I just started knitting about a week ago and I bought my initial stuff to get me started at Michaels.
This place is far better. There is a sitting area where people come to sit a knit and the store is set up beautifully with an incredible selection of yarns and other knitting paraphernalia, and it's almost like art the way it's set up.
The lady that helped me was very kind and helpful and had some good suggestions. They also have all sorts of wool there which I'm a huge fan of.
I'll definitely return.