Sparta woman opens yarn shop in Chester

CHESTER, NJ — Rows of PurL is the newest store in Chester. The yarn boutique specializes in handmade crafts from a variety of available yarns. Owned and run by Jenny Monteleone, a Sparta native, the store places a particular emphasis on developing individual growth of an artist, and providing excellent customer service. Whether you knit, crochet, are a fiber artist of any sort or aspire to be any of the above there is something for everyone.
Jenny learned to crochet and knit at the early age of eight from her grandmother, Helen, and took quickly to crocheting. She only shared her crocheted projects with those close to her for fear of being judged. In her late teens, Jenny was reintroduced to knitting after being inspired by a neighboring friend, who knit a sweater every week. She aspired to both create and knit like her neighbor. After celebrating 20 years as a hair color specialist, Jenny knew her heart was headed in a new direction. Her passion for yarn and the arts fueled her decision to open the boutique.
Many of the yarns offered at the boutique are a reflection of Jenny’s prior career and her passion for color. “What a nice variety you have!” is the comment most often heard in the store. Alpaca Yarn Co., Cascade, Debbie Bliss, Done Roving, Plymouth, Marisol, Skacel, Trendsetter, and Queensland are just some of the quality yarn brands Jenny has chosen. Almost every week something new shows up to inspire the inner artist in everyone.
Beyond yarn Rows of PurL curates other handcrafted items from local and regional artists: felted shawls, pottery, photography, soap, and much more. Jenny strives to provide classes that will be hosted by her and other industry professionals, as well as workshops and knit alongs.
Rows of PurL, at 44 Main St., is open Tues.-Fri. 10AM-6PM, Sat. 10AM-5PM, and Sun. 11AM-4PM. Phone: 908.879.0403. Check out Rows of PurL's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/rowsofpurl, or their Instagram account, @rowsofpurl, for more information.