First, I was SADLY DISSAPPOINTED that they didn't actually show more of the yarns in their video clip!! I mean hello?? You're talking about $13,000 worth of yarn...I'm sure the general public has no idea whatsoever what that means! So, show us some of this glorious stuff...heck, if nothing more it'd be great advertising for the stores that have been wronged!
Second, I was thinking... "Of course, theft is wrong....but ya know, some small part of my brain sympathizes with the thieves!" Yes, I know, I know, it's not an approved means of Stashology... *sigh*
Ok, so there was a third thought going through my brain as I was watching them throw around the word skein every other sentence or so... On Friday I was headed out to lunch with my 3 co-workers - all of whom are male (we have another woman starting on Monday then we'll actually have a full team!!). The subject of weekend plans came up, and I mentioned knitting of course. I also ended up talking about last weekend's field trip. So, as I'm telling them about this fabulous yarn store Chez Casuelle, I was throwing in big words like skein and describing the process of hand painting yarn, etc. At the end of the brief chat, my boss was so impressed with himself, since he can now say intelligent things like "Oh, what a beautiful skein of hand painted yarn!" I have to give them credit though...it's easy for a company to espouse Diversity and all, but it's pretty unique to have three men actually take two minutes to let me talk about yarn, and not only that, but to ask intelligent questions and actually take an interest! There is always an awareness level that I have when talking with yarn muggles that my audience is only likely to remain attentive for a very specific short period of time...
Oh, back to the field trip last weekend...I've been meaning to tell you all more about it, but, well...just haven't had a chance to give it the time I'd like to. I met up with Helen and Cindi at 9ish, and we headed for Mt. Dora to meet up with the Longwood contingent (Michelle and Orna). Our first stop was DreamStitchers in Mt. Dora. They had a lovely selection of various needlepoint and embroidery patterns, kits, and fibers. I kept it light there...knowing that the next stop was the BIG one!
Did pick up a Teresa Wentzler cross-stitch pattern- The Minstrel. I've ALWAYS wanted one of her patterns, and the opportunity presented itself... Also purchased a GREAT reference book on Huck Embroidery patterns - I had seen this book previously in a friend's stash, but there's nothing like having your own copy! The two hanks of Pearl Cotton are also a purchase with Huck in mind. And, well, they're hand painted, which is a BIG draw for me...
On the way to DreamStitchers, we did drop by the site of Knit n Needle Nook on Main Street, just to see if she'd be open. This store is the stuff legends are made of...not in the high quality / trendiness of it's yarns, but more in the sheer quantity / AGE of it's yarns! You want something that hasn't been manufactured for ten years? There's a good chance they'll have it! Sadly the store was not open, and a note on the door indicated that illness was the cause. I hope she gets better and is able to re-open.
For lunch, we had reservations at The Gables in Historic Downtown Mt. Dora. Parking was a bit of a nightmare, but we all enjoyed a nice little walk from the Marina area. Lunch was fabulous - light, inexpensive...and of course we shared the first set of purchases for the day around the table!
After lunch we all headed out to ChezCasuelle in Historic Downtown Leesburg.
We had a few fits and starts trying to actually find it, but eventually we did. A very unassuming store front (she didn't even have her sign yet!) on a side street off the main drag, but there wasn't a ton of activity in the area, so parking was pretty easy right on the street. Inside it was a simple old building with Marble floors and walls lined with yarn! The decor of the room was very toned down, which helped the amazing yarns to pop off the shelves! Carla has amassed a large collection of absolutely gorgeous hand painted yarns! With the help of an opening Month in-store discount she was offering, I was
able to pick up a couple skeins of beautiful yarn and still stay within my pre-determined budget for the trip! I also got to see A Gathering of Lace and really look at it for the first time...it's now on my Wishlist :) Definitely a successful trip! Oh, and I had the realization once we arrived...that it's only about 40 minutes from my apartment to her store! This makes ChezCasuelle my closest local yarn store!! Be afraid, be very afraid...
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