I often see requests from people looking for yarn to make Akroche Tatuk patterns: Soft, Crème de la crème, It's a wrap, Scrubby, Unforgettable, etc. Although they are sometimes available in certain large stores, you will very rarely have access to the full range of colors, or you might be tempted to use a less expensive... and less enjoyable to work with! alternative.
The price
Did you know that all the yarns for Akroche Tatuk patterns are available on my website, in every color? And they're the same price as in department stores. Plus, by subscribing to the newsletter, you'll regularly receive discounts, promotions, and other great bonuses!
The research
While some yarns are available in stores, they aren't available everywhere. Some chains carry the Soft brand, others the Crème de la Crème… I don't know of any place that carries all the yarns I use for my patterns. And even then: some supermarkets in one city carry a brand while you can't find it in another; it's very hit or miss! So, finding the yarn you need can be tedious and time-consuming.
Having the right wool for the right project
You spent all afternoon shopping, but you didn't find the yarn you were looking for? It's quite possible you'll end up with another, more or less equivalent. The yarns used in Akroche Tatuk patterns have been carefully selected to provide optimal results, both in terms of quality and sizing. Cotton from one brand isn't necessarily equivalent to another, and the same goes for acrylic.
For example: For the wipes pattern, the suggested yarn is Crème de la Crème. A small, inexpensive ball of cotton, very soft and with a lovely variety of colors. In stores, you often find large, inexpensive balls of Bernat yarn, but limited in color choices and rather rough (less pleasant to crochet with and the finished product is less appealing).
Another example: For the Rustik Kit, you're looking for the Soft yarn. In the store, you find a lot of Red Heart Super Saver. It's the same brand, the same size (according to the label), and you decide to use it. However, this yarn is much thicker and far too stiff for a toque. The measurements won't match those in the pattern, and the finished product will be much too stiff. Everyone who has used it for Akroche Tatuk patterns has disliked it (and I swear, that's a really common complaint! I'll write another post about it).
The delivery
Now we come to the sensitive issue of online shopping: shipping. For small balls and accessories, you pay $9.99. For larger balls like the Soft, shipping is $13.99. While these prices may seem high, it actually costs me between $12 and $20 to ship this type of package (depending on the weight and destination). With Akroche Tatuk, your order is shipped the next day and you receive it within 2-3 business days. That's very fast!
I have to admit that for just one ball, ordering online isn't at all advantageous. However, if you buy several items, the shipping cost is easily recouped. Have you thought about placing a group order with people in your city, friends, colleagues, etc.? You can even post a request in the Akroche Tatuk - Mutual Aid and Sharing group: "I'm from Laval, who wants to order with me to share the shipping costs?"
And don't forget that by choosing delivery, it arrives directly at your door: you save shopping time as well as gas.
Conclusion
I hope you now better understand some of the advantages of shopping online at Akroche Tatuk. Here, I've clearly laid out the arguments in my favor, since these sales are my income. This income allows me to dedicate time to Akroche Tatuk, creating beautiful patterns for you, offering you beautiful yarns, and giving my time to provide quality service. The extra $3-4 you spend when you order from Akroche Tatuk rather than a large chain store is $3-4 that, believe me, makes me truly happy… not just for the money itself, but because it's the result of the effort I put into my business and demonstrates your trust in me. Does the $20 you spend at a big-box store have the same impact as a purchase from a small shop? I doubt it.
If you're the type who likes to touch the wools before making a purchase, I highly recommend visiting a specialist shop where the sales assistants will be able to advise you perfectly on finding a suitable alternative!
Happy shopping!
