Yarn tourism–small batch and local

Fall is rapidly approaching in the Northeast with sunset arriving more quickly everyday.  Although we’re a few weeks away from peak leaf-peeping season, I find myself planning a variety of knitting projects and what kinds of wool I want to use.  As I line up my knitting projects, I’m also lining up my audio-book listening library.  Next up is Martyn Waites’ novels set in Cornwall. 

As I travel, I like shopping for souvenirs of locally produced yarn at local yarn stores (LYS) .  Buying locally produced yarn at a local yarn store allows for these businesses to thrive while providing me–the souvenir-shopping traveler–a strong recurring connection to the place where I’ve bought the yarn.  These yarns tend to be a touch more expensive than the commercially-produced synthetic yarns available at major craft and fabric chain stores. That said, just a skein or two can produce mittens or hats or wraps that allow me to revisit that place again and again. 

Fall foliage and yarn at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival, Rhinebeck, NY

The Grand Dame of yarn experiences, the two-day event is held in mid-October at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in the Hudson Valley, with over 200 vendors and thousands of daily visitors.  It’s all about wool, wool products, and wool producers–all small scale.  This event is eagerly anticipated by yarn enthusiasts throughout the Northeast US, easily located off route US 9 in New York State, about 15 minutes from the Rhinecliff Bridge exit off I-87.  Most vendors accept cards as well as cash.  https://sheepandwool.com/  Nearby, in Tivoli is–

Fabulous Yarn

The charming town of Tivoli, next door to Bard College, is home to a welcoming book store/ delicatessen/ coffee shop on a corner lot.  Just down the street is Fabulous Yarn, a cornucopia of yarn and accessory offerings.  The shop is open Wednesday-Sunday from noon to 6 pm. In addition to the brick-and-mortar shop, they also have an online presence.  But, of course, buying yarn is a tactile as well as visual undertaking.  Just up the block is the Hotel Tivoli with bright rooms and eclectic decor.  https://www.fabulousyarn.com/

Common Thread

Continuing north on I-87 from the Hudson Valley, just north of Albany, Saratoga Springs is worth a weekend away.  Visitors are spoiled for choice depending on the season–spas, horse-racing, performing arts, restaurants, and Common Thread.  Colorful well-designed displays, finished goods exhibiting a wide variety of yarns, books, and accessories welcome the visitor to explore and touch. Common Thread stocks yarns and accessories from local farms and artisans as well as larger luxury brands.  The knowledgeable staff provides suggestions if asked, but after greeting a visitor, allows the visitor to explore. http://www.commonthreadsaratoga.com/ 

Notion Fabric & Craft

Montpelier, Vermont is the charming capital city of Vermont, a city with a delightfully old-fashioned feel to it.  It is home to restaurants, coffee shops, more than one bookstore, a record shop (as in vinyl), artisan’s shop, and Notion Fabric & Craft.  In a compact space, displayed are unique fabrics, embroidery supplies, kits, and yarn, including a nice collection of locally produced breed-specific wool.  As to be expected, the shop-owner is well-versed in a variety of fiber arts. An easy drive down I-89 from Burlington, Montpelier offers a delightful day’s outing. https://www.notionvt.com/

Must Love Yarn

On the way into Burlington, VT is Must Love Yarn, a large airy invitingly arranged shop on route 7, about 15 minutes south of the University of Vermont’s main campus.  In addition to the eye-popping arrangement of yarns from commercial houses (Berroco, Malabrigo, etc.), about one third of the display space is dedicated to yarns produced by local Vermont farms along with patterns and kits using those yarns.  https://mustloveyarn.com/

And so, wherever one travels, it’s valuable to a local economy to support local businesses.  Each of the shops mentioned here has a web presence, but there’s no substitute for being there.