I wanted to quick share my newest excitement. This is my new cozy computer corner. After years of no space for both speakers let alone the keyboard, we threw a piece of Aspen on top and voila! we have space! I love how something so simple makes such a huge difference. I added the lamp last night, it's so warm now. I have some red oak stain for the wood but I love the light modern look too. A quandry has ensued. Onto other things... DH took the day off and it's been really fun so far. (It's only noon.) We tooled around together. After we dropped the truck off at the doctor's we headed down to a yarn shop I just found out about yesterday. It's in northeast Minneapolis. It's called "Bella Lana" on 4th St. SE. We got there about 40 min. before it opened so we walked (in near-impossibly perfect weather for Nov.) to the coolest, quaintest, and dare I say - cutest - coffee shop yet. It's on Central I think?? and called the...
Its theme is Oscar Wilde and its interior is dressed to the nines in ambience. Having already eaten breakfast, I ordered only a small mint cocoa and that was even loaded with charm. I didn't want to drink it in case a camera magically appeared and I could photograph it with the surrounding atmosphere. Eventually the cruel truth that no such camera would manifest crept over me and I gave in and drank it. It was very good. It didn't make me sick [always a plus ;-)] as happens with Caribou's cocoa. And it came with a wafer that I used for scooping up the whipped cream.
Oooo-I haven't mentioned the comfortable arm chair to knit in. There was plenty of seating: soft cushy chairs, high tables and low tables. Beautiful artwork for sale on the walls. This place excited all the senses. The only complaint I had was the seat I was in faced just enough to the north/northwest to get a major glare off the white building across the street. No biggie though.
Eventually we headed back to Bella Lana, where we had curbside parking, no problema. (Side note: 3 quarters gets you 1-1/2 hr. prkg!)
I always get nervous going to new yarn shops. I never know how non-snobby they'll be inside. Nothing to worry about here. She was the owner but I forget her name. Funny because I remember her adorable Italian Greyhound's name - Enzo. He greeted us as soon as we walked in. Too sweet.
The woman was very kind, easy going, and we made jokes about the fact that I wore an acrylic scarf into her pristine store. She's very easy to talk with and no pressure. I like the way she had all the yarn labelled. When I mentioned this, she said it was because in SF, CA where she's from, they didn't label and it was embarrassing (I'm paraphrasing) to get to the counter and find you couldn't afford it. My kinda gal.
This store has a fun selection of yarn. All the "cool kids' stuff" you read about in the blogs and 'zines and books. There's some great shimmery stuff by Tilli for which I will definitely save up. It'll make a beautiful shawl--in silvery grey. It was around $39/hank.
We got talking patterns and Fair Isling and gay men and straight men knitting and Brooklyn Tweed and his new 'made in America' yarn that she'll be carrying. Yay. I ended up finding a perfect bright green button for a hat that's been sittin' waitin' for one. And all the pattern talk got around to "Koolhaas" by Jared Flood, so I bought some more Malabrigo worsted in Pollen to knit one. 
I had a fabulous morning. Not only did I get to go to the new store I discovered yesterday (she's got an awesome website too: http://www.beautifulyarn.com/ ) but I discovered a new coffee house and in fact, a whole new neighborhood. I love it!
I hope you're having a great day too & thanks for stopping by.
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