My first visit to a LYS

okckwilter · 03-12-2011, 11:46 AM

Next door to the salon where I get my hair cut is a lovely specialty yarn shop. I finally had the opportunity to take off work a bit earlier than necessary for my hair appointment and was able to pop in the yarn shop for a few minutes. Oh my goodness! I've never seen so many lovely different yarns, gorgeous colors, and wonderfully different fibers! I made the acquaintance of the owner, found out she offers a few classes and hope to be able to swing by next week for her April class schedule. Unfortunately, she closed at 5:00 that day, the same time as my appointment so I wasn't able to browse as long as I would have liked but will definitely go back when I have more time. I see a long learning curve ahead, learning what yarns and fibers work best for which projects, etc.

I do have a question. The shop owner showed me a few completed class projects, a number of hats, gorgeous scarves and a few sweaters. I commented I especially want to learn to knit socks and sweaters. She mentioned that all her sweaters are done in the round which struck me as a bit unusual? I know it avoids the tedious seaming but still...it surprised me a bit.

She asked if I've learned to knit in the round yet, I said no, not yet, and she gave me the distinct impression her sweater classes would not be for me (I mentally added "not yet"). Like I said, I didn't have much time there so one of my first questions next time will be whether any of her classes are for beginners. I sure hope so, and I hope my feeling a bit put off by her is just a result of not enough time and end of the day weariness. Or the fact that I was obviously just browsing and had no intention of splurging on pricey yarns until I know how and where to use them!

CoolWool · 03-12-2011, 05:36 PM

Are there any more LYSs in your town? You might try another one and get a totally different vibe. I'm taking a beginner sock class at one of mine and while it's not a bad class (90% done with my first sock!) it's not the laugh riot I was hoping it would be. But you're right, the yarns sure are pretty!

okckwilter · 03-12-2011, 07:30 PM

You're right, I need to look around town more. I zeroed in on this particular shop because it's very close to where I live. But yellowbook.com tells me there are a lot more shops in the OKC area than I imagined and you can bet I'll be checking out more shops!

Jan in CA · 03-12-2011, 08:06 PM

I've made many sweaters now and they've all been in the round..both cardigan and pullover.

It's always good to check other stores, but I wouldn't rule that one out after one visit. It was the end of the day and it's only one employee that works there I imagine.

okckwilter · 03-12-2011, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Jan in CA

I've made many sweaters now and they've all been in the round..both cardigan and pullover.

It's always good to check other stores, but I wouldn't rule that one out after one visit. It was the end of the day and it's only one employee that works there I imagine.

Oh, I won't give up on that particular store that quickly, she has far too many gorgeous yarns to explore! It's just always good to know there are other options!

margrue · 03-27-2011, 11:11 PM

I say give the lady the benefit of the doubt. It was the end of the day and she wanted to get home. I'm sure she didn't mean to sound critical of your knitting skills.
The next time you go in, say you are not a very experienced knitter but really look forward to learning new techniques. Ask if one of the hat classes would be a good place to learn how to knit in the round.
It does seem like knitting in the round is the "in" thing these days. I knit with a group that makes kids' hats for an orphanage. Sonebody brought in a couple of hats which had been made flat and seamed (very neat seams,too) and several people seemed surprised that she didn't make them in the round. Like the kids in the orphanage are going to know or care how their nice new warm hat was made.
If you can't get satisfaction from this store then you can try another one. You can also do a google search for "knitting groups in the OKC area" and find a group you can go to where there are people who would love to help you become a more experienced knitter.