Edinburgh Local Yarn Stores Guide (Part 2)
If you missed the beginning of this series, then you missed the cutest yarn shop ever! Head over to Part One to find out more about Ginger Twist Studio.
Much of the tourist attractions will take you to Old Town—Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, the National Museum of Scotland, etc, etc—but the New Town shouldn’t be missed either. “New” is a relative term, and in this case we mean the mid-18th century to the mid-19th century as compared to the medieval Old Town. What the New Town might lack in tourist sites, it makes up for with beautiful Georgian apartments, excellent shopping and restaurants and bars, not to mention the next local yarn shop in this series!
McAree Brothers
19 Howe Street, Edinburgh EH3 6TE
The yarn shop I visit the most often is probably McAree Brothers because it’s a bit more friendly on my wallet than some of the others in Edinburgh (never mind the fact that I have no idea how to pronounce “McAree”). It may not be the destination for indie dyed yarn, but you can certainly get your fill of British brands.
In 1878 the original McAree Brothers, William, David and John, set up as drapers in Stirling, just 35 miles northwest from Edinburgh. The Stirling store closed permanently a few years ago, but luckily its Edinburgh shop is just a stone’s throw from Princes Street. I like this shop because the staff are friendly but not pushy, it's tidy and warm, and they have a reliable stock of commercial yarn brands.
I must admit, I usually make a beeline for the Jamieson & Smith, Rowan, and Erika Knight, all British brands. If you’re wanting proper British wool, that’s Jamieson & Smith for you. All of their yarn is 100% Real Shetland Wool from sheep born and bred on the Scottish islands of Shetland. Expect the biggest selection in their 25g balls of 2 Ply Jumper Weight (which is a fingering/4 ply weight)—there’s a wide range of solidish colors as well as natural undyed colors—at £3.50 a skein. If sustainable and natural is your thing, then have a look at Erika Knight. I especially like the Wild Wool (£15) which is a blend of 85% wool and 15% viscose from nettles!
The shop also has more than a meager book offering, with two full shelves of knitting and crochet books.
Things to do near MacAree Brothers
Stockbridge Market
You can't miss the little cluster of white and yellow tents every Sunday in this corner of Stockbridge. There's loads of food stalls, so you can go for a hot lunch and dessert. I recommend the arepas from Orinoco, especially if you get one with cheese; they melt the cheese on the hot plate before scooping it up and draping it on top 🤤 And it’s not just food! You can pick up some top notch souvenirs.
Circus Lane
Circus Lane might be the most Instagrammed lane in Edinburgh, and if you’re going to the market from McAree Brothers, then you may as well go via Circus Lane. It’s a residential street made up of quaint two storey houses, each featuring an abundance of potted plants. And if you look to the east, St. Stephen’s Church looms behind picturesquely.
El Cartel
This little restaurant tucked away on Thistle Street serves some of my favourite Mexican food in the city. They don't take reservations, but you could always have a pint at The Queens Arms around the corner while you wait!
The Queens Arms
A cosy, basement level pub that's like walking into a library. Think leather chairs, shelves of old books, and unusual chandeliers. Plus there's something for everyone, cocktails, wine, beer, whisky, food.
Panda & Sons
There are a fair number of “secret bars” in Edinburgh, including Panda & Sons. Ostensibly a barber shop from the outside, but go down the stairs and through the bookcase, and it’s all the dim lights and cocktails of a speakeasy. Their signature cocktail, the Birdcage, is presented in a glass dome filled with scented smoke . The server twirls the dome off and the whole place gets a whiff of cinnamon and clove.
Don’t miss the last part of this series next week!
