Baaad Anna’s

Baaad Anna’s signage says «Not Your Mama’s Yarn Store.» Funnily enough, this is my ma’s yarn store all thanks to a serendipitous visit on a lazy Sunday after eating lunch in the neighbourhood.
We strolled in so that I could browse for yarn for a future toque, and looking at the sample projects inspired my mom to take up knitting again after 20+ years of, well, not knitting. The person working there that day was incredibly patient and helpful, telling us about the knitting community and resource online (Ravelry), teaching me how to spin my own yarn cake (I didn’t know they were called cakes! :D), and pointing us to the different types of yarn for our projects.
They have a great variety of locally and internationally produced yarn. My favourite so far has to be the Malabrigo Rasta (think rich, deep colours in a soft merino wool). They also offer lots of classes, and have very patiently provided my mom with answers to her knitting questions many a time since that day. A huge and sincere thank you to all of the Baaad Anna’s staff for everything that you do!

I found the store very messy on a recent visit. Lots of things were half unpacked in boxes. I was looking to knit a child’s sweater but it was a challenge to find two skeins of the same colour a — lots of lonely singles on display still at full price. While there was an impressive variety of brands the store needs more organization. Perhaps it was an off day being a week or so after Christmas, but I won’t be rushing back.

Came here to get some yarn and information on some stich and bitches as I am getting more into knitting, however, my GF loves it. Very friendly staff, friendly people and they’re willing to teach if you want to get into it. Very good prices.

I took a felting class here, and have been supplying my wooly addictions with their materials ever since.
What can I say? I’m hooked.
The shop hosts many classes for beginners and seasoned crafters, and the staff are really friendly and helpful. Knitting, felting, crochet? All that jazz.
Selection varies, as they do sometimes sell out of one thing and replace it with another, but overall it seems pretty good for a small shop! I haven’t found any other suppliers of felting wool with as much variety in town, and I feel better shopping here than at some massive craft supply warehouse, so good things all around I guess?

This is a cute little shop with some local yarns. Not the hugest selection of yarns, but some options in each weight category and a lovely array of colours. Didn’t need help, but the personae working there did offer and was friendly. Will be happy to go back on future.

Baaad Anna’s is an excellent addition to the neighbourhood, and the homey feel of the store fits right into the the Hastings Sunrise area. Anna (the owner) is really nice and helpful, and her staff and knowledgeable. They have a nice selection of yarn, fibre, and accessories, and host fun events like fibre «Trunk Shows».

Some great yarn in stock, from larger brands to local dyers. Can’t give it a full five star rating because the first time I went in I asked a question about a yarn I hadn’t seen before and the employee literally guffawed and cackled in my face. Like I had just asked the dumbest question in the world… and also lectured me about things I hadn’t even asked about… I think she just wanted to feel high and mighty… it was awkward and hurtful but I believe she doesn’t work there anymore so it’s probably safe. The other employees are much nicer, don’t be scared.

I’ve gone to this store about three times and they do have really nice/​high quality wool/​yarn and an interesting atmosphere. However, I do not find the staff friendly or helpful… each time I have gone in I have not felt welcome or like my business was appreciated.

I love this place. I just moved to the Grandview-​Woodland neighbourhood and I’m so excited to be living within walking distance of Baaad Anna’s. A beautiful, cozy, welcoming atmosphere greets you every time you enter. The girls are oh so helpful and enthusiastic about their craft. I love the excellent selection of locally natural-​dyed yarns. Keep it up, Anna & Co!

My buddy Tess M. took me here for the first time. I had heard of it after I Googled «yarn stores in Vancouver». It has some of the most clever slogans, which suits it’s original character. There are plenty of nifty yarns to choose from, and there is a good selection of books if you’re interested in learning something new.
Do as they say: «Knit fast. Die Warm.»

I’m a beginner knitter and took the 4-​week course. I loved it! Hilary is a calm, present, down-​to-​earth, and friendly person and teacher. She sits with each student and helps them along fixing their mistakes with a style that conveys that everyone can and will get the hang of it. All the times that I’ve been in there to ask questions or buy yarn, the service has been excellent. Real people who love knitting and are welcoming to build a community. They have nights that are devoted to causes so you can knit (meditate) and give (build compassion). This is just the type of neighbourhood shop you want in your neighbourhood — a place where it’s about waaay more than consuming.

