First of all, thank you for the very kind words about my Aeolian Shawl. Some of you went WAY overboard, and I loved it! 
Today I checked out a new yarn shop in my area: Shepherd’s Choice in Anoka, MN. It is a very nice shop — it does not try to be all things to all knitters. I would call it more of a specialty or niche shop. They carry all of the varieties and colors of all the Blue Sky Alpacas yarn. And that, my friends, is worth the trip! Wow. Wow. BSA yarn is fantastic. They also carry most, if not all, of their patterns and had a lot of shop samples.
In their own words:
Shepherd’s Choice is a yarn shop located in historic downtown Anoka, Minnesota. We offer exquisite and exclusive yarns for hand-knitters and crocheters.
Shepherd’s Choice also offers a line of natural products that are hand-crafted in small batches using the most environmentally “friendly” ingredients possible [soaps, lotions, essential oils]. Only high quality vegetable oils, pure essential oils, herbs and spices make these products truly luxuriant. Synthetic fragrances, colors, and preservatives have no place in Shepherd’s Choice products.
Over 10% of all profits are given to charities intent on relieving hunger and promoting education around the world. Use love to create a just, peaceful, stable world.
I will definitely be going back!!
My current project is a Topsy Turvy Moebius using Surly’s homegrown pattern. It will be done TODAY (if it kills me). Sally has been out of town of late and therefore hasn’t had time to put the finishing touches on the pattern, but it will be forthcoming. It is a really nice pattern, if I can plug Sally’s work!!
Since I have no pictures, I’ll include this:
Click on picture to enlarge
This picture, from the October Better Homes and Gardens, caught my eye. First, because there is knitting in it and it’s not a knitting magazine! Second, because the scarf looks like my Merci Scarf (and I do not mean to imply they used my “pattern,” which is really just a seed rib), and third, because the knitting is so – dare I say it? – full of boo boos. I just wanted to say to the magazine, “Oh, Hon. Go back and fix your mistakes. The pattern is all messed up. Please, rip it out!!” Must. Avert. Eyes.
But they do show knitting and they do show beautiful, beautiful yarn, so I’m not complaining!! Really. 
Kay said, “Must have been a new knitter. If that’s the case, I think it’s a pretty good scarf.” And I agree! It IS a pretty scarf! I just can’t help myself! I see mistakes*! Aaaaarrrrgggggggggghhhhhh!! I need medication… 🙁
*Unfortunately, I tend to miss my own mistakes and must rely on the kindness of others to point them out!!
Must have been a new knitter. If that’s the case, I think it’s a pretty good scarf, especially if the person who will wear it moves fast, heh-heh.
Comment by Kay - From the Back Yard — October 16, 2009 @ 7:43 pm
You crack me up….I love your sense of humor!!!!! I love the way you look at things…..And, you are one hell of a knitter!!!!!!
Comment by Candace — October 16, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
When I saw this page in my BGH magazine I started giggling and hubby had to come over to see what was going on. I was very excited to see the warm orange yarns but have to admit I laughed when I saw the scarf and all it’s details. I do wonder if the knitter got to finish it…
Comment by Celestial — October 16, 2009 @ 9:36 pm
Maybe my 2010 resolution will be to visit all the yarn shops in the Metro area. That sounds way more palatable than resolving to lose weight or exercise more. This shop will definitely be on the list.
Comment by twinsetellen — October 16, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
I saw a picture of an FO the other day that has a very visible mistake and I had to close the window before it bothered me too much. I just can’t leave a knitting mistake be if I spot it. It’s a curse sometimes but I think you’ve got lots of company on that point.
Comment by GinkgoKnits — October 17, 2009 @ 3:26 am
Oh, the page is beautiful. I’m an orange freak myself. I’ll have to let my Minnesota relatives know about the new shop.
Comment by Ann — October 17, 2009 @ 8:48 am
I work in a retail store and can’t walk through one without ‘fixing’ the stacks and racks of merchandise, however minutely. It’s probably a disease but I don’t let it bother me.
Comment by Libby — October 17, 2009 @ 8:16 pm