OMG! We just got back from a road trip along the beautiful west coast of Michigan with it's tranquil sand dunes, beautiful beaches and unique towns. We started in New Buffalo and ended in Petoskey with lots of sight seeing, shopping and eating along the way. My plan was to pick out LYSs along the way and post about them. Some were old favorites and some were new. The first shop was in downtown St Joe. I couldn't find it and when I ask, I was told it was closed. I was a little bummed but knew I had one of my favorites Lizzie Anne's coming up in Holland. Lizzie Anne's would definitely be in my top five LYSs. When we got to Holland, I was geeked. We parked and I walked to the shop only to find that Lizzie Anne's was no longer in business. OMG! What's happening!
I started to reflect on LYSs I love that have closed. I realized that one of my goals has been to single handedly keep all my favorite LYSs in business by buying all the yarn I could, ergo my enormous yarn stash. When I realized I had failed, I was very sad. Fiberworks Knitting and Weaving in Toledo, Knit A Round in Ann Arbor, Yarn Paradise in Ashville and now Lizzie Anne's just to name a few. There are many reasons why LYSs close. It's obvious that owning a LYS is a labor of love. It's a tenuous, balancing act. It is a risk which must not only offer yummy, gorgeous yarn but pay the bills.
I have always dreamed of having my own LYS. I even have a name--In Stitches! In my head I always thought about spending every day amid scrumptious yarn and yarn lovers. What could be better?!?! I never thought about the pressure.
In Petoskey I discovered Cynthia's Fine Yarns thanks to my yarn buddy Linda. I must admit I was very down when we got to Petoskey. What if Cynthia's was also closed? Well, it wasn't and it was worth the wait.
Cynthia's Fine yarn is filled with the glorious high end yarns I love with projects knit to show the wonderful possibilities. When I first walked in, I saw gifts and not yarn and thought, "Wow! This isn't what I wanted." Then I turned the corner and saw the yarn. The young, friendly women working said they include the gift shop because many LYSs can't make it on yarn alone so they diversified. Smart!
I bought yarn for the adorable hat in the picture that looks like a cupcake. Isn't it a fabulous! I will knit it and post it soon.
Every where I looked there were treasures. I was immediately disappointed that I live so far from Petoskey. I would like to visit Cynthia's often.
I left with a bag full and my spirit lifted. Now my goal is to uncover and support wonderful LYS like Cynthia's Fine Yarn. I would like you to reflect on LYSs you love that have had to close and honor their memory. Then thank and support those LSYs that are still in business.
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