We Forge Ahead

I visited Old Forge, New York this weekend. It is a lovely tourist town in the Adirondack Region of NY. And of course, it has a yarn store. You've heard of yarn stores inside of book stores (Village Yarn Store in Rochester), but have you ever visited a yarn store in a hardware store? Well, if you shop at Old Forge Hardware http://www.oldforgehardware.com/knitting.html
you will be treated to a wonderful experience. Old Forge Hardware is an institution in town from all I can figure. Unbelievably packed with hardware, fishing, furniture, candy, books, and everything else under the sun, the yarn shop is a wonderful jewel. The yarn selection is excellent and variable in type and price point. You can find everything from dishcloth cotton, Sirdar, Mountain Colors Sock Yarn, Brown Sheep, Cascade Ecowool, Patons, Noro, Great Adirondack Yarn Co. to Manos de Uruguay. A huge selection of DVDs, books, and patterns is also available. I talked briefly with the lady who runs the shop (sorry I didn't get her name) and she is aware of current trends, yet walks a fine line to appeal to all knitters and crocheters who visit the store. The yarn store has struck that balance well. Friendly service is a hallmark that will make loyal customers from first time visitors. I didn't buy any yarn, but boy it was tempting! I instead bought a pattern book http://www.patonsyarns.com/patternbook.php?PBS=500838%20&PHPSESSID=5504a34671308e39d3c8cc83a117db61 I have been eying online. I also bought a Regia pattern leaflet with both traditional heel flap and short-rowed heel construction. Here are some photos to tempt you.