Some yarn shop visits feel like errands. Other visits feel like small, perfect moments you wish you could bottle up and keep! That’s how I felt about my time at Center of the Yarniverse in Ashland, Virginia.
Ashland, Virginia is a suburb of Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth, and isn’t too far from my home. Still, it took me years to get to this shop! Whether I was visiting friends or attending events at Randolph-Macon, the timing never quite worked out for me to visit Center of the Yarniverse during its open hours. I’m so glad I finally made it.
Ashland itself is quaint and adorable. It’s the kind of town that makes you want to wander, window-shop, and just slow down. I can imagine strolling by Center of the Yarniverse, peering in through those big picture windows stuffed full of yarn, and wanting to learn to knit immediately!
Center of the Yarniverse
The shop is airy and welcoming, with sunlight pouring in and shelves thoughtfully arranged. The yarn is organized by weight, a practical detail I appreciated since I already had a project in mind.
Center of the Yarniverse is also a Circulo flagship store, which made it especially fun to browse fibers and colorways I don’t always see elsewhere. Though it was spacious and had several customers, everything felt calm and curated. I felt comfortable lingering, even planting myself on the floor by a low shelf to touch skeins and add up yardage.
I was a bit envious of the multiple workspaces in the shop. There’s one by the windows up front and another, larger one in the back. It made the shop feel like a living room for knitters and crocheters and I could imagine myself there weekly if I lived just a bit closer.
The Yarn
It took some time because the options were plentiful, but I found what I was looking for. I ended up with 3 skeins of Berroco Tillie in Cream. It’s a 70% cotton/30% cupro blend. I’ve never worked with cupro, but the yarn has beautiful drape. It also has a chainette construction, which I love!
I’m planning to use it for Siri, a beautifully simple shrug pattern from Essentially Feminine Knits: 25 Must-Have Chic Designs by Lene Holme Samsøe. It will be my first project of the new year.
The Friendly Faces
Even as a first-time customer, I felt a real sense of welcome. The staff here deserves real praise! Not every shop I’ve visited has been so warm.
Everyone at Center of the Yarniverse was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Even though I could tell this place gets busy (and one employee mentioned that weekends can be especially bustling), everyone who needed help got it quickly and it was thorough.
At the checkout, I learned that yarn-winding is free with purchase. Then came the little joys that made the visit extra memorable. First, I got to choose a stitch marker! It’s a small token, but with how quickly I lose mine, I appreciated it greatly. Then I got to choose from a variety of individually packaged Stash teabags. The reference made me chuckle. I loved it. I can’t think of anything cozier than knitting my next project while sipping on hot tea.
The last surprise was an entry into a monthly drawing for $25. All customers who bring their own bag or skip taking one get entered! This thoughtful detail gave me a peek into the shop’s values and I’m all in!
The Takeaway
Center of the Yarniverse is a shop that gets the balance just right with a beautiful space, excellent organization, warm service, thoughtful extras, and a genuine sense of community. The capable staff and the tiny details they built into the shopping experience put this shop on my personal list of favorites.
I have a feeling I’ll be back sooner rather than later!
Plan Your Visit
Center of the Yarniverse
112 England Street
Ashland, VA 23005
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