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In celebration of the LYS

Writer's picture: Rebecca (a yarn enthusiast)Rebecca (a yarn enthusiast)

Updated: May 1, 2024

Chances are, if you've found this blog/site, you know what 'LYS' means. If you don't, however; no worries ☺️ it's shorthand for Local Yarn Shop.


Generally, it refers to independently-owned and operated shops that sell yarn, teach crocheting, knitting and related crafts, and provide consultation on various tools and techniques.


In this blog I'll periodically showcase various LYS establishments that I have visited over the years: some of them one time while on vacation, and others which provide me regular and welcome refuge from the storms of life. I will also be highlighting various social media groups that provide a digital option for "yarn community".


In general, I'll be focusing on the positive aspects of this corner of the world (I'm not interested in hosting a complaint department!). My motivation for starting this blog is to put some positivity out there and not add to the negative noise. Still, I always reserve the right to mention something that I feel could be changed for the betterment of all!


Back to the LYS celebration.


This morning I heard a news story that reported 1 in 2 Americans report feeling lonely. This was, of course, made worse by the recent pandemic, but our emergence from that seclusion has not magically healed the problem of isolation.


A report back in 2018 highlighted the many risks to health that isolation and loneliness create (you can read that article here). The issue is significant enough that the government is inititating studies to discover ways to combat what they are calling a public health emergency.


Here's where the local yarn shop comes into the picture.


I have never stepped into a yarn shop where I felt anything other than welcome! (in other words, it's always a positive experience!) There's a universal understanding that knitters, crocheters and others that love yarn share; and this is evident in abundance in local yarn shops.


Whether you're an old pro, a beginner or somewhere in between; the local yarn shop is a place for you. And guess what? The same research that says we're facing a crisis in isolation among American adults ALSO reports that short, non-committal interactions are effective in lessening the impact of loneliness! You know, like spending some time in your local yarn shop browsing the latest yarn collection, perusing the discount/clearance table or chatting about an upcoming class... all therapeutic and helpful to our mental health!


So hats off to our local yarn shops for all they give back to their communities!! If you're a shop owner or manager, thank you for the welcomes, the smiles, your time and attention. You're doing more than you know to spread goodness and joy!


Thanks, too, to all the customers who shop local! You help keep the LYS doors open and ready to serve up more than needles, hooks and yarn.


The next time you need crochet or knitting supplies, head over to your local yarn shop to say hello, buy some yarn, sign up for a class and do your part to keep these community resources open and available.


This week I'm highlighting the LYS that I found while on a business trip to New Orleans: the quarter stitch.


True to my description above, when I walked in I was greeted with smiles and a friendly hello. The shop is chock full of locally-sourced as well as nationally/internationally available yarn in beautiful colors, many themed to match the unique (New Orleans/Mardi Gras) locale.


While there, a woman came in and inquired about learning to crochet. She was given information, support and welcomed to the store. I have a feeling she'll be back many times.


The checkout experience was chatty and friendly as well, and as I left with my purchase, I felt that I had spent a little time among folks with whom I had some connection. In other words, it was one of those interactions that research and the US Surgeon General point out can be healing and supportive in combatting loneliness.


A big THANK YOU and a 5-yarns 🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶 rating (5 out of 5) for the quarter stitch in New Orleans!


Found in The French Quarter, New Orleans

(C) 2023 Stitch 'n Dish

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