Thursday, September 27, 2007

What I Did On My Indiana Vacation

I'm back. Dolores has taken Harry and the sock yarn to Shedd Aquarium for the day (good thing they're superwash), so I have the computer to myself for a little while.

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's Me!

As noted in my last entry, mom and pop live in the midst of farm fields. What I forgot to mention was that they also live on on air field. Running behind the house is the grass runway for a small airport, which over the weekend hosted its annual fly-in and barbecue. This meant that on Saturday and Sunday, this sort of thing kept landing in the back yard.

War Birds at Glenndale

Pop has been a pilot for years but only recently acquired his own plane. Where most people have a tool shed, my parents now have a hangar.

I'm not much of a flyer but I couldn't resist a quick trip. It's easy to feel secure with my father at the controls.

Dad and the Plane

I sat in the back seat and took pictures.

Photog on Board

It was a good day to fly. Indiana looks tidy from the air. Tidy and flat.

Indiana from the Air

My buddy Tom,* who's something of an aviation nut, came in from Chicago to visit. Dad let him steer for a bit.

Tom at the Controls

We did not plummet to earth. Way to go, Tom!

LYS Heaven

Meanwhile, the return of fall weather put my mother in the mood to pick up her knitting again. She suggested we visit a local yarn shop or two. Based on your recommendations we searched out Stitches and Scones in Westfield.

We were there for about two hours. It wasn't nearly long enough.

I kept having the uncanny feeling that we weren't in a real yarn shop, we were in some Hollywood set designer's idea of what a yarn shop ought to be: warm wood floors, honey-colored sunlight streaming in through the windows, a commodious work table and a huge central fireplace with roving hung above and spinning wheels crowding the hearth.

Stitches and Scones

All around is the largest selection of yarns I've yet to see under one roof, with the exception mammoth Halcyon Yarns in Bath, Maine. The owner, Molli, has set out a range of the beautiful, the useful, and the fascinating in every price point from Plymouth and Cascade 220 to Tilli Tomas. And there's spinning stuff (wheels and roving), some weaving stuff, and a very broad book selection including (I noted with pleasure) titles from Schoolhouse Press and other, smaller publishers that don't always show up in local stores.

Mom and I were greeted cordially and I was immensely pleased that nobody assumed I was just there to hold her purse. Every member of the staff was courteous and enthusiastic. They even pulled out the Piecework trunk show (which had been packed for its next stop) so I could take a quick look at it. (And if it's coming to your town, it's definitely worth a look.)

Even though it was Monday, things were buzzing and the customers who were knitting at the work table were as friendly as the staff. Notices are everywhere about classes and groups hosted by the shop. The atmosphere is what you dream about in a yarn store. It's not just a place to shop, it's also a place to gather and learn. They're up for an award from theindychannel.com and I'm not surprised.

Prices are absolutely fair (suggested retail) and the clearance section was a treasure hunt. I don't want to start a stampede but there was a pile of deeply discounted Italian-made yarn, the name of which rhymes with "Marabella." (After we left, it was a somewhat smaller pile.) The shop has a frequent shopper discount program in which a handsome knitting bag serves as your membership card.

If you're in the area or even just passing through, the place is worth a stop. I can't wait to go back.

Tomorrow, a knitting report and 1,000 Knitters news. Right now I have to ooze over to the gym to eradicate seven days of Hoosier cuisine.

*Tom is the kind of guy who, when on vacation in Alaska, hunts down the yarn store in Ketchikan and upon finding it closed takes a photograph of the display window so you'll know he tried. Then he hunts down another shop and brings you back a copy of Arctic Lace because he doesn't knit but knows you love lace knitting. What do we think of Tom, everybody? Hmm?

106 comments:

Anonymous said...

We love Tom. We think Tom is the best Tom in the whole world...

Jenn said...

We think we love Tom. Does he run classes for those less Tom-like???

Knittykim said...

you are just cracking me up. I was just in Indy in May for an annual family "fish and eat" (wherein I fish and THEY eat) in Lafontaine/Marion area. I took a day off from fishing and visited the same yarn store and I felt the same: not enough time. AND...I am still going to the gym to work off the pork tenderloin sandwiches and home made ice cream.

canknitian said...

I don't know about you, but I think I love Tom!

Anonymous said...

Ummm...Tom is the best. Why are you asking?

Roggey said...

Tom is a *stud*.

Aidan said...

Marry him...the minute he asks you.

Cheri said...

