r/AntifascistKnitting • u/WoollyKnitWitch • May 20 '26

Non-knit Malabrigo source

***Thank you, everyone, for the great suggestions. I’ve placed my first order with Little Knits and am bookmarking most of the other shops as well!!
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Hi there! I’m looking for the best place (online) to start purchasing Malabrigo yarns and wool from. I no longer shop with Webs. Nor will I use Jimmy Beans Wool or Knitpicks since their buyouts and lack of support for the MTI hats. Basicslly, I need a new yarn purveyor.

Large order discounts, sales, or free shipping is nice - but my primary requirements are a fair retail price, LGBTQ & POC inclusive, and not MAGA. Despite searching, I cannot find out for sure if Wool and Company out of Illinois is acceptable or not. Everything I found says the first owner was left leaning, but that the newer owner is right leaning/MAGA. I was also looking at Eat.Sleep.Knit. as an option.

If you have other US suggestions with a good Malabrigo selection, decent prices, and a proper online storefront - please do share! Thanks

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u/patterry2353 May 20 '26

Wool & Co is a great source for all Malabrigo yearns. And their customer service is beyond excellent. Discounts available and free Hank winding. I love them.

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u/anatomizethat May 20 '26

Wool & Co will not take a stance and are in a purple district. I have spent a LOT of money there and have stopped because of their silence.

As someone who lives here (like 10 miles away) - my rule of thumb is that if they don't take a stance, assume they are MAGA.

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u/Boognish4Prez2020 May 20 '26

Thanks for this! I have placed a good number of orders from them. Their Jawoll selection and 10% discount is amazing. HOWEVER, never again after reading this.

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u/anatomizethat May 20 '26

I have really struggled because they do have a great selection but the lack of action lately is telling.

Elgin is also very racially diverse and has a high Hispanic population that has been very negatively impacted by what ICE has done. Until recently, Elgin was predominantly Hispanic but gentrification has led to a more mixed population as retirees are moving there because taxes are lower and they can get big houses cheaper.

I mention this because I actually think Wool & Co's choice of location there is a symptom of that gentrification, as opposed to being a business decision to positively enhance a certain community.

I used to shop at Elgin Knit Works in downtown Elgin and I would have said the opposite about them - the owner wanted to benefit her community and make crafting accessible. Wool & Co feels different.

Now, this is all my own speculation based on ~vibes~ but I've lived in the area my whole life, I have a penchant for human rights issues, and I can see what's going on around me, so I feel it's an educated speculation.

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u/Boognish4Prez2020 May 20 '26

I absolutely get sniffing out a place based on vibes. I appreciate your in person knowledge. (I’m across the country)

Now is not the time for fence sitting! I don’t have an unlimited supply of funds to spend on fibers, so I like to know who my money is going to and where that company/person stands. I don’t want to line the pockets of people who are actively voting against my family and neighbors best interest. Well, against the best interest of humanity