If you’re a knitter, yarn sings to you. At Knitique, a small independent shop in Elk Grove, California, the yarn’s song resembles a concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir – there are that many voices, all adding their own harmony to an already beautiful tune. Located in a large mini-mall in a Sacramento suburb and nestled next to a yoga studio, there’s not a lot to see from the outside, but once past the threshold, yarn heaven awaits.

It’s hard to state definitely what brands you’ll find inside Knitique, but that is part of the charm. The owner, Danielle, looks for different luxury fibers and changes up the shop’s offerings on a regular basis. On a July 2018 visit, I found Alexandra’s Craft Dark Side of the Moon (hand-dyed merino/silk), Dream in Color Cosette (merino/cashmere/nylon), and Artyarn’s Beaded Silk and Sequins. These aren’t discount yarns by any means, but they are reasonably priced for the quality of fiber content. On a budget? You’ll be able to find yarn that won’t break the bank but will still knit up into heirloom quality accessories – how about a pair of socks made from a skein of Hedgehog Fibers’ Potluck (merino/nylon) for under twenty dollars? A cowl knitted from a Frabjous Fibers’ Mini-Skein pack (six hundred yards of merino fingering) for under fifty? Maybe some Cascade Tangier cotton for a summer tank top? Or some Berroco Medina (cotton/acrylic/viscose) for a summer shawl? Both of the latter two yarns are under seventeen dollars per skein.

You’ll find beautiful fibers to work with here, but also personalized service and professional help with your projects. Most of the employees have ‘day jobs’ and moonlight here for the love of yarn. As such, they understand the fact that all of us are short on time and need projects that are reasonably straightforward. Classes are offered on a regular basis, and there’s always someone around to help when a problem arises.

Knitique carries a small selection of books and magazines, mostly those printed by the companies that create the current stock. In addition, the staff knows what’s available on Ravelry, and can therefore make suggestions if you’re not sure what to do with that amazing skein of yarn. Because the shop prides itself on its customer service, you won’t pay for shipping charges with online transactions over eighty dollars, and a small gift is included with your purchase.

Disclaimer: My college room-mate is one of the knitting teachers at Knitique, but I am not otherwise affiliated with this store. On my visit, I purchased yarn out of my own funds.

Knitique, 8739 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove, CA. (916) 714-7719. www.knitiqueyarns.com