Madison Part 3: "The Shopping"

It was NOT supposed to be a "Fiber Feeding Frenzy" weekend.  Just a couple of stops in search of some Lambs Pride Bulky, or equivalent, to replace the blue Cascade for my friend's felted bag.

First, a stop at my favorite shop from my quilting days, Millhouse Quilts, in search of fabric that could be used for a lining if necessary.

A trip to Millhouse is always a successful one! In the end, I needed Panda's eye to help make the final choice for the lining AND came away with a couple of goodies for me to boot!

Next, Lakeside Fibers.  The sky had clouded and the family decided to come into the shop because they have a great eatery and sitting area for guests of the knitting AND non-knitting sort.  Unfortunately, they didn't have what I was hoping to find for the the bag.  The girl that was assisting me recommended that I check another of the shops in town that carries Lambs Pride.

Now, every time I visit Lakeside Fibers, I am mesmerized by their "Wall of Cascade".  This trip was NO different; but with a twist.  Maybe it was the "guilt" of not having a purchase after being so graciously waited on.  Maybe it was the sudden torrential downpour that held us captive indoors.  Or maybe it was the desire to have the final 2-$5 punches whacked off my frequent buyer card. Whatever the reason, suddenly, 10 skeins had jumped into my arms to knit a replacement for the Jersey Girl sweater I felted!

The rain stopped, and we headed to our next stop, The Knitting Tree, in search of the elusive Lambs Pride.  In the past, I'd always considered The Knitting Tree to be the place to go in search of something "funky".  So, it caught me a bit off guard to be referred there for something I'd consider as a "basic" type yarn. 

But, there it was, THE PERFECT yarn to coordinate and be the new base for Kelly's felted bag!  Isn't it great when things come together perfectly!?!

Mission accomplished. They were ready to ring me up..stop..wait...I just got here. 

"You wouldn't happen to have a copy of 'Knitting Lace Triangles' by Evelyn Clark?"  Sure thing!!!

"Do you have anything new in sock yarns?"  ShiBui Sock.  I've been reading about it and wanted to try it.  Doogie wants a pair made with the dark teal green Peacock, and the other three (kiwi, anime, and sky) will find a home this Christmas.  Now I was "high" from the fiber fumes!  Now, it was time to check out.

Back at the hotel, something unusual happened: buyer's remorse.  Never before have I had fiber related buyer's remorse.  But the 10 skeins of Cascade...something I can get at my LYS...something that in the sunlight looked more like Doug's choice for sock yarn than the blue green it appeared as during the rain storm.  I don't wear green on my body!  Ackkkk!

After reviewing the exchange policy on the receipt (and knowing there was no way I'd be knitting a sweater for myself in JULY!), we decided to make the trek back to return the yarn before we left town. 

I believe these things happen for a reason. The same young woman assisted me on our return trip.  When I walked in the door and announced, "It's too green!" she was very gracious and helpful. 

Doogie had asked that, if I wasn't going to get yarn for my sweater, the exchange be for either the Fog Sweater or the Cambridge Jacket.  Sounded perfect to me.  We found some gorgeous blue Donegal Tweed that would be just the thing.  There wasn't enough of it but, since it was on their upcoming order, we could special order it.  The clerk took down the vital info and when she heard the name of our city she was tickled pink! 

It turns out she has been interviewing and may be moving to our town.  She was SO excited to know that when/if she comes to town that she already knows another knitter.  We exchanged Ravelry info and then I knew WHY I'd fallen for the Wall of Cascade and had buyers' remorse...everything for a reason...in this case, MoKnitting needed to know that there really are knitters in a town that doesn't have a knit shop!

Comments

[Secret Pal]

That looks like a wonderful shop. Glad that you got what you wanted but you have to stop buying things for yourself ;-)

[Kelly]

Emailed you before seeing this. What a beautiful array of blues - I can't wait to see the bag!! You are weonderful.