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The LYS (Local Yarn Shop) is a threatened species. The Portland shop where I bought my first needles is now out of business-- one of three in this area to go belly-up within the span of a year!

Each LYS is a town square, bringing together folks of wildly divergent ages, sexual orientations, family and financial situations (still mostly female, but even that is changing). We learn from each other, not just about knitting but about life.

In addition to good works others have mentioned, the LYS catalyses countless acts of local kindness. When one knitter (& teacher, belly dancer, Mom...) recently passed away, her family held a memorial service at the LYS she frequented. Standing Room Only. Now the LYS aunties of her spunky and sweet daughter are collaborating on a special surprise.

Without the LYS we would still make community elsewhere. Yarn aficionados meet in homes, cafes, libraries, shopping malls. But nothing can replace the expertise and encouragement of knowledgeable employees and opinionated fellow shoppers. And the only way to really explore textures and colors and even smells of yarn is first hand. 

Some of us just visit shops just to cruise merchandise in person, but then make purchases at a discount online. But the same LYS that offers opportunities to buy precious skeins of luxury yarn also has treasures in sale and/or swap bins. Many even invite patrons to indulge in humble but beautiful balls of cotton for about a dollar!

Some of us are reluctant to ever pay for patterns (in leaflets, pdf downloads, books) since lots are available for free. But designers need the support of purchases to pay for everything that goes into producing high-quality patterns, so please consider compensating us for our work.

Please think twice about these decisions. We need more, not less of these very special places, so let's support them before they go from threatened to endangered.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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