I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned Yarns International even once on this blog. It is the creation of my mother, Betty Lindsay, and her friend Bonnie Hassler. For twelve years it was the best yarn shop anywhere. They had a beautifully curated selection of the best knitting yarn, patterns and tools you would ever want to find–Alice Starmore, Rowan, Dale of Norway, Koigu, Manos, Filatura… Six and a half years ago they closed their bricks and mortar store but have continued to be a presence on-line and at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and the New York Sheep and Wool Festival.
Once they closed the b&m they continued to refine their inventory until finally they carried only the yarns they loved best–Jamieson & Smith. And love is the right word to use for Yarns International and J&S. Oliver Henry tells the story on the Jamieson & Smith blog here. It has been a privilege to be a small part of this work.
Saturday, Yarns International celebrated it’s 19th birthday with cake, spring rolls and a sale. The last sale. It was bittersweet for everyone. Betty and Bonnie have been an inspiration to me and to many people. Their style, taste, and creativity will not be matched. It is, quite simply, the end of an era.
Marsha Edwards says
January 17, 2013 at 11:48 pmBeautiful tribute, Lee. And you are right, it is the end of an era- one that I will miss terribly. I do not know what else to say, except that even though I knew it would happen eventually, it still makes me so sad.