Another Great Yarn Shop - Knitting Nation

Well, I have lost parts of this post in the editing Black Hole three times already... Let's see what happens this time. (Rrrrrgh!)

Last weekend, my sister and I visited Nyack, NY. It's a quaint little town on the Hudson River, chock full of interesting shops and restaurants. Many of the shops feature beautiful and unusual items made by local artists and artisans. It is also a center for antiques, with numerous shops throughout the area.

A new addition to the mix is a yarn shop called "Knitting Nation". Although new, it has the cozy "been there forever" look and feel to it, outside and in. The first thing you see upon entering is a big comfy couch, and in front of it a large coffee table littered with colorful books and pamphlets that invite you to sit down and explore. Opposite the sofa are several colorful chairs perfect for relaxed knitting and chatting.

There is yarn of every color, texture, size and (seemingly) brand on the well-stocked shelves, as well as loads of inspiration from a variety of colorful hat, scarves, sweaters, shawls and other items displayed throughout the store.

We had the opportunity to chat with one of the owners and her husband, who talked about the shop and also their older business, wholesale importing of cashmere and other fine fibers. They were very friendly and down-to-earth, as well as knowledgeable about the craft and the business of knitting.

I feel it's important that all shoppers be made to feel welcome, not just the experienced or the big spenders, and that was certainly the case at Knitting Nation. Both my sister and I have (briefly) visited one or two other shops with personnel that are downright snobby and intimidating about skills and yarn, which I think is a big mistake. They are turning off valuable repeat business, particularly as the novice knitters gain more confidence and skills, and then become more willing to invest in knitting projects and accessories.

Anyway, Knitting Nation is definitely on my repeat list! I picked up a pretty little tote perfect for a smaller project, and some Cascade Invito in color #17. I have no idea yet what I will use the Invito for, but it was just too pretty to pass up!