The relationships built with a LYS are very special. You can buy comparable yarn at an online shop, but you can't build relationships. I have online shops I love but I have never been able to give and receive a hug or see the look of pride in the eye of the owner or catch a smile of pleasure at a compliment like you do at a LYS. It can feel like a a great seller/buyer relationship but it can't feel like family. I can buy (and have done plenty of it) beautifully, exquisite yarn from an online shop, but I will never have that friendly person look me in the eye and say, "That is really beautiful, what are you going to make?" I can never have Laura from Silver Threads and Golden Needles walk me around the shop and help me find patterns or Mary from Yarn Quest help me choose colors that blend together. When you buy beautiful yarn online there is nobody to make you feel like you have just picked the perfect yarn for the perfect project. I encourage you to pick a LYS you love and develop a relationship. It will always feel like home when you walk in the door.
My day was great. After many hectic, busy and chaotic days, this day with my dear friend Linda was like like a cool drink of water in the dessert. It was like a dish of ice cream after a day of yard work; a cold beer after a round of golf on a hot day. It was a a happy/sad day. When Linda goes to Oregon in later this month, she and her husband will begin looking at homes for a potential move. Both of Linda's sons live in the Washington/Oregon area. As we were enjoying Twisted Fiber Art and our day together, I couldn't help wonder how many more days like this we would have. Linda has been a very important part of my life for a long time. Our trip to Twisted Fiber Art reinforced for me the importance of relationships, friendship and family. May your life be filled with warm, friendly relationships and beautiful yarn.