fifth or sixth visit to find much less stock, empty yarn shelves on one wall of the pattern room, and it seems odd that they are becoming a Jo Sharp retailer. They were very helpful and welcoming, as always. read more

I love having a yarn shop in downtown Bath, no other store in the immediate area (that I know of) offers yarn until you get into the Topsham/Brunswick area. Halcyon has a lovely selection of yarn, pattern books, needles and more, and it has a knowledgeable staff. Past reviewers have mentioned having problems with the staff be standoffish, however, I was both greeted and offered assistance by multiple employees. The average price range, as far as I can recall, was around $11.95-$32 a skein (not including sale items), but if you buy in bulk, (8 skeins or more), the price per skein is typically lowered a dollar or two. It's important to be aware that this isn't like a Joann's or Michael's craft store, if you come here looking for yarn for a project, you're going to get great quality but also a price tag to match. read more

I placed an order for a Christmas stocking PATTERN and received an email the day after I ordered it saying it was on back order and could take 4 weeks for me to get it. It's a PATTERN... a piece of paper with writing on it. I shouldn't have to wait any for that... Other companies are set up where you can download it after you place the order. I should have used those companies. This is ridiculous! If I don't get it in the next few days I'm calling to get my $ back!!!!!! read more

A couple of summers ago, I made a detour at the request of my friend, and was delighted to discover this beautiful store in a great old building. In addition to lovely yarns, they have a beautiful supply of fibers for felting and spinning. This spring and fall we made the trek from Massachusetts to attend some felting workshops. The spring 1 day workshop with a local fiber artist was truly great. We returned in October for a 3 day class with a visiting artist from Australia - an extraordinary, expansive experience! The workshops are well priced, and include store discounts - a great value, enhanced by the skill and generosity of the instructors. The Halcyon staff was very helpful before and during our visit - fielding questions on supplies, accomodations, etc. We plan to make classes at Halcyon a regular event! read more

I recently made a special trip to Halcyon yarns. I was very excited to go and see the store since they have such a great catalog. I made this trip from Connecticut, about four hours away. I asked a woman named Deb if she was getting a pattern since she was looking through the pattern file cabinet. She looked at me really pissed off and said rudely "I am with a customer!" I waited at the counter for another sales woman who was there. She acted as if I wasn't there and couldn't be bothered so I walked around the store and came back. This woman finally got the pattern for me. I came with a list of things to buy, about 500.00 worth. I was so offended and upset by the way I was treated I left the pattern in the basket and walked out of the store. The staff has a terrible attitude and Deb couldn't be bothered to acknowlege my existance for the twenty minutes I walked around the store. Also, the store was not busy with only three other customers. I see that there have been other complaints. Looks like Ms. Halcyon is losing business. Maybe after being in business since 1971 she just doesn't care anymore. I know about how important good customer service is as I run a pottery business and perform as a professional harpist. You need to pay attention to your customers and be pleasant. Needless to say I will take my business elsewhere. read more

fFirst time using this sight found it to very easy,great selection of weaving will shop here again

Beautiful yarns in up to date colors and textures. I have been a buyer since about 1983 or so. Off and on! I have to say their online ordering system is kind of funky. You can't change the amount of what you want to order once the item is in the cart. You have to remove it and then go back to the item description and add it again. I had to make dinner and I left my computer open to the cart page. When I went back about 45 minutes later, my cart was empty. But when I went to re-order everything it included the totals from the cart that I'd started before cooking dinner. So I couldn't change the numbers in the cart- had to remove everything and go back and re-enter everything. It would also be nice if they put the color number and name on the color sample square. It is hard to hold up a cone of yarn that I have here at home and decide if it is the one I think it is on the monitor. Also, in the yarn I purchased, there is no color name or number on the cone. How can you tell what it is after 5 months of the actual original order and the receipt is long gone. Maybe a "my account" would help. It would keep a history of your orders. They may have one but I don't know about it yet. read more