Wild Fibers, Mt. Vernon

Well, with the promise of a Hazel Knits Trunk Show, I packed up my son and headed north to Wild Fibers in the cuite little town of Mt. Vernon. We enjoied the drive through Skagit Valley, sang along with the radio, and drank gas station coffee (I drank the road laxitive, not my son.)

When we got there, it was a bit of a bear to find a place to park, but we eventually found a spot a few blocks away, and we didn't mind because it gave us a chance to take in the town and all the really cool shops around Wild Fibers.

However, when we got to the shop, I was blown away by how nice everything was and how organized the entire shop was. Everything was neat and clean, and it was a really inviting place to just walk into. The staff was really friendly and made you feel like you could approach them with any question you had.

Needless to say, I ended up with three skeins of Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, including one skein of Wendee's newest colorway "Cherry Fizz". It was so bright and fun I could not pass it up. I even picked up a kit for the "Prickly" mitts designed by Melissa Goode (Stick Chick Knits), and can't wait to start them!

It was such a nice day, that I couldn't resist walking aroun downtown. You couldn't believe my suprise when i saw another LYS just down the road a bit from Wild Fibers. I didn't remail nong because the Store smelled bad inside, and is was so cramped it made me feel a bit clausterphobic after a while. I can't remember the name of the store, but I don't think I would go back there again.

Exploring Another LYS: The Artful Ewe.

Set in the middle of downtown Port Gamble, I found a yarn and fiber store like nothing I have ever been to before. The Artful Ewe, sells yarn and fiber, but not any of the major brands your would find in a yarn store. In face all the yarn and fiber sold in the store is dyed and prepared by the owner of the shop. This makes it an interesting stop on any knitters travels through the Olympic Peninsula.

The owner is friendly and very helpful, making it a nice place to visit and look at the books that are found in the store. Unfortunately for me, I forgot my wallet and had to borrow some money from my Husband so that I could buy the Bombyx silk top that I fell in love with.

I will have to return again to the store, but next time, I will remember my wallet.

And if you should stop in, don't forget to pet the little dog.

Across the Sound: Churchmouse Yarns and Tea

Bainbridge Island has always been known for it's small town atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and upscale shops. Chruchmouse Yarns and Teas is not the exception.

The shop is tucked around the corned from the Blackbird Bakery on Madrone Lane, the first thing I noticed was a collection of beautifully knit shawls adorning the front windows, each beaufiully and skillfully knitted by patrons of the shop. I had to stop and admire them for a moment before entering the little white door, and stepping into a knitters paradise.

Once inside, I was greeted warmly by the staff and offered full assistance by one of the ladies working the store. I declined any immediate assistance, but accepted it again later when I needed additional skeins of Punta Yarns Merisoft to knit myself a nice fall colores sweater. I was especially happy to find that the Merisoft was the featured yarn of the month, which saved me ten percent off the purchause (check their websits for future yarns of the month).

I took some time to look aroun the shop for a while and found a literal treasure chest of wonderful yarns and notions. Their selection of luxurious cashmere and silk yarns draw you in with their beautiful colors and sfot textures, while their wonderful collection of sock yarns by Noro and Blue Moon Fiber Arts wow you with their beautiful colorways. I was very pleased, as well, by their extensive of Rowan Yarns and books. I kicked myself for not making notes as to the future Rowan projects I wanted to work on.

Their selection of books and patterns were well organized, as well as all their knitting needles. This proved to the customer that the staff took a great deal of pride in the store, and made even the most novice of knitters feel comfortable.

I even further indulged my fiber addiction with some Kiogu to make a scarf from a Chruchmouse Yarns origional pattern that I found neat.

I would have spent more time just browsing the store, ad taking in all they hadd to offer in teas, and needlepoint projects, but the stormy weather outside was getting worse, and I had to catch the ferry back to the Seattle side of town. I can say however, that I plan to make a future trip across the sound to that little yarn store with the great selection on Bainbridge Island soon.