The importance of a LYS

To the non crafters who has stumbled here completely on accident, LYS stands for Local Yarn Store. I am fortunate to live in an area where I have two amazing businesses within a short drive from my home.

The first is located in Lebanon, New Hampshire and is called Scratch. Somehow I have worked less than two miles away from this hidden gem for almost three years before discovering it existence. I am not really sure how that happened. But now that I have found it, I am completely smitten with this amazing little store. 

Karen, Jessica and Travis run a friendly, inclusive, and comfortable shop that is homey and welcoming from the moment you first walk through the door. They feature beautiful color ways from fantastic indie dyers and often have trunk shows in the store so you have the ability to pick the brains of the people behind the magic. To me there is nothing better than to find out what the thought process behind my favorite color ways. Were they thinking of a specific project or we they thinking of a person? a feeling? nothing at all? 

The second location isn't one that I found myself. Would you believe it was found for me by my significant other? What a man he is. He listened to me gripe and complain every timeI was using my circular needles. He listened to every single concern that I had and kept not of them. Then, right before Valentine's Day, went looking. Not only did he find me the perfect set of circular needles. (I will get to those later) He found The Elegant Ewe. Located in Concord, New Hampshire, this shop is wonderful with is charm and charisma. 

Marci Richardson has created a beautiful little shop/ Everytime I have walked in I have been welcomed like an old friend. Kelly and Amy are always willing to answer my questions and lead me into the right direction to get exactly what I need for any project.

I have been to several local yarn stores. And one thing I have noticed about several of them is that they are stuffy, and as much as I want to love them because they provide me with the most amazing quality fibers. I have children. And I have found that in several places I have been children are frowned upon and not very welcome. Both of these locations welcome my children. They are allowed to look around, admire, and ask questions. They are never scolded or given the side eye. Comfort and a welcoming atmosphere are vitally important.

I keep compiling a list of stores that I want to go visit. Hopefully I will have more to add soon.