Some people get the looks, some people the taste.
And some people get both a'plenty. Like this young lady here:
This girl is adorable and has an armful of eye candy. Looks and taste. (I am now officially old enough to start calling other adults young lady. Just wait until you get to be as old as me -- you'll see.)
And this shop here? Looks and taste. Beauty and brains. It's hard to find both. The world seems to be full of Pamela Andersons and Janet Renos. But when someone is both gorgeous and smart, people take notice.
That's the case with A Good Yarn in Sarasota, FL.
First of all, let's just set the scene, shall we?
Those are palm trees reflected in the window. A rare and wonderful sight to this native northerner. Yes, we have two million acres of forest here in Minnesota. But palm trees we ain't got.
And you can see the post right below this one for ideas on what the beach in Sarasota looks like. Yeah, terrible isn't it? Boy, did I hate spending time there. What a dreadful place.
Just kidding.
Some people can't tell when I'm kidding. So I have to say just kidding. I was just kidding there, folks. The beaches in Sarasota are awesome.
This shop has a truly lovely selection of yarn. It is packed full of goodies -- every book, every notion, every fabulous fiber you could want is here. Plus lots of knitted samples are sprinkled liberally throughout.
Hello, Octopus's Garden. Mama loves you.
The beautiful things don't just stop with yarn. The people that work there are amazing too.
You know the restaurant chain that uses the phrase, "When you're here, you're family"? That's the way Susan Post and her staff make their customers feel.
That's what makes people drive hours or fly from the midwest to shop here. It's not just the yarn -- which is wonderful. It's not just the Signature Knitting Needles or the custom colorways -- which are equally wonderful. It's the way shopping there makes you feel. People are happy to see you. They're happy to help you. You feel like your visit means something to them. There's a camaraderie among the staff and customers that is fun to see.
In addition to the custom colorways, I managed to bring some one of a kind colorways as well. Like Cream Colored Ponies and Crisp Apple Strudel.
And In A Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Liquid Sunshine, meet Sea Flower.
She Sells Seashells, say hello to Bellini.
Royal Wedding, meet your new friends Eilis and Mairin.
I was so enamored with Octopus's Garden that I had to start making something with it.
Pattern: Virginia Shawl, modified for larger gauge.
Yarn: Octopus's Garden on Springvale Worsted.
Needles: US 10.5
Sharon: Happy.
I've been to many a yarn shop. A Good Yarn is one of the good ones. You can visit them on the web at A Good Yarn Sarasota, or in person at
7668 S Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Fl 34231
Given how gracious and friendly everyone at A Good Yarn is, I know they'd be happy to send you just about any item they have in the store, if you can't make it to Florida in person.
Just sayin'.