Shop local – I know that I’ve talked about that before. Now, the Wall Street Journal, of all newspapers, had a nice article entitled “In Praise of Shopkeepers”, extolling the virtues of the small, one of kind stores. I remember when I used to be able to go to the local candy store and sit at the counter and get a malted milk and the guy who owned the candy store KNEW MY NAME. I know that I love going to the same diner for Sunday breakfast and the waitress or waiter (never mind that the waiter is my son) knows exactly what I want --- will you be having the usual? It gives you a sense of belonging. Like you really matter. Not like going to WalMart and hoping that you don’t have to stand in a long line and have the cashier growl at you. When Suzie was at the shop I used to say that she hung out her “Lucy 5 cents” sign, because folks loved to talk to her and I think it made them feel good. Yes, yarn shop replaces psychotherapist. I like that idea. And, it’s cheaper too! (I think).

Lots of new things in the shop this week. The picture above is our new Jasper from Berroco - a ssssoft merino that stripes. Below is the new not-to-be missed Rowan magazine #46. They are going fast!

The new Norah Gaughan book is here too, as well as a men's book that she put out.

Fall editions Knitscene ad Knit 'n Style are here too!

Some of our new yarns are here -- I just brought in the Takhi line starting with Montana -- one of their "green" yarns, a bulky weight soft wool in natural colors

Plymouth came out with Mushishi -- a soft self-striping wool with silk flecks in it. 471 yards and a free pattern all for $29.95!

Jojoland is always coming out with great designs. Pictured here is her "Luxury in Style" wrap made out of Jojoland's cashmere/silk blend. It's a triangular shawl made in the same style as the ever popular Swirl Shawl.

I started a class doing the pattern "Kyler's Kardigan" from Cottage Creations. Laurie has started knitting her's up out of Plymouth's Kudo. Just perfect for a little girl.

Bonnie is taking my "Learn to Knit Afghan" class, but always knits another project in between squares. Here she has knit up yet another baby surprise jacket, this time out of Adriafil's Knitcol. I've just got to make another one out of this yarn.

Our summer Knit to Fit class came in the show off their finished and almost finished projects. Karen did this sweater. I overheard her saying that she didn't like it, but I think it's just gorgeous. Love those bright colors. Made out of Cascade 220.

Joanne finished hers -- this lovely Classic Silk sweater was inspired by another design, but Joanne learned how to make it her own. She also found time to finish this Cabin Fever Kimono design out of Rowan Felted Tweed.

Ann's sweater is out of Plymouth's Linen Isle and has an almost reversible design.

Joan is almost done -- can't wait to see the finished product.

Sabra has been busy finished lots of projects. Here is her "Radiate" -- knit out of Plymouth Silk Shire and she also finished the Fair Isle Yoke sweater out of Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash Worsted.

Jill finished her "Spidery Tank" from Interweave Knits Summer 2009 out of Berroco Seduce. She won the grand prize at our annual Yarn Tasting of an entire bag of this yarn and Norah Gaugan's Vol. 4. Perfect yarn for this project.

Joanna and Alice have been knitting lots of lace. Alice's scarf is for her mom and is made out of SWTC Yang -- see all the sequins.

Joanna is using Woolbearers' hand dyed "Dancing Toes" -- an alpaca/superwash merino/nylon fingering weight yarn along with Tilli Tomas Beaded Silk.