Baaad Anna’s is a pretty baaad-​ass yarn shop. A charming addition to an otherwise slightly boring block in the Hastings-​Sunrise neighbourhood, it has a youthful, energetic feel, which is quite a feat for a yarn store. Hell, I even thought this store looked cool in my pre-​knitting days when I thought all knitting was reserved for grandmas. True story.
I was on the hunt for a specific size of knitting needles which for some reason was eluding me everywhere else, so I decided to drop by on my way home from work. Much to my delight, they had exactly what I was looking for and at a reasonable price to boot! Of course, once I was in the door I just _couldn’t_ leave without checking out their yarns, and although their collection isn’t as large as some other shops, it’s remarkably well-​curated. They’ve got a bunch of lovely fancy schmancy yarns, and there’s a great sale section at the back. I ended up picking up a couple skeins of DK merino wool for what I think is a very reasonable $ 6.75 (not on sale) apiece.
One thing I love about Baaad Anna’s is that as soon as you walk in the door, there’s this lounge area where people can just hang out and knit. They teach all kinds of knitting classes, and I may just need to sign up for one of their advanced classes once I refine my skills a bit more. The gal who was working was super friendly, so I can see why people would want to stay and hang out.
Baaad Anna’s, I’ll be baaack.

I went with a friend who took me to the stitch n bitch on Wednesday nights, which was tons of fun! I found some great worsted wool at a very decent price ($ 6.95), but the overall selection is somewhat slim. Would love to see some deeper or richer browns rather than the orangey ones in stock. However, the customer service is awesome and they are very interested in each customer, no matter how experienced or inexperienced. They didn’t make me feel like a novice at all. Very beautiful store, well kept, clean and warm atmosphere. Nicola is very friendly and makes beautiful store samples. All in all, I’m glad they are in my neighborhood!

I received a gift certificate here so I made the trek to East Hastings to use it. The sales girl was extremely helpful and knowledgable. She was also very warm which in my experience is something that’s lacking from a lot of yarn stores in Vancouver. There is generally a snobbish aspect which you don’t find at Baaad Annas. The selection wasn’t huge but sometimes that makes things easier and I did find exactly what I needed. She even helped me choose project from the book I brought in with me. It’s nice to see a store like this in the area.

Great atmosphere and customer service. Lacks the product. I found that there was simply not enough yarn there. They need to get more stock:) The yarn I was after was only present in one color. (and they make 30+) Other than that, a great shop, A+! I am glad they are there. I liked that they carry some mags too like Verena which is hard to find in a magazine store sometimes.

I have only been in here once but it is a beautiful hidden gem located in the Hastings Sunrise neighborhood. The selection is rather small but it is a newer store and I’m sure they are working on that.
The yarn that they do carry is fantastic. I purchased a gorgeous skein of turquoise merino wool. I had no idea what I was going to make with it, I just knew I needed it because it was so pretty. I think it was $ 14 which is fairly decent. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and I felt very welcomed and at ease without the pressure to buy anything.

Of the handful of local yarn stores, this one made my jaw drop with their customer service.
I’ve only been twice but both times I was impressed with their selection of beautiful yarns, a good stock of crochet needles and they are VERY ethically responsible.
Today I went to replace my bamboo crochet needle that my puppy thought was a stick and unfortunately, they were out. What did they do? They leant me one until they are back in stock.
wow.
really? when’s the last time a business lent you something?
Unless you are walking down the red carpet and on good terms with Harry Winston, it isn’t happening.
Will I be back? of course. when the 3.5mm bamboo crochet needle is back in stock and to return the loaner.
Maybe even to take a class.

This is going to be the yarn shop to watch in Vancouver … they’re not quite as jam-​packed with yarn as I’d like, nor as I suspect they will be in another year, but they have an excellent selection of natural fibers and terrific service. I had a lovely chat with the very knowledgeable girl minding the till and got some good yarn at a very, very reasonable price.

great selection of needles and yarns, including lots of locally dyed and spun. Amazing customer service (Anna will look up free patterns for your specific yarn online). The classes are great too, and she keeps up on her blogging.