Who can resist a bargain...

On Saturday a friend told me that a fabric store downtown called Dressew was selling Rowan pattern books and some discontinued yarn at really cheap prices. Rowan is a UK company based in Holfmirth, Yorkshire that produces incredible handknit patterns and beautiful yarn. Anyway, it was music to my ears. I wanted to dash down there on Sunday, but they don't open on Sunday. So I planned a trip for Monday morning when the kids would be firmly ensconced in their educational establishments. My plan was to have two hours alone to peruse knitting yarn and patterns....bliss! But it was not to be because both kids were sick and couldn't attend school. I shook my fists in the air, "Why me??? Why now? It's the only 2 hours I will have to myself this whole week!" Then I re-assessed the kids; too sick for mingling with other kids...but not too sick to accompany me on my knitting jaunt. Not ideal, but come hell or high water, I needed to get down there.

Once we were there, I couldn't believe my eyes. Loads of Rowan pattern books on sale for $4 and $5 (Usually $30 - $40). I've been buying Rowan patterns for 20 years or so (I really believe they have the best designs and yarns) and have never seen them so cheap! Lots of yarn. Lots of fabric and sewing stuff too. I'd even forgotten what a treasure chest the rest of the store is. It's a crafting/sewing dream store. I could have spent hours in there...

And I would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for those pesky, meddling kids. River immediately took off and started doing dangerous things. At least that's what I kept hearing from the sales clerks, "Oh, no...you need to get down from there...that's dangerous." Bronwyn was busy showing people an amazing invention she found, "Look!. It's an umbrella that you can wear as a hat!!!" I had a few minutes to grab some books and yarn (Rowan Ribbon Twist) before I had to go find River. I found him (and got him out of danger; climbing on some wheeled cart thing). I pushed a granola bar into his little hand and then I turned to Bronwyn and (forgive me, oh god of parenting) I said, "Look after your brother and I'll give you a really big treat!" Then I scurried off back to the knitting stuff. A few minutes later I heard River yelling, "Nooooo"...and Bronwyn yelling, "You have to come this way!" Again, I grabbed my stash and went to find the kids who, as I guessed correctly, were in the area that everyone had turned to look at. I rounded a corner to find River sprawled on the floor trying in vain to put up resistance, while Bronwyn dragged him along by his coat. It was at that point, while people were probably assuming that I was one of those parents, (the type who leave kids to go wild while they selfishly do their own thing.....ahem....), I figured I'd better make off with what I had and attempt another visit at some later date.

I was very pleased with the pattern books and yarn I got. I kept going on about it to Mark (imagine his interest). I will also head back there for fabric and sewing supplies. I don't think I'll take the kids. I suppose they got bored. How can a 3-year old and a 5-year old fail to get excited about knitting yarn??? Honestly, kids these days!!!