I’m almost reluctant to use the term “yarn shopping” to refer to buying benang rajut (crochet/knitting thread or yarn) here in Batam. All I can say is, it’s a far cry from what I’m used to.
The store Venus Button is, according to Ibu Ika (the cleaner) and her daughter Mufa, the biggest/most comprehensive needle craft store in Batam. So after establishing its location in Google Maps, I asked my husband to drive me there for a check.
Although I was expecting something bigger based on the description, I wasn’t really surprised to see it’s a small store. This is what you see when you take a step inside the door:
And when you swivel your torso this is what’s to your left:
It is stocked to the rafters up until the back end of the store so I guess this small space can contain all the needle-crafting needs of Batam Island. I’m only here for the crochet thread though and, lucky me it was right under my nose (just a single step inside the door 😁).
They only had 2 types of thread available, I think the other one was polyester and felt & looked like string with a bit of mushiness in it. The saleslady said that was used for making bags & shoes. I went for the cottons and was delighted to find some in pretty colors 😍 According to the sales attendant the cottons were used for making pieces of clothing. I had my doubts at first glance but I waited until I got home for closer scrutiny to make a decision.
I think that these threads would be great for motifs, appliques, doilies, bags & other items where strength & some stiffness are required. These threads are rough to the touch and I can’t imagine wearing something made out of it.
These are the colors I settled on for now. I’ll be back for more as the need arises, I’m definitely game for some bag making in 2019. And I guess I still need my online stores for a wider variety of yarn. Glad I made this local discovery though 😊
Stitch awesome! ❤️💛
