Jacquie Knits: More Progress

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March 16, 2006

More Progress

Four, Five and Six are done! Two more to go and this project is finished. I do like the smaller beads. Turns out size 8 refers to the size of the hole, not the size of the bead. I had more delicate size 8 beads in my stash in exactly the perfect color. Problem is there's only one store nearby that carries them and I've been boycotting them vigorously.

I've been described by people that like me that I am very passionate. Those that don't like me find me intimidating. Actually they use another word but I'm trying not to cuss. You see, when it comes to teaching someone something they don't know, I have the patience of Job. Really and truly. There is no question too basic and no limit on how many times you can ask me the same thing. I believe teaching moments are sacred. That people are at their most vulnerable when they ask to learn. That it is a very tender moment and should be treated with reverance. That said, I have no patience for accountants that can't add, healthcare professionals that don't care and customer service people that are nasty. Hence the boycott.

There is a knitting store nearby. So close in fact it is an eight minute walk door to door. A slow eight minute walk. It's a tiny store but the selection is very good. Lots of variety in both price and quality. Lots of patterns. Lots of needles. But the proprietors? They are something else. One is rather standoffish although she is knowledgeable. Personally I think you need to be warm and fuzzy to sell yarn but not everyone is warm and fuzzy. Mind you I buy more from warm and fuzzy but maybe sales is not the priority here. The other one is so rude and obnoxious I swear they might as well put the close sign out. I have overheard her gossip so viciously that I've walked out due to pure discomfort. She was so rude to me last time I bought something that I haven't set foot in her shop again. Last year alone I spent thousands in yarns, books, retreats, subscriptions, fiber, etc. Yes my dear husband who is reading this - thousands.

Now I'm an experienced knitter. And hey, I'm from New York. I am not easily bullied. What does infuriate me is the number of new knitters this shop has turned off. Over the past year, I have had at least half a dozen new knitters tell me that they almost gave up knitting because of their encounters at this shop. That's why I boycott them. That's why I hand out cards of my favorite shop and my favorite teachers and my super friendly supportive guild. That's why I ordered and am willing to wait four to six weeks for a handful of beads in the mail. Because our knitting dollars count. And new, nervous, tentative knitters deserve the warmest and fuzziest of welcomes.

Posted by Jacqueline on March 16, 2006 08:14 AM | Permalink