Life's a Stitch

And more recently life’s a creative adventure with some travel thrown in.

I can't figure out why people stand in line for over an hour, sometimes closer to two, for a 15% discount on yarn. One of our LYS's hosts an annual anniversary sale with most items marked down 15-20%. Knitters line up by the 100's, snaking their way throughout the hot crowded store, until they get to the sole check out station for the privilege of a discount. There are occasional 50% off items, which might be worth the adventure, but I did it with the best of them – spent $6 in gas and an hour an a half of precious time in line, to save $15. All in the name of Babette, who transforms knitters into crocheters.

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Babette, if you buy according to pattern instructions, takes over $300 of Koigu Painter's Palette Merino yarn. I am determined to do it a little at a time, using up my Koigu stash of six skeins and many colourful scraps, buying some on sale here and there, and substituting with other Koigu-esque yarns. If however, I'm still working on it same time next year, I vow not to spend a half a day to save 15%.

The kicker? I picked up a bag of yarn for a friend, one she had abandoned out of frustration earlier during the day. At home I realized we were charged double and shorted a skein. Apparently the staff were as overwhelmed as the customers. There has to be a better way.

I'm off to Toronto this week. My 23 yr old is having reconstruction surgery on a congenital knee defect. She saw three orthopedic surgeons here in BC, none with the expertise for her particular problem. So, we're flying across the country to have it done. If all goes well we'll be back in a week. Next time you hear from me it will be from the big T-dot, home of Lettuce Knit, Romni Wools and Sunnybrook Hospital.

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14 responses to “Suffering for my art”

  1. Awesome Mom Avatar

    That is an impressive blanket. It is almost tempting me to learn how to crochet…. almost.
    I hope that everything goes well with the surgery!

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  2. Kristen Avatar

    I generally wait a deeper discount before biting, unless I “really need” a certain yarn.
    Hoping for a successful surgery for your daughter.

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  3. Carole Avatar

    Human nature is a funny thing, isn’t it? Hope all goes well with the trip and the surgery and all.

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  4. sherry Avatar

    Oh, sending your daughter good thoughts and prayers. I know how important the right Orethpedic surgeoun is!
    Love the babbete! New pup is up finally on the web. Have a safe trip.

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  5. Dorothy Avatar

    Best wishes to your daughter. And say “hi” to the Yarn Harlot while you’re there!

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  6. Karen Avatar

    Good luck to your daughter with the surgery!
    I didn’t know Babette was made with Koigu. Yum!

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  7. Suzanne Avatar

    Good luck to your daughter.

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  8. Marina Avatar

    Hope all goes well with the surgery. Do you have your knitting all picked out 😉
    I did something “stupid” like that longer ago, and it wasn’t even yarn. Never again!

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  9. Monika Avatar

    First, best wishes to your daughter!
    I love the Babette blanket, but the sewing (what else) is what keeps me from making one. I’m sure I would substitute the yarn, even though I think Koigu for a blanket is a better choice than making socks with it.

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  10. Lynn Avatar

    I don’t get it either, but I do the same thing. It also reminds me of how people will wake up early for a great sale at Joann’s. Get great deals on fabric but wait in line for HOURS! and if you waited a couple of weeks, you could get the same stuff for only $1/yd more. I guess there is just something abt that sweet deal.
    Well at least your blocks look nice!

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  11. Suzanne V. (Yarnhog) Avatar

    Best of luck with the surgery.
    My husband and I are always amazed by what people will do to save a few dollars. We calculate savings by how much we make an hour to decide whether it is worth the trouble. It rarely is.

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  12. Daisy Avatar
    Daisy

    I’m sending healthy vibes to you and your daughter. Lettuce Knit has their knit night on Wednesdays!Don’t forget to check out the room under the stairs in the basement at Romni!

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  13. Daisy Avatar
    Daisy

    Hey, will you be in T.O. during the Knitter’s fair in Waterloo-Kitchener?
    Saturday, September 13, 2008
    Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Location: Bingemans
    425 Bingemans Centre Drive
    Kitchener, Ontario
    70 vendors, 20,000 square feet just for knitters!

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  14. Angie Avatar

    You are the luckiest! Rolling in Koigu and meeting the TO knitters. Best wishes to your daughter. Hope you are treated well.

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