The one in which I buy (or windowshop) local . . .

You know . . . there is a movement to "buy local". I think this is a great idea and I am examining my shopping and spending (yes, they are different) patterns to see where I can increase my support of the local economy.

I think the movement is called "3/50", although my memory might be lapsed. The concept is to shop at 3 (or more) local stores and spend at least $50. That is at least $50 total, not at each store. That's not too hard to do, really.

We've taken to shopping a bit more at local markets. Sure, we still go to some of the warehouse stores, but we are trying to buy produce and other items more locally. I'd love to buy all organic but right not, it won't work in the budget so we do it where we can.

I am looking for a local, independent book store. There used to be one in Royal Oak but it is long gone. I can (and do) buy used at John King books. I love that place (both locations). Although I love books also, I buy more than that.

That gets me to my real idea of shopping, yarn stores! I buy little, if anything, at the big chain stores. Firstly, they have very little that I want. Unless I am making something for someone who won't appreciate finer fibers or something that needs to be indestructable (acrylic and hard-wearing), I shop at the independent stores. I go to Ewe-Nique Knits in Royal Oak, MI as much as possible. If I am unable to make it there, I go to . . . have you any wool? in Berkley, MI. When I am working at the local base, I shop at Crafty Lady Trio in Sterling Heights/Utica area. I do my best to spread my money around to other shops as well.

Lo and behold, I find out that I am going to be spreading my money a little thinner. There is a new (or newer) yarn shop in Clawson, MI and it isn't that far from me. It is PK Yarn Over Knit and is close by. I am hoping to get there soon. Who knows what I'll find that I 'need'? Okay, maybe I won't 'need' anything, but I can look, can't I?

Don't judge my shopping habits (or my yarn stash)!! Just buy local!

Time Flies!

I cannot quite believe it has been 2 weeks since the last post. It doesn't seem as if I've been doing very much - but, in retrospect, I have. I had to travel to Atlanta for work last week. Yep, that's right - I flew on 9/11. The airports were sure quiet. Our flight, on the other had, had a bit of excitement. Seems that some young men decided to be foolish and make jokes about bombs. Well, no one else found it funny and they were escorted from the flight (before we took off, fortunately) by state troopers. Sigh!

Anyway, while in Atlanta for work, I found Knitch. It is a lovely yarn and fiber shop not far from downtown. It took me less than 10 minutes from the Olympic Park area. The staff was helpful, the shop was lovely and they'd just opened a new dye kitchen that made me envious. I ended up buying a new spindle and some lovely merino silk blend for spinning. I also found out that the Yarn Harlot will be there this week (tonight, I think). I was a week too early!!! Sigh (again!)

The other thing that has been filling my time is Ravelry. I GOT MY INVITATION!! It came while I was out of town. I've spent a few hours here and there on it just exploring. What a gift this is!!! I am still trying to maneuver my way around (I am fatesthread on Ravelry) but am having loads of fun. These folks are amazing - the ones who thought it up and have exected it. I've got some techno challenges, as usual. I am 'graphically challenged' but it'll work out, I am sure.

On my needles: I am working on a 2nd sock of On-Line Superwash Sock yarn in bright colors; that's them above. I got to go to the Detroit Tigers Stitch 'n Pitch and started it there. I worked on it while traveling and am 2/3 of the way finished. I am already thinking of the next project so I must be close (at least psychologically) to finishing this one. I'll write more about the ball game another time.

Now, to bed to nurse this migraine.