putting the knit in shizknitz

=============Prologue/Random Thought==========================
Once upon a time, in a place far, far away we all had a time in our lives where we would go about our daily lives carefree, without much heavy burden on our shoulders, responsibilities to fulfill, other than to be home in time for dinner. Unfortunately, we all grow up and out of this age of innocence and enter the chaotic adult world one step at a time. However, there are those who remain in their child-like state, having others hold their hand through life whereas there are others who rise to the occasion out of necessity or motivation.

==============Actual Entry Begins Here==========================
Life has been a complete whirlwind for me lately and I’ve had a few lovely weeks before chaos begins again, and had some time yesterday to visit a new LYS (local yarn store) that I’ve been eyeing for the last few months. Amano Yarn on Venice in Mar Vista is just what I’ve been looking for! A great selection (both yarn and needles), good price and really sweet staff who are not only willing to help but come approach you! Heather, the clerk also informed us of their “open knitting” hours on Wed evening and that we were welcome anytime (she pointed to a big table with 4-5 women working on projects and yakking). With the popularity of knitting/crocheting taking off, its great that we have some more options - all the yarn stores that have been taking advantage of customers with bad service and over-the-top prices need to watch out! The beauties of a capitalistic society.

Before we visited Amano, we stopped at a smaller, hole in the wall store close by that had very small selection and (what I’m worried about) not so great advice. Project is called Angela from the book Hot Knits. I was able to find this super yummy Chunky Misti Alpaca (100% Baby Alpaca) in beautiful yellow which the store clerk recommended as a good stand-in for Rowan Big Wool. Although the weights and yardage match up, I think there’s been a mistake. There is NO way that this misti alpaca can be knit on size 17 needles - there are gaping holes so large this project would look more like a doily than a sweater. I did some swatches on 4 other needles of smaller sizes and I’m currently set on using size 10 needles and adjusting the pattern as I go. I’m really a newbie at all this, so we’ll see!