Hub Mills Store

Location is everything (or a major part of it) when it comes to retail, and this store is in the oddest/​worst location I’ve ever seen – in a very industrial area of Billerica. If it weren’t for my GPS I never would have found it, and even finding the entrance on the actual building was a challenge. This place was so much better and bigger when they were in their original location in Lowell across the bridge. Prices were high – couldn’t justify spending over $ 100 to make a sweater when I can find exactly what I need online for less and free shipping. I’m giving them two stars only because their staff was extremely friendly and helpful, but I won’t be returning.

I went to check their sales before going to another shop. I heard that CYE was «hit or miss» for sales. I couldn’t believe how many sale options there were — i had tons of options just based on things that were marked down. Not only did the store have plenty of sale things under $ 10, I bought skeins of silk-​cotton blend for $ 1.50 each. My kids brought a book and were able to sit on a carpet while looking. Staff were helpful. If you can be flexible with what you are looking for, it’s worth checking their sale shelves, for sure. Because it is right off rte. 3, its an easy place to get to go check their stock. Sales aside, what I saw was about average price and products, which is to say, it was all nice.
I was quite pleased.

I went in yesterday after another lackluster visit to the yarn store five minutes from my job. I drove the extra 25 minutes to get the full service, friendly service I’ve come to know from Hub Mills. I came in wanting to buy malabrigo then got chatting with the ladies working there. In the hour or so I was there they showed me how to untwist my purl stitches (literally have been incorrectly doing the stitch for 8 years!) as well as doing a single crochet stitch (mind you they stayed an extra fifteen minutes open to help me out!).
The selection is wide, I stick mostly to Classic Elite, but they have madeline tosh, malabrigo, noro, and plenty more. In addition to yarn they also have a wide selection of notions, needles, books, and magazines.
Friendly, helpful staff, wonderful product assortment, and great prices – In my book this makes them the best LYS I’ve ever been a patron of.

This is the home of Classic Elite Yarns (did you know that?).
The store is an elevator ride away in a deserted-​looking artists’ coop (or something). The first time I went there, I asked my friend if she was taking me to get wacked, but I’ve been there since, alone, with no such trepidation.
There are loads of Classic Elite varieties to choose from (natch) as well as mill ends, cones, discontinued yarns, and other brands like Debbie Bliss.
There is a large selection of patterns, very little of needles and buttons (mostly handcrafted pricy novelty items). The yarn prices could be better. I find myself loving window shopping there, but rarely buying, except for their killer deals on clearance yarns (hit or miss of course).

This is my favorite of my LYS. It’s kind of a hassle to get to, which is why I was thrilled to find out they’re moving down to Billerica in November (off Treble Cove Rd.).
I like that Cheryl is very helpful when I need help, but otherwise I can paw the yarn to my heart’s content without feeling pressured or ignored. They have not only the whole Classic Elite line of yarns but yarns from Malabrigo, madelinetosh, Ella Rae, Tahki, St. Denis, Frog Tree, and more. (I’m always surprised what I find lurking in a bin.) There’s a good selection of knitting books and tools. Great sales, too.

Hub Mills is a great little LYS.
They are the outlet store for Classic Elite Yarns and they also carry a nice selection of non-​CEY products. They also have a great selection of knitting books (almost always listed at 20% off), yarn company booklets, magazines, and loose patterns.
The CEY yarns available are either discontinued lines or colors, and are priced to sell — there are also great deals on un-​labeled skeins and cones of CEY yarns.
Staff people are very friendly and helpful, and they are willing to order special products. The store is open late on Thursday evenings and hosts a drop-​in knit night. Hub Mills also offers knitting with a teacher for a small fee.
The store is attached to Western Avenue Studios, a mill complex with over 100 working artist studios — it’s great fun to make a day of visiting Hub Mills and WAS Open Studios on the first Saturday of each month. WAS is also home to Lush Beads, a lovely bead store so you can pick up all of the materials for that beaded scarf or stole you’ve been dying to make in one convenient location.