makers mercantile

Oh my goodness. I need more superlatives! This is one outstanding store for fiber artisans. Calling it a craft store would be a disservice. I deliberately planned a detour to go here after reading all the reviews here and on Ravelry.com. I was on my way home from Fiber Fusion in Monroe, and was tired, but got a pick-me-up just by walking into the store. I was greeted by Betsey, who was extremely helpful and friendly, showing me where everything was located. Including the bakery and espresso bar. Yep. In-house.I checked out the yarn, the spinning fiber, the fabric, the buttons, the patterns, the felting and dyeing supplies. Then I wandered around the yarns some more. I checked out the wonderful lounge, where people can go to eat the goodies they've bought at the bakery or just get together to talk and knit. And yes, I checked out the restroom, which was spotless.The store is extremely spacious and well organized. The staff is very friendly and eager to help. It was surprisingly busy for a Sunday, and Lysa, the manager,and Betsey were kept extremely busy. But they were friendly and helpful to everyone, and were always patient.The selections of everything were fantastic. It truly is an artist's nirvana. With espresso. I wish it wasn't so far away from me, but you can be sure that if I'm ever in the area again, anywhere within an hour, I'll be making another stop there. Yarn, fiber, bakery, espresso. Perfection.

I have been to this shop several times and I appreciate the selection of yarn available. The ladies who work there are always knowledgable and helpful on my search for fiber items. What is unique about this shop: -selection of buttons (so many!)-gluten free bakery options! (Coffee isn't that great according to my sweetheart)-fabric selection! (Not much, but if you are making a bag or purse and need fabric they have some on hand. They also have a lot of individual classrooms.

The person providing the review above is unbalanced. I witnessed her gesticulating wildly in front of the employee in question, and voice was most DEFINITELY raised. I was standing at the counter being rung up by the "clerk" who helped me a great deal when purchasing yarn and needles to make a pattern. And the "clerk" never said she "hated" her at all. She politely asked the customer not to mistreat the staff. Please don't ruin a good business' reputation because your life isn't as wonderful as you'd like.

Used to love this store but experience today ruined it all. I complained that the sales clerk had forgotten to charge for my breakfast sandwich which may have been why 35 to 40 minutes after I ordered it I had not received it. I was upset and tone of voice showed it but I did not attack clerk. I did not use foul language or yell. Clerk proceeded to lecture me as though a child and concluded by telling me that every time I came in the store I was awful and that all the other clerks hated me. I have been in store often and do not recall seeing this clerk before. I feel humiliated by frontal attack on me as a person and left store in tears. I am embarrassed to return