Sarah Jane’s Yarn Shoppe

Everyone knows that my mom, aunt and I went to market (TNNA) last week, so I will try to give a brief update.  We were mostly looking for something “new”, but finally decided to go with the words “favorite”.  Our favorite pattern was the Pure & Simple Swing Coat.  We saw it on a model in the fasion show and loved the way it fit.  This coat was made from Mountain Colors ribbon yarn, we thought it was a little busy and alot expensive.  We have picked out a couple of different yarns with some drape to them at a better price point and are anxious to get knitting.  This is a universally flatoring pattern and yes I am wearing something underneathe!

Knitting bags were something we saw alot of at market.  We had a really hard time picking out something practical, yet not ugly or outrageously expensive.  My aunt and mom both bought beautiful leather bags with matching needle holders.  My favorite bag by far was from Timeless Totes.  All the fabric choices are Michael Miller and you can order the fabric you want.  I have all the swatches, so stop by the shop and check it out.

As far as fun goes, the giant needles were by far the winner.  These needles are size 50 and 32inches long.  I was knitting six different yarns together and I’m sure I could have made an entire blanket in about two hours.  This is the best idea for using up your stash that I have seen!

We met many wonderful people and realized how happy we are with all of our yarn choices.  We try to work with companies that we enjoy the yarn as well as the people who sell it. 

It is always exciting to meet people who are creative.  I often think I am being creative but find that I may just be a little tacky.  One of our customers, Deb, bought a noni pattern that was already fantastic and then took it too the next level.  She bought the handles first and then came up with the rest of it.  She did mention how well the Ella Rae classic felted.  Nice work!

Speaking of creative, I just have to give another note of thanks to Sarah Jane’s new friend Debbie Macomber.  We have always loved her books, but now we have learned to love her as well.  She was nice to everyone in the shop and even brought presents.  I am going to start reading Twenty Wishes this weekend. 

Tonite I am at a yarn shop sleepover.  No, I am not that behind on my paperwork, I am here with ten and eleven year old girls.  My daughter has invited a couple of her friends to come to the shoppe, play games, eat snacks, listen to radio disney and try on the samples.

This is a little different crowd than we had at the Knit In this past friday.  Those girls stayed until almost 5:00 in the morning, hopefully these will be asleep by midnight!

This weekend is the big yarn market in Columbus, OH.  My mom, aunt and I are all going, so Katie is going to work at the shoppe.  She will not be alone as my handsome, nonknitting husband will be there to assist her should she need it.  All the yarn companies will be previewing their fall yarns, as well as taking orders.  Most of our sales reps have been to visit us in the last couple of weeks trying to get us to spend all our money for fall before we get to market.  Those of you who know my Aunt Sally know that she would not let that happen:)

I have been pouring over my projects looking for the perfect handmade item to wear and show off at market, but so far, my best choice is a white crocheted dress I saw today at Macy’s.  My daughter is sure no one would know that I didn’t make it.  I think I am going to go for a completely “machine made” look, which should make me stand out!

Check back as I will have a great deal of insight into the fall season when we return.  So far the only definite I have new for fall is Mirasol Project yarn.  Take some time to research this yarn, it is wonderful quality, priced well and completely fair trade.  Also, if you come into the shoppe and mention the country this yarn comes from, we will give you 20% of your next purchace before June 11th.