When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Bloomin' Spindle
Why The Bloomin' Spindle is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Bloomin' Spindle is more than just a knitting and crochet store—it's a vibrant community hub located in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago. With a welcoming atmosphere, the shop invites both seasoned fiber artists and curious newcomers to explore its diverse offerings of high-quality yarns from renowned brands like Malabrigo and Hedgehog Fibres. Beyond its impressive inventory, The Bloomin' Spindle fosters creativity through a robust schedule of classes, workshops, and special events such as dye labs and sock knitting series. The owner, Hagen, places strong emphasis on cultivating a comfortable and inclusive space where patrons can gather to craft, learn, and socialize. Notably, the shop regularly features an artist-in-residence program, showcasing local talent and offering expert-led classes, enhancing the artistic spirit of the store. Additionally, The Bloomin' Spindle aims to create a cozy ambiance with future plans like installing a faux fireplace and offering tea, enhancing the experience of a knitting circle or casual visit. Whether it's to pick up supplies, participate in a knit night, or just pop in for a friendly chat, this establishment makes an excellent meetup spot for friends and community members passionate about fiber arts.
Here's what people think of The Bloomin' Spindle
As of recent, The Bloomin' Spindle holds a 4.9-star rating based on 52 reviews.
Customers consistently praise The Bloomin' Spindle for its warm, inviting environment that makes everyone feel welcome regardless of skill level. Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff, particularly noting Hagen's dedication as an educator and community builder. Many appreciate the high-quality selection of yarns and supplies, as well as the diversity of workshops and events offered, which cater to beginners and advanced crafters alike. The artist-in-residence program and specialized classes, such as the dye lab and sock skills series, are frequently commended for inspiring creativity and skill development. On the less favorable side, a small number of reviews mention limited store hours and occasional difficulty in scheduling preferred classes due to capacity limits, which may hamper some customers’ convenience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus reflects a deeply satisfying customer experience centered on community atmosphere and quality offerings. In summary, The Bloomin' Spindle stands out as a cherished local knitting destination that balances retail, education, and social connection, consistently earning high marks from its patrons.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rach Stae
Finally got to check out a workshop at The Bloomin' Spindle. Did the dye lab with Grace from Gnome Depot Fiber and it was worth every penny (and was really affordable to boot!) Did 3 skeins of worsted and played with some color pooling techniques. It was my first time dying and Grace was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Her yarns (which you can find at The Bloomin' Spindle) are gorgeous so I knew I was getting trustworthy info from a pro. The shop is also adorable and right next to a wonderful gelato shop. All yarn lovers in the city should put this one on their list.
Robbie Laughlin
I was visiting from Canada, and had some spare time, so a friend and I decided to check this shop out. It has a lovely assortment of yarns, some very cool notions and interesting stitch dictionary card decks that I just couldn’t resist. It’s a really charming place, and the owner is extremely helpful and friendly - but perhaps the best part is her little companion, a very sweet natured dachshund named Wolfgang, who came out from behind the counter to greet us and make us feel super welcome. If I’m ever in the area again, I’ll definitely be back!
Matthew Frye
This is such a friendly and warm space! I’m not a knitter myself, though I have close friends and family who are crafters and when I’ve asked for gift ideas the staff have always been really helpful! It seems like a relaxed and inviting setting for knitters to socialize and I saw a class or teaching session in progress as well. Definitely recommend!
Michelle Gillis
Great local yarn shop! So friendly! Recommend! Got the blind date with some yarn bag and love it!
Emily Gevers
Every time I'm in Chicago, I make a point to stop in and see what new offerings are available at The Bloomin' Spindle. The shop is inviting and cozy, with a lovely community table where you can spread out potential color combos, or sit and knit (while staring at a wall full of yarn, waiting to go home with you). Always a pleasure to shop here!
How to reach The Bloomin' Spindle
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Why The Bloomin' Spindle may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Bloomin' Spindle with your friends? If you and your crew are looking for a welcoming, creative, and inspiring space to connect, The Bloomin' Spindle in Chicago is an exceptional choice. This vibrant yarn shop, boasting a stellar 4.9 rating from over 50 reviews, radiates warmth and charm that instantly makes you feel at home. Whether you are seasoned knitters or just curious about trying your hand at crochet or other fiber arts, this is the place to gather, learn, and create together. The shop’s inviting atmosphere, which resembles a cozy French pastry shop, encourages leisurely exploration and conversation, fostering a true sense of community. Owner Robin Hagen’s passion for education and inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of skill level, feels comfortable popping in to visit, socialize, or participate in events. The Bloomin' Spindle is more than a store; it’s a community hub that combines exquisite hand-dyed yarns, expert guidance, and regular communal activities that make it perfect to rally your friends for an afternoon full of creativity, laughter, and connection.
