I've been getting really sick of The Knitting Shoppe. It is the only decent knitting/yarn shop in town. I wish there were more places in town to buy quality yarn. I think it would be nice to have some variety. They do have a fairly good-sized selection of yarns and patterns to choose from. I've just been very bored with their selection lately. Don't get me wrong, it is a great store. They just don't cater to the younger generation. For example, I couldn't find a single sweater pattern for my boyfriend there. It was really frustrating. every store is different though.
So this sent me to the internet. By searching the net and other knitting blogs I've found some great online stores. I was able to find a pattern for my boyfriend, yarn for the pattern, the Baby Bobbi Bear pattern and some needles.
There is one major thing missing for me when it comes to online shopping. There is absolutely nothing like the live experience. The colors are more vivid and I can feel the true texture of each fiber. It's easy for me to buy patterns and needles online but not yarn. I have to be able to feel the yarn to know if I like it or not.
I've been wondering if there is another knitting shop close by. I didn't want to go too far. Luckily when I searched online I found the closest one ONLY 20 MINUTES AWAY! The store is Beads and Beyond in Cedar Rapids, IA.
My mom took me to Beads and Beyond last Thursday. I was so excited and I had high expectations for the trip. Overall, I liked Beads and Beyond much better than The Knitting Shoppe. Beads and Beyond is much bigger so it's easier to get around in my wheelchair. They have a wider selection of yarn and quite a few kits. Their staff are very welcoming and helpful as well.
I was disappointed that they didn't carry pattern or yarn for Debbie Bliss, Sirdar, KIC2 or Blue Sky Alpacas. They had a lot of knitting magazines and books. Unfortunately they didn't have any name brand pattern books or single patterns. I still think it's a great store overall and highly recommend it. I have to remember that they can't possibly carry everything. I did get a few things:
I purchased these really cute stitch holders. I don't know how much I'll use them. They're fun to collect though.
Also, I finally have a CHIBI. I actually wanted a pink one b/c it's my fav. color. I tried to get one off of ebay but they were always going for too much. Oh well. Maybe sometime they will start manufacturing the pink ones again.
This Plymouth Napa is for the Chevron Tank from interweave Knits. I'm still not sure if I like this yarn for that pattern or not. I wanted to get the yarn the pattern called for but decided on this instead. We'll see, I can always use this on something else! I am too indecisive!
I'm sure it's obvious that Beads and Beyond also sells beads. They have the most beautiful selection! My mom signed us up for a bead class there for this Wednesday. It should be a lot of fun. I don't know if I will be able to make it through the whole 2 hours. It'll still be good for me to get out of the house. I'm planning on making a bracelet and some stitch holders. I don't need another hobby! Knitting and blogging take up a lot of time as it is.
Overall it was a good for me. Since I haven't been out of the house much for 8 months, being in the real world again seems a little daunting. I was so tired and extremely sore by the time we got home but it was worth it. Going yarn shopping is always worth it! I'm sure you all agree.
ON Hold for Now
