The local knitting clan was a collective nervous wreck during the twelve days our local yarn store was closed during its move to a  new location. When would we see each other again? How would we feed our yarn addiction? Aack!

The move has proven to be worth the temporary withdrawal symptoms. Tracy McKay, ower of the Scarlet Skein, turned a lovely space in downtown Paso Robles into knitters’ new home-away-from-home. Tracy’s knack for interior decorating makes the space colorful and welcoming.

 Check out the chandeliers. Are they not gorgeous?

Cozy seating areas are sprinkled throughout the store, while the brick wall lends historic ambience.

If you’re really lucky, you’ll be greeted by Abby the Fiber Dog. What she lacks in knitting skills she makes up for in cuteness and a sweet disposition. (She’s paid in hugs, surreptitious scraps and chewy toys.)

If you find yourself in the Central Coast area of California (that’s halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along Highway 101), come check out the Scarlet Skein. You can catch a class, munch pizza while watching a movie during Chick Flick night, and find a gathering of  knitting friends. Oh yeah, you’ll find a great selection of yarn, too!

Several days ago I had the privilege of getting together with CAT of Let’s Knit2gether renown. She was visiting Monterey, which is right up the road from me. We spent quite some time oohing and ahhing over the incredible selection of yarns and spinning supplies at the LYS, Monarch Knitting & Quilts in Pacific Grove. Then we headed for the ocean where we parked ourselves on a sunny bench and knit in public. How heavenly is it to meet a new friend (ok, she’s kind of a podcast goddess in my book), and get to knit in crystal clear air by the sea… in January?!

Here’s CAT working on her lovely fair isle tam, while I show off  Mary’s Garden Sock.

If there are any knitters out there who haven’t discovered the Let’s Knit2gether video podcast, you might like to check out the link here or on iTunes. CAT imparts her wealth of knitting knowledge with enthusaism and clarity. Her husband Eric is a professional in television and film production. Their combined talents make for quality videos that I enjoy watching over and over. I’ve learned so much from the podcasts, I bought the DVD compilations to have on hand as references.

Thanks, CAT, for so generously sharing your time, friendship and encouragement!