What activities can you and your group enjoy at The Bloomin' Spindle? This vibrant shop offers a rich array of activities designed for groups and individuals alike. Crafting classes and workshops teach knitting and crocheting techniques for all skill levels, providing a shared learning experience that is both fun and rewarding. You can join or even start knitting circles where everyone can work on personal projects together, sharing tips and stories in a relaxed environment. The store also hosts themed gatherings such as “Dungeons and Dragons” knitting groups, combining gaming and crafting for a unique social experience. The Bloomin' Spindle supports artistic collaboration through an artist-in-residence program, featuring local fiber artists like Grace Cocking who lead special workshops and create exclusive yarn colors in the shop’s dye room. For those seeking retail therapy, the shop carries a carefully curated selection of yarns from international makers, rare fibers, and crafting supplies, giving your group plenty to talk about and choose from. This combination of classes, social knitting, and boutique shopping makes it an ideal meeting spot where creativity flourishes and friendships deepen.
Why is The Bloomin' Spindle perfect for a group meetup? First, the atmosphere at The Bloomin' Spindle is expressly designed to be cozy, warm, and welcoming, making it a wonderful backdrop for spending quality time with friends or family. The space’s decor evokes the charm of a French pastry shop, where you feel invited to linger and relax. Owner Robin Hagen’s philosophy emphasizes community engagement and comfort—visitors are encouraged to come in even without the pressure of purchasing anything, creating an inclusive vibe that welcomes all. The shop’s layout facilitates group interaction, whether you want to spread out for a crafting session or engage in learning new stitches together in a workshop. Additionally, there are plans to enhance the ambiance with features like a faux fireplace and a local tea selection, which would perfectly complement casual conversation and bonding over shared creative pursuits. Accessibility is convenient with free street parking nearby, allowing groups to come and go with ease. Altogether, these elements make The Bloomin' Spindle an exceptional destination for a memorable meetup where friends and family can connect through craft and community.
How does The Bloomin' Spindle support creativity and learning? At its core, The Bloomin' Spindle is deeply committed to fostering artistic growth and education. Owner Robin Hagen, who began seriously knitting as a new mother seeking a soothing creative outlet, understands the therapeutic and joyful power of fiber arts. She has created a space where beginners and experts alike can expand their skills. Regular classes and workshops taught by skilled instructors, including resident artists, enable attendees to explore new techniques or refine existing ones. The shop’s artist-in-residence program is a standout feature, inviting local fiber artists to collaborate, teach, and produce exclusive yarns on site, enriching the creative possibilities for everyone. Offering a diverse range of yarns and tools, including rare and international selections, empowers crafters to realize unique projects. This environment nurtures not just individual craft skills but also community learning, making The Bloomin' Spindle a place where knowledge, inspiration, and creativity are always blooming.
What makes The Bloomin' Spindle unique among yarn shops? Several factors set The Bloomin' Spindle apart. Unlike many commercial craft stores, it operates as both a retail space and a community hub, prioritizing connection and experience over pure sales. Its focus on curated, high-quality yarns from prestigious international brands provides crafters access to materials that are hard to find elsewhere. The French pastry shop-inspired design creates an unusual yet inviting ambiance that encourages prolonged visits and socializing. The ongoing artist-in-residence initiative enriches the store’s offerings, directly connecting customers with local creatives who produce one-of-a-kind yarns in-house. Furthermore, the welcoming, non-intimidating approach to visitors—whether they are beginners or seasoned crafters—helps foster an inclusive culture rarely found in specialized shops. This blend of aesthetic charm, exclusive products, artist partnerships, and community focus culminates in a truly unique experience for groups looking to gather around a shared love of fiber arts.
How can visiting The Bloomin' Spindle enhance your social and creative life? Gathering at The Bloomin' Spindle with friends or family creates a meaningful space to deepen relationships through shared experiences. Crafting together encourages conversation, collaboration, and mutual support, which strengthens bonds beyond ordinary social settings. The learning opportunities provided by classes and workshops enable group members to grow individually, while the collaborative environment allows them to exchange ideas and inspire one another. The shop’s community events help attendees build new friendships and connect with a broader network of fiber artists in the Chicago area. Moreover, the relaxing, beautiful surroundings encourage mindfulness and a sense of well-being, enriching mental health through creative expression. Regular visits to The Bloomin' Spindle offer ongoing opportunities for social engagement, artistic exploration, and personal fulfillment, making it more than just a place to shop—it’s a vital part of a thriving creative community.
