Nowadays it’s becoming hard for crafters, like myself, to find supplies. It seems either local craft stores are closing down or charging exorbitant prices for yarn, needles and beads. If that’s the case in your situation, then let Mary Maxim come to your rescue. This great site has a variety of what knitters and crocheters want – yarn and needles at discount pricing. It’s the best place to satisfy your creative needs without breaking your bank.
Mary Maxim has been selling to Detroit dwellers since the late 1950’s. The owners are Rusty and Jane McPhedrain who bring old fashioned crafts to modern audiences. If you live in southeastern Michigan area the retail store is located at 2001 Holland Ave in Port Huron. Unfortunately the McPhedrains have not brought the store out to the masses which means you have to order by catalog or internet if you live outside the Detroit area. Not to worry. Both offer extensive views of finished projects as well as detailed pictures of tools and kits.
The company is known for it’s yarns and patterns. In fact,Bob Hope the comedian, was a fan of their famous reindeer patterned sweater (did his wife, Dolores knit him that or was that a gift of fan, I wonder) The projects and yarns are amazing. There is everything from cute toddler dresses to funky knit boleros to make in a range of different wools and colors. Mary Maxim has an extensive selection of worsted weight yarns. The Starlette Yarn , an acrylic, non allergenic is only $2.49 for 3 oz (8.5 grams or 161 yards) The price is reduced to $2.29 if you buy eight or more skeins. There is the heathery Starlette Ragg – perfect for knitting pullovers. This comes in 3.5 oz. (191 yards) at $2.59 but, again, buy eight or more and the price is reduced by twenty cents. Mary Maxim also has an excellent array of chunky and bulky yarns with six different types to choose from. A really neat one is the Bernat Marsala that has a variegated color scheme when knitted or crocheted.It is one of the more pricier ones, costing $6.99 for a 3.5 oz skein (155 yards). A less expensive choice is the Bernat Glacier that comes in cool colors for a hot pullover. It is $4.99 for 3.2 oz (64 yards) skein but buy eight or more and the price drops to $4.49.
Mary Maxim also sells novelty yarns such as the Eros Ribbon. It produces a funky ribbon look when knitted into a scarf or hat. It comes in twelve groovy colors and is $6.97 for a 1 3.4 oz ( 165 yards). Another neat one is the Patons Glittalic that has metallic flecks scattered through the fibers. It knits up soft for fluffy evening shawls and sweaters. This yarn is only $6.49 for 1.75 oz (61 yards). This is a good price because many yarn companies start their metallic wool at $9 to $12 a skein. For a really fun knit consider the fuzzy ribbons Boa or Big Boa. A regular sized ball is 1 ¾ oz (71 yards) while the Big Boa weighs in at 10.27 oz. (425 yards!) They come in funky reds and clarets along with cool silvers and grays.
Mary Maxim has a good sampling of cotton crochet threads if you’re into crocheting. These are perfect for placemats and/or tablecloths. If you’re into making antique looking doilies or lace collars then consider the three ply in either antique natural or white. It comes on a cone at $16.99 for 2700 yards. There is also DMC Cebelia Crochet thread in forty-two different colors for more colorful projects. It also comes in three different weights too. The lowest weight costs $3.69. This is a durable thread being double mercerized and will not split as crochet yarns are wont to do. Another type is the company’s own one pound cotton (1500 yards) that comes in delicate pastels. You can also knit with this and there is a sleeveless shell pullover pattern that you can work with the thread.
What I love best about the company is their vast array of embroidery and cross stitch patterns . Mary Maxim has everything from pre printed towels to pictures. The towels along with their table runners and pillow cases have charming Old World prints on them. Any bath or bedroom would look finished with one of their lavender or sunflower themed towel or bed sets. There are also Victorian themed embroidery kits which feature rose hearts, an intricate pattern done completely in cross stitching. Another pretty set is the embroidered daisy monogram which features the initial of your choice framed by daisies. There are about fifteen patterns in all to select, each one more lovely than the other and would make great heirloom or hope chest gifts. Pillow case sets are only $9.99 for two while table runners cost only $10.99 . Mary Maxim also has more neat projects for needlepoint enthusiasts. There are the coaster and trivets sets for $16.99. You can either buy the sophisticated wine motif or the folksy hummingbird pattern. For the little girls in your life there are the pillowcase dolls which are cloth dolls made from embroidered pillow cases, and ribbons. These are only $8.99 a piece and make lovely heriloom gifts for daughter, granddaughter, nieces and great nieces. They too come in two patterns: one with ribbons and roses and the other with butterflies.
Quilters will go mad at the Mary Maxim site. There is a huge variety of fabric squares to drool over from simple patches to elaborately needle worked squares. Prices vary, depending on what you want. Rug enthusiasts or hookers (well what else can they be called?) will also have a field day here. Mary Maxim has a beautiful array of Persian inspired patterns as well as some homespun designs. Their handsome oval rose rug is a great piece for hallways or bedrooms. And right now is on sale for $89.97 reduced from $99.97. Their blue version is now $82.87, marked down from $89.97. If you already have your canvas, then simply buy the yarn at the very low price of 99 cents. (each package contains 320 pieces). Buy twelve packs or more and the price drops to 89 cents. There are also latch hooks and a cool looking frame to put your rug on as you work. For the fashion forward Mary Maxim also offers several earring kits for $11.99 beaded banner kits are also the same price and come complete with beads, canvas and hanging rods. Buy any three patterns and save $2.00 on each. Mary Maxim also stocks paint by number and wood working kits too discounted to only $14.99 for the entire package. There is a big painted towel selection with prices starting at $10.99 The company is having a big after Christmas sale. You can buy ornament kits for as low as $8.97
Mary Maxim is a crafter’s paradise, chock full of neat supplies and patterns. Not only do they have the variety we crafters crave but low low pricing that won’t cut into our budgets. It’s a great site to visit for satisfying your creative needs.
