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Stephen & Penelope is a renowned yarn shop located in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was founded by Stephen West and Malia Mae Joseph, both well-known names in the world of knitting and crochet. I was lucky enough to get a chance to visit this past week and I was giddy with excitement to see the vast variety of yarns and notions on all the shelves.

Since its opening in 2012, Stephen and Penelope has become a must-visit destination for yarn enthusiasts and crafters from all over the world. While working away in Utrecht this week, I decided to stop by to check out the store I had always admired through the little squares of Instagram and see if it lived up to the hype. (spoiler alert: it did!)

The shop itself is a beautiful space filled with natural light and shelves upon shelves of colorful yarns. They carry a wide range of yarns from both well-known and indie dyers, as well as knitting and crochet tools and accessories. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to offer advice and answer questions – and in my case, take photos of me next to the amazing walls of yarn! (Because when else would I get an opportunity like this?!)

One of the unique features of Stephen & Penelope is their in-house yarn brand, West Wool. Stephen West and Malia Mae Joseph work closely with small mills in Scotland and Peru to produce high-quality yarns in a variety of weights and fibres, including fingering, DK, and worsted weights. The colors are inspired by the natural surroundings of Amsterdam, resulting in a beautiful palette of hues that are both vibrant and sophisticated.

I walked out with a skein of West Wool, aswell as some more yarn by Dutch-dyer Undercover Otter. I think the only thing I was disappointed by was the lack of local offerings – while you could get yarn from almost anywhere in the world, Dutch-dyed yarn was hard to get my mitts on!

Stephen & Penelope has become a destination for fibre enthusiasts visiting Amsterdam, and for good reason! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter or crocheter, you’re sure to find something inspiring at this charming shop. The combination of beautiful yarns, expert advice, and a welcoming atmosphere make Stephen & Penelope a must-visit for anyone interested in fibre arts.

They host events and workshops throughout the year, bringing together knitters and crocheters from around the world to learn new skills and share their passion for fiber arts. The classes cover a range of techniques and projects, from beginner to advanced levels, are suitable for all ages and are taught by experienced instructors.

In addition to their brick-and-mortar shop, Stephen & Penelope also has a strong online presence, with a popular website that features their yarns, patterns, and accessories. The shop offers fast shipping and excellent customer service, making it a popular choice for knitters who are unable to visit the physical store in Amsterdam.

Stephen & Penelope is a knitting haven for both locals and tourists in Amsterdam. With a beautiful selection of yarn, classes for all levels, and a welcoming community, it’s no wonder why this yarn shop has gained such a loyal following and a reputation for being probably the most famous yarn store in the world.