What should you expect when planning your meetup at The Bloomin' Spindle? When organizing a visit, you will find a well-managed, cozy environment ready to welcome your group with open arms. The shop is located at 5359 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood and offers generous hours from mid-morning to early evening, mostly from Thursday through Sunday, making scheduling flexible for various group needs. Ample free street parking on nearby Long Street simplifies arrival logistics. Your group can participate in scheduled classes or choose free knitting circle times to just relax and work together on projects. The friendly staff, led by owner Robin Hagen, will be eager to assist your group in finding the perfect yarns and supplies or in planning a workshop tailored to your interests. With an atmosphere encouraging creativity, comfort, and camaraderie, your meetup at The Bloomin' Spindle is sure to be both productive and enjoyable.
How does The Bloomin' Spindle contribute to the local community? Beyond being a retail destination, The Bloomin' Spindle serves as a crucial cultural and creative hub in Portage Park, nurturing community ties through fiber arts. Its programming emphasizes community participation, hosting knitting circles, themed crafting events, and artist-in-residence collaborations that spotlight local artisans. The shop’s welcoming ethos invites neighbors and visitors regardless of crafting experience, helping bridge social gaps and build friendships. By supporting and showcasing local artists' work and offering spaces for teaching and learning, it actively contributes to preserving and growing Chicago’s textile arts traditions. Additionally, the shop’s plans to host social groups such as the “Dungeons and Dragons” knitting meetup demonstrate a creative integration of diverse interests, strengthening community cohesion. This commitment to inclusivity and cultural vitality makes The Bloomin' Spindle a standout institution in the neighborhood.
Why do reviews praise The Bloomin' Spindle as an ideal spot for meetups? Customers consistently highlight the store’s exceptional service, warm atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff as key reasons for their strong loyalty. Many appreciate the caring and patient instruction available in classes, which helps novices feel confident and welcomed. Reviewers often note the high-quality yarns, including smoothed fibers and exclusive lines, which make shopping a joy and fuel creative excitement. The shop’s vibe is described as positive and uplifting, a place where people can gather without any pressure to purchase, simply enjoy one another’s company, and share their love of crafting. These features combine to make The Bloomin' Spindle not just a store, but a cherished community gathering spot where meetups feel meaningful and fun.
How does The Bloomin' Spindle balance shopping and socializing? The Bloomin' Spindle masterfully blends retail with community, providing an experience that’s both practical and deeply social. Its carefully curated selection of exclusive yarns and supplies ensures that shoppers have access to unique, high-quality materials suited for any project. Meanwhile, the store’s layout, ambiance, and events prioritize interaction and comfort, encouraging visitors to stay, chat, knit, and learn together. The presence of artist-in-residence programs and special workshops further enrich this balance by introducing educational and creative dimensions. Visitors aren’t simply consumers—they are participants in a vibrant crafting culture. This balance makes The Bloomin' Spindle more than a yarn shop; it’s a destination where crafting meets community, perfect for groups who want to shop and socialize simultaneously.
How can newcomers get started at The Bloomin' Spindle? If you or your friends are new to knitting or crochet, The Bloomin' Spindle offers an inviting gateway into the world of fiber arts. The staff and owner Robin Hagen focus on education, ensuring beginners are comfortable and supported in their crafting journey. Beginners can sign up for introductory classes that teach basic techniques, allowing them to start simple projects that build confidence and skills. The welcoming, pressure-free atmosphere makes it easy to ask questions and try out new tools. With ongoing knit nights and social groups, newcomers can immediately become part of the community, making friends and finding inspiration. By combining expert instruction and a friendly environment, The Bloomin' Spindle makes it effortless and enjoyable for anyone to begin crafting and socializing with a like-minded group.
Visiting The Bloomin' Spindle is an experience designed to nurture creativity, friendship, and skill development in a setting that feels like a cozy artisan retreat. Whether you come to shop for luxurious yarns, attend a workshop, join a knitting circle, or simply catch up with friends over tea and craft, this charming Chicago shop offers the perfect atmosphere and resources to make your meetup both productive and enjoyable. Its commitment to fostering community ties, supporting local artists, and creating inclusive spaces means your gathering here will be memorable, inspiring, and deeply satisfying. Rally your friends, bring your projects, and immerse yourselves in everything The Bloomin’ Spindle has to offer—your ideal crafting meetup awaits.