Barbs Sew & Knits

I’m torn in my opinion of this business … it’s been here FOREVER, and so has Barb. I get the feeling that Barb is incredibly knowledgeable and brilliant at knitting and other handicrafts. But she seriously lacks customer service skills … her manner is ‘brusque’ to say the least!
If you’re a hand knitter, don’t say so — she’s very vocal on the merits of machine knitting, and thinks hand knitting to be a waste of time (even though she sells knitting needles). I made the mistake of mentioning that I’m actually a weaver — I received a withering glance, she said ‘hmm, weaving got to you before knitting!’, and tried to convince me that getting a knitting machine would be a much better idea than sticking to my weaving looms! No one could accuse Barb of being open minded ;)
Saying that, she has a HUGE range of wool, and it’s not just the usual acrylics that you find in a cheap store. She stocks Jo Sharp, Rowan, various brands of Alpaca from Peru (‘Australians don’t have a clue about Alpaca!’) and much much more. And she did try to point me in the direction of some yarns I could use for weaving (all quite expensive though, average around $ 13-​$ 15 per 50g ball). I spied quite a bit of cotton too, so will have to come back with a full wallet ;)
Hence why I’m torn — I love the idea of having a wool shop so close to home and work, but … :P

Run by the ever present and indomitable Barb, this shop is a veritable little treasure. Apparently there is now a resurgence of home handicrafts such as knitting, so it may be enjoying a little bit of a revival.
The shop itself looks a little dishevelled with balls of yarn and sewing bits and pieces everywhere. I have been in to see Barb a few times for minor alterations. Nothing beats Barb, she can do anything with a needle and cotton. She is a little old fashioned and frowned disapprovingly when I took my daughter’s school uniform in to get the hem shortened: She isn’t one to let opinion get in the way of customer service or one to hold back in any way.
If you are need of any haberdashery, knitting supplies or alterations venture in to Barb’s domain, but be warned, don’t show any weakness or ignorance!