Ya Know......

So I went to this yarn store yesterday, which I will not name, and it was one of THOSE places. I was stalked by a women who had her arms crossed (an employee). It was not a big place. At all. I guess I looked shady. I don't know. There were other customers in the store. I was not greeted, just watched. Closely. And really, this women, who was not the owner, didn't really stop watching me until other customers drew her attention away. I hate when I go into places like that. I fully understand that there are people who steal things. I get that. But giving people the benefit of the doubt seems to have gotten lost in the 50's.

Anyway, given that I was stalked, would that fact alone make me not go back? No, probably not. The reason I will probably not go back is because of the yarn selection. Granted, there was Encore, and Noro, which you can get at just about any yarn store, but most of the yarn there was ribbon yarn. To each their own, but I'm probably not going to shop in a yarn store that has mostly novelty yarns. They did have some sock yarn that was dyed by a local women, and I bought a hank of that. I also got some of those diaper pin type stitch markers, and a couple of small project bags(also made by the local woman-nice fabric ones, very inexpensive).

But unless I need something that I had only seen there, I don't think I'll be going back.

The experience I had at this store made me think of the local yarn stores in this area, and which ones really stand out to me. The yarn store closest to me(about 5 min drive) is nothing special, but a good place to buy sock yarn, as that seems to be what she is most interested in. They also have the usual felting yarns, and if I didn't feel like going far, and needed Lamb's Pride, or Galway, or Encore, I would go pick some up there.

There is another store about 10-15 minutes from me, in West Reading, that I enjoy for their sale rooms. If I'm on a budget, I'll go there. The majority of the yarn I liked there seemed to be 100% wool. Lovely-but hand wash only, and therfore not a preferred yarn(by me).

However, my favorite yarn shop is about 25 minutes from me, and they have a wide range of diffrent yarns. The usual Lamb's Pride and Encore, and stuff, but also the yarns that I prefer that I haven't seen locally. Like Cascade 220 ( regular AND superwash), a bunch of diffrent Berroco yarns, Lopi, etc. And the best thing about this shop is that she just started a frequent buyer program where you earn points to have a certain percent off a future purchase. Now, a yarn store that does that AND has a lot of good yarns is one I'm going the visit often.

I guess it comes down to individual taste at the end of the day. What do YOU look for in a yarn shop? I must say that when I'm stalked, I don't feel like I've enjoyed my yarn shop experience. I don't feel like I've been allowed to peruse at my leisure. I feel pressured. Like I have to buy something to prove I didn't steal anything. When I rang out, I made a point of saying I didn't need the tissue paper at the bottom of the bags, and made a show of pulling it all out to prove that I wasn't hiding anything in the bag. I shouldn't have to feel like that.

So that was my yesterday. Today I'm up to my ass with the Christmas knitting. I have 3 and 1/2 dishcloths to go!! I've made a deal with myself that if I finish the one I'm working on, I can work on fetching for 2 hours. And then I won't start the December cloths until it actually IS December. A short break from them will be nice. Plus, I have a hat to finish, and a pair of socks that are barely started. And that's only the knitting-I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet. Sigh......where does the time go?

Happy Knitting!!!

Mom's Socks

Mom's Socks
Originally uploaded by KnitTurtle

I don't think I had posted these. I have had them finished for some time....but I just hadn't posted them. The stripe on the left foot matches the stripe on the bottom of the right foot. Go figure.

So life has been good-just busy. New job and all....training. Yeah. But it's good.

And the Christmas knitting. Oh my word, the Christmas knitting! 6 and a half dishcloths to go!! And I'm more then half donr my brother's hat. Then it will be a mad dash with Mom's socks. If I can go into December with only 3 dishcloths and the socks to finish, I'll be grinnin'.

Meanwhile, I had a baby shower to go to today(hopefully the last for a while-us non-breeders get really tired of these things.). I didn't want to take any of the Christmas gifts, so I started Fetching in Jasper. My first experience in cables, and I chose a project that is knit in the round. Clearly I have issues. But I must say they are looking good. I love love love the yarn-it is so yummy!! And really-the patterns is not hard.

But I'm home now, so it's back to dishcloths until Thanksgiving day, when I'll be back to working on the wrist warmers. I'll need them-well, I was going to say soon, but it's more like now. When we arrived home today, it was snowing and there was a dusting already on the ground.

Anywho-this is not getting the dishcloths done. Better go!

Happy Knitting!!!

Yup......

So, I thought I would have loads to say, and maybe I do-but my mind has gone blank. I feel sad today. It was the end of something I hadn't realized I cared so much about. I don't often form attachments-one of those survival things I guess. Everything changes-it's the only thing you can count on. And this time in my life seems to once again prove that. So forming attachments means being sad at some point. And now is that point. I am sad.

I really, really thought I would be ok. I had only worked there a year and a half. And this morning was ok-got some ballons, a card, and a gift, had baked goods(made especially for me!), lunch was bought for me.......it was awesome. And somewhere in the middle of it I realized that not only did these people truly care about me, but I care very much about them, and not seeing them everyday was going to break my heart. And I got sad. And I am still sad. The only thing preventing me from have an actual breakdown is the knowledge that after next Friday-that entire situation will not exist. After the merger-everyone will scatter. Everyone. I was just one of the first to go. Next week, everyone goes.

It sooths my heart to know that. It makes me a little less sad. I didn't leave them-I didn't have a choice. No one did. And at the end of the day, they are happy for me. The balloons didn't say 'We'll Miss you" or "Good Luck". No-my friends got me balloons that say "Congratulations". They are excited for me, and that makes me appriciate them even more.

I already miss them.

Another SP Pkg!

Another SP Pkg!!!
Originally uploaded by KnitTurtle

It arrived yesterday when I was away. Thanks Secret Pal! Can't wait to break out that journal-Yay!! And how cute is the picture on the front of the card?? Love it!!

I have been away all weekend, and I have loads of stuff to catch up on. And I need to work on a dishcloth tonight. After this one-only ten more to go!!!!

Happy Knitting!!

Mystery Theme Swap

Mystery Theme Swap
Originally uploaded by KnitTurtle

I got my Mystery Theme Swap package from my partner Judith on Thursday. The theme she choose for me was 'Moose'. So thanks, Judith-The package is lovely!

If they ever have another swap like this-I think I'd do it again-it was really fun!!