There is nothing more comforting than stepping into a store that is filled with all of the fibers that one can squish. Admittedly I have resorted to doing this at big box stores in their fiber aisle if there are no LYS in the area. Am I embarrassed? No. Do I still do it? Of course. The lack of LYS in my area have pushed me to explore. And when I am presented with the opportunity to explore a new LYS I seize it! Local Yarn Shops are not as common as one would think. In fact in Oregon most of the shops are concentrated in the Portland area. And if you venture down the I-5 corridor you may find some sprinkled here and there. For those weekend warriors who may venture off to the coast they may be lucky enough to find some that are open on the weekends.  You may ask, why are you so obsessed with local shops? Or why doesn't she shop online?  Well, let's just say that I love shopping (ehem looking and touching everything) and LYS hunting is actually a hobby of mine. Nothing cheers me...

This pandemic has expanded our fiber community. And in between the chaos of  it all we have  all a found a way to chip in. We have helped the dyers who rely on fiber festivals to make ends meet. We have literally received generous 'pay what you can' offers from Brooklyn Tweed and countless designers on Ravelry.  And while we are all privy to our online community and the offers that make us hand over our money, there is a certain group of folks who started it all and who may need to be at the top of our list when it comes to shopping, our OG LYS (LYS = Local Yarn Shop). If you have a Local Yarn Shop it is very likely that they have seen it all. From the introduction to interchangeable needles, to the rising popularity of Ravelry and all of the designers who have stepped up the knitting game. And lets not forget the rise of the indie dyers and even the clout that follows carrying the most recent enamel pins. These folks have had to maneuver in risky waters as their industry...

*Quit your love for the noose*   "Are you surprised?"  That's all I hear.  I watch them run- yell, "hold my beer"  We saw them mob,  They broke the glass.  All in support -  of that dumbass  They ran to guns -  With will to fight.  All with no Fear -  Because they were WHITE.  We all just watched-  In great disbelief -  Of that red coup,  Egged on by the "chief"  They post online -  "That's BLM!"  "Recount the vote"  My, what a gem.  Do not deflect,  We fought for lives.  Not for a "man"  (who) in chaos thrives.  Just drop the cup,  Don't drink the Juice.  And quit that love,  For that damn noose.