An Artist's Eye

Saturday was my first visit to a LYS while in the Carolinas.  This one was Knit 'n Purl in Myrtle Beach.  I found it last year, but they have moved into a wonderful new building.  What I remember from last year was a very crowded shop with nice yarn and a knitting class taking place in the middle of everything.

What I found this year was a huge store, made to look even bigger by a wall of mirrors.  The staff strike the perfect blend of being helpful and letting you explore on your own.  During this visit, I needed a little of each. What I found most intriguing was the way Knit 'n Purl was set up.  It was kind of like an art gallery with all of these small exhibits showcasing different yarn or different projects.  It was really quite lovely.  They have all of my favorite yarns and a few yarns I've never experienced before.

Throughout the store you find these little kiosks of treasures which make a large store feel small and cozy.  If you look closely in the mirror you will actually see me taking this picture with my iPhone.  

The yarn is arranged by weight with signs telling you what kind of yarn is where.  Starting with lace weight and moving to the right through bulky.  This made me consider all of the different ways I have found yarn sorted in stores and the benefits of each.  A shop set up this way by weight is definitely made for the person who has a pattern picked out but doesn't know what yarn they want to use.  You can scan all of the different yarns that would work with your pattern until you find the perfect one.  Some LYS are arranged by manufacture so that all yarns from Noro would be together.  This arrangement was perfect when I was making the Lizzard Ridge afghan for my Mom and wanted to see every color of Kureyon yarn.  I also love this arrangement when I just want to be overwhelmed by all of the beauty of Noro.  Then there was the wonderful little yarn shop in Jerome, Arizona that was sorted by color.  I walked in and saw an absolute rainbow as I looked around the store.  I stood there with my mouth open gathering in the beauty.  Some shops you'd swear have never been sorted or arranged, but that's fun, too.  It is like a treasure hunt where you don't know what you are looking for or where you will find it.  Knit 'n Purl definitely works for me.

Everything is easy to find and easy to see.  With so many different yarns and projects and books and magazines and gadgets, you may think it was confusing but not so.  I met the genius behind this organization.  Her name is Molly.  I needed some waste yarn for a provisional cast-on and she kindly gave it to me.  

In addition to this wonderful large table that I am sure they use for knitting classes, they have a private room that Molly was just starting a beginning knitting class in when I arrived.  What a great way to start the new year, learning to knit.  Nice, private and quite.  What a great set up.  I bought several things; a Blue Heron I didn't have, a Cascades Souk, a gorgeous Classic Shades Metallic.  But my most treasured purchase is this. . .

It is called Top This and is yarn for a stocking cap with this adorable puppy on top.  They had hats with unicorns, giraffes, elephants, mice, kittens, soccer balls.  I thought they were adorable.  

A big thanks to Molly and her staff for showing me around their gallery of fine yarn.  If you are in the Myrtle Beach area, drop your husband at the golf course and head for Knit 'n Purl.  I love golf, but I must say I love yarn more.  I am sure I will make another visit some time this month.