I have finally managed to visit the new Pickles’ new yarn shop at Grünerløkka in Oslo. It is bright, airy and tidy unlike their previous shop but that was their in their warehouse, so no wonder really. Pickles is the designers Heidi Grønvold and Anna Enge, who set up in 2009. The shop is not huge, but their website and sales are, due to several reasons I believe: A popular blog with easy and fun patterns, in Norwegian and English, with little finishing and beautifully photographed. They offer one of the pattern sizes for free while you buy and download the pattern for any other size. A huge selection of yarn at reasonable prices; the brand Abuelita from Paraguay in addition to their own brand. The shop was buzy on a Friday afternoon, during my visit, but I did notice that they had iPads for loan and comfy chairs so you could easily check out your pattern at Pickles.no. Very impressive, I thought! Here are more photos from the shop and a blog post on the opening: hurra-hooray.
A popular new pattern, at least according to the Norwegian Facebook group Strikkesida is Garland Sweater-poncho,where size L/XL is available for free, see: garland-sweater-poncho. In addition they also offer kits with pdf pattern and yarn, knitting equipment and buttons. I was attracted to Pickles Merino Tweed, see bottom shelf in the photo above or more here: pickles-merino-tweed. The bottom shelf in the shop had Pickles Extra Fine Merino, just to let you know what is outside the photo. So, well worth a visit when in Oslo!
Oh how wonderful! I do love yarn stores. Their colors are amazing!
I agree, Tracy! Thank you for commenting!
Oh wow that looks like a lovely store. A superb idea to have iPads available to check patterns. Did you buy anything?
It is and I agree! I wanted to test some Merino Tweed, but since I am working towards a deadline and had no plan ready, I did not!
The iPads are a really great idea. Beautiful selection of colors!
Yes, first time I have seen it in a yarn shop. I agree they have done a great job selecting colors. Thank you, Ruth!
Wow, this shop would be on my way every day!
Yes, good point, Luisa! It would be so easy to spend a lot of money there! But their colours and yarns are inspirational! Thank you for your comment!
How did the name “Pickles” get selected? In California, there’s a chain of sandwich shops named “Mr. Pickles.”
Good question, Karen! There is no reason given on their website, I can find. But their blog had recipes as well in the beginning, so that might be why. Or merely a play on the word that has no meaning in Norwegian. I noticed that their info (about Pickles) post was tagged “muffins” in Norwegian: “Her er det noe muffins!”/There is something strange going on! So I do believe they enjoy a word play.