We think that Tom is the best. (okay, perhaps we think that Franklin is the best and Tom is perhaps second best...but who's asking?)

Unknown said...

We think Tom's adorable, but over here in Shetland ( a.k.a knitter's Valhalla, home of the oldest breed of sheep in the world and also home to Scotland's finest wild women) what we really need is not a Tom, but a yarn shop like the one you describe. Somewhere to sit down and pick up all those skills your mum/mom never got round to teaching you because she was probably too busy at the gym attaining the perfect state of buff-ness to qualify as a yummy mummy.

DataGoddess said...

I love my Stitches and Scones bag, the only problem is that I have to empty it out before I go there. In some ways I'm glad I don't work as close to it as I used to, because it's like crack.

Anonymous said...

More LEGS from you please!!
And if possib: Tom's legs too!!

Sandra said...

Tom is the best. Every one should have a Tom in their lives...

Anonymous said...

we think Tom is superman -- a globetrotter, aviation lover, and considerate and thoughful friend. Cute beard too -- nothing's missing!

Carol said...

Tom sounds great, but YOU'RE the one I truly lerve.

Now I personally would like to hear more details about the fact that nubile male airplane pilots spent the weekend landing on your pad. Hmmm?

Glad you seem to be catching some R&R.

alala said...

MARRY HIM. If at all possible.

Anonymous said...

We love Tom!!!! Then again, we've loved Tom for a LOOOOONG time. We love you too!

Anonymous said...

Does Tom need any more really good friends???

Anonymous said...

We think Tom is really really cute!

Ali P said...

Tom is what all male friends should be! Good looking, thoughtful, well travelled and did I mention good looking and thoughtful?
You looked mighty fine in the plane pictures, Franklin.

Anonymous said...

Tom should be knighted!! What a grand friend. And Stitches and Scones sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Love the flying pics, love the yarn store, and absolutely love Tom!!!

*grin*

Anonymous said...

Ha! I think Tom is great. I think I also need to tell my ex-boss' husband about him. She was on vacation in Alaska and stopped to take a picture of the yarn store for me (I haven't worked for this woman for almost 5 years now and she's taking 'amber specific' pictures on her vacation). Her husband asked "What the hell are you taking a picture of?"...I'm pretty sure she told him to shut up. I'm glad you're back. I've had a serious 'Franklin Jones'.

P.S. Albuquerque has a great aquarium (hard to figure, but it does)...just in case Dolores wanted to visit for the Balloon Fiesta or anything.

Nancy said...

Tom sounds like an absolutely gorgeous fella :-) Third only to my DH and you!

Red said...

How fun that your parents fly and that you had a chance to fly as well. I've done a Warbirds joy ride and that was such a rush!

If I'm ever in Indiana, I'll have to check out Stitches and Scones.

Marin (AntiM) said...

We love Tom, clearly. We would marry Tom, only we have a feeling you're going to tell us it's not an option.

We also really like that Tom flies, because we have a thing for pilots and planes.

muoriska said...

Tom?
Hmmm. Yes , defenately, yes.. thats a guy for my taste, and someone elses too...

:)

Anonymous said...

We like Tom big bunches and we envy you your trip to that fabulous yarn shop (my LYS is a Walmart :(

Anonymous said...

Tom does sound totally swell. So far.

Re: most yarn under one roof - have you not been to Toronto, specifically to Romni Wools?

http://www.romniwools.com/

Click on "about us" for the picture. Not so warm and cozy as the shop you describe, but just an absolute plethora, I say a glut, a deluge of yarn. That picture only shows the main floor, there is also a BASEMENT.

Anonymous said...

Tom is a man among men.

I have a Tom, though his name is Greg. Love that guy and did marry him, but it took 25 years. Tom-types are just so reliable and trustworthy that you tend to take advatage and for granted. They deserve celebration. Yeah, Tom.

Lovely yarn store. And lovely that the knitting bug rebit Mom at an opportune moment.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to marry Tom. really. And that "not an option" thing - I could work around it...

Katy said...

I definitely think that Tom is a keeper... he flies, travels, enables knitting and has a nice smile. I sure hope that you weren't hoping that we would hate Tom.

Mel said...

Tom seems to be, as Mar would say, quite rare and handy.

Anonymous said...

Any chance you talked to Molli about a 1,000 Knitters photo shoot there? I'm in if you do. :-)

Anonymous said...

We say "Is Tom married to a knitter?" Because if not, it is very very sad.

Nana Sadie said...

Tom is a very good friend! Considerate & well-trained. Very attractive...
What more can one ask? oh. well. Can we clone him?

I love the yarn shop. I covet the yarn shop.
We missed you! (But what fun to see those planes!)
(((hugs)))

Kristen said...

I think Tom qualifies for the appellation "damn good"! So, um, is that a hint? Hmmm? Are you currently giddy? Hope so!

Next time I visit my dear friend in Indy, I'll have to stop by that yarn shop! Thanks for the "review"!

April said...

We think Tom is *F*I*N*E*.

A Christmas wedding would be nice. Dolores would make a stunning Maid Of Honor and Harry is the perfect size for a ring bearer.

Anonymous said...

"...brings you back a copy of Arctic Lace because he doesn't knit but knows you love lace knitting." Wow. You are a lucky guy.

Emy said...

Tom is definitely a keeper.

Liz said...

Tom? We love Tom. And we bet you do, too. And we're very happy for you! (also sorry the yarn store was closed when he went, but glad he had the presence of mind to take a picture).

Annie said...

Any day you get to wear a pair of Dave Clark's is a good day!

Sara M said...

I think it's safe to say that, as a group, we like Tom ^_^

Anonymous said...

Tom is awesome! (Did you really need to ask?)

Anonymous said...

Tom ROCKS....so happy for you,
and WOW, the perfect yarn store...
a most EXCELLENT vacation!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you went up in an airplane, and were looking as calm as you are.

I recall hearing/reading stories about your getting on planes and needing someone holding your hand...

SoapDoc said...

Methinks Tom needs to teach classes too, Jenn!!! He's a TOTAL keeper, and like that's not enough, he's cute too!

And I want to move to IN ever more now that I see that lovely yarn shoppe! Why can't there be anything like that around here??

Any reason we can't vote, too? I will check it out and see!

amy said...

Tom rocks.

'nuff said...

Unknown said...

Tom = KEEPER!!
Can you clone him?

Liz said...

We want to marry Tom and any like him!

Anonymous said...

Wowsa - family, flying, fiber and friends who bring you lace books, all in one trip? Superlative! (And of course we love Tom. He'd better watch if it he's with you when you meet fans, because we will be asking for Tom's autograph, too.) You and Dad and Tom, all lookin' good! Glad you had a wonderful time!

PS-Dolores (via one of the Virgin Wool Tour Tees-thanks much for making sure they had one up to 4X size!) got to spend a whole day at the Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival last weekend. There is photographic evidence of her cozying up to Mr. Pink, the Kidnapped Can Opener, and other riotous companions. She got a lot of recognition, and one passerby even stopped dead with glad cries at seeing her, after which ensued quite a conversation. Her - er, I mean your - fans are everywhere!

RobynR said...

We hearts Tom. Yes we does.

Kath said...

Oh Tom is marvelous - a definite keeper!

Has he met Dolores yet?

Anonymous said...

Tom rocks.


um, ya might want to keep him away, far away from Dolores.



Your father is cool!

Shell said...

Wow! I love that shop! and Tom Rocks! I agree with Jenn - he needs to start classes!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, good family! These are my favorite vacations. And good friends. Wow Tom! What a man! What a person! And he didn't crash the plane, which adds to the goodness.

Mama Cat said...

We like and approve of Tom. Not that anybody needs approval, of course.

Anonymous said...

Ahhh... You are actually connected to two of my passions: knitting and flying (private pilot, instrument rating). What a treat - airshow and knitting. I can't do them both at the same time, but I can think about one while I do the other.

Sarah

Anonymous said...

We missed the Shedd this weekend, but had I known Dolores was there, I might have insisted we drop by. (We were too busy looking at the stuffed animals at the Field.)

Based on your description, I think I must now go to Indiana. Sounds like Saskatchewan. Do you think Molli would ever relocate to Canada?

Anonymous said...

1. Franklin is very handsome.
2. Tom is a true gem.
3. Next time, cruise down to Morgantown, IN to check out "Sheep Street," our LYS. There are real live sheep there, as the LYS is a barn. Really. It's the most fun EVAH.
Glad you're back!

Anonymous said...

I wish I had a Tom.

Cindy G said...

Yah Tom! Yay LYS with woodburning fireplace. Oh and Yay for a Mom who takes you knitting and a Dad who takes you flying.

Angie said...

It sounds like you had a good time and Tom sounds like a definite keeper.

Anonymