.Best Knitting Store: A place to spin vibrant yarns

Some say the knitting craze has peaked. But for the diehards out there (you know who you are … the ones who knit on BART), there’s never enough yarn, never enough time to knit, and certainly never too many cool books with new patterns to try. If this is you, or even if you’re just beginning to explore the fine art of handknitting, check out Article Pract in Oakland’s Temescal District. Owner Christina Stork (coauthor with Leslie Barbazette of the 2005 book Viva Poncho) carries a wide selection of yarns, as well as needles, stitch markers, patterns, books, and locally made goodies such as handbags (Afrobuddah) and needle cases (Offhand Designs). Knowledgeable staffers will direct you to the best yarn for your project, and if you need help with a particularly tricky pattern, stop by on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for some free troubleshooting. Article Pract also holds classes and events in its sunny back room: Offerings have included classes on color work, “yarn tastings” (participants share a snack as they try a new yarn), sock knitting, and sweater workshops. At Article Pract, every day is colorful.