While on my road trip, I had the chance to stop into a little yarn shop in Abilene, TX called Yarnies. SO CUTE!!! The shop is great... but I am a little miffed... since I used to live there and there was NO local yarn shop THEN! Boo! :( But it's super great that she's opened up shop for all the wonderful knitters/crocheters in the area. 

As I walked in, the owner, Linda Nygaard, was at a table in the back teaching knitting to two lovely ladies. She was very sweet and from what I heard - a great instructor. I got to visit with her for a bit and she is as sweet and welcoming as her shop. Linda also let me know about all the special events that she has for her customers. Including trips to the wineries - to taste, knit and chat! - reopening late in the evening for wine and knitting - and opportunities at any time to come and join in the instruction around the table! I'm sure there was much more that I am forgetting! She is building a really nice yarn community there in Abilene! I wish I stilled lived there so I could join in! :)

Linda has a great selection of yarns and it's a fun store to browse through. Open, airy and light. You should stop by if you are in town or even close to the area! And if you live there?? YOU should definitely go join in the activities! 

Of course I couldn't resist buying some yarn while there. That I totally didn't need. But yarn calls to me and I especially like supporting the LYS while I am there. I bought a skein of Blue Heron Yarns Bamboo Lace. I haven't worked with any Blue Heron Yarns... so thought this would be a fun one to play with. I couldn't resist it's soft bamboo-ness. Yep... that's a word! haha.

I also LOVED the colorway - it's so subtle. I typically don't work with laceweight yarns because it takes FOREVER for make anything. I know... I'm horrible...but I like the instant gratification of larger yarns! But this one was special and so I made an exception. I am envisioning something drapey and light for summer. Tank? Probably. 

I have no idea when I'll get to this little beauty... but wanted to show it off while telling you about Yarnies. So you'll be seeing it again SOMETIME in the future...

Interested in stopping by Yarnies?? Here's all the info that you need:

Website: www.yarniestexas.com
Address: 2506 S. 7th Street Abilene, Texas 79602
Phone: 325-455-5463
Owners: Linda and Rick Nygaard

If you stop by, let Linda know I sent you! 

Do you have a LYS that you just love? Share in the comments section - Anaid readers live everywhere and maybe we'll learn of a new fabulous place! Let us know where you shop, knit, and chat! :)

The story begins like this: You make something handmade for someone. And they truly love it. Wear it everyday. Isn't that the BEST feeling?? What more can a knitter/crocheter ask for? 

Well, I recently had that happen to me. My nephew (age 19) asked for a beanie for Christmas. Of course I was thrilled to oblige. I mean, that is like the easiest handmade gift ever! Low cost in yarn and not a ton of time involved. Win Win. 

Needless to say... he LOVES it and indeed has been wearing it everyday. At least as far as I know since I am in another state! 

So what happens next? OH YEAH... now everyone that has seen the beanie wants the beanie. YEP. Now it's all about turning out that next beanie! How did a one-off Christmas present turn me into an assembly line? 

Of course it's for people I know and love so it's ok. But I am now on my sixth and am vowing that this is the end of it!  

This little lovely will be going to my brother-in-law (aforementioned nephew's dad). 

So tell me - Do you have a great story of having to mass produce some lovely that you made? Put your story in the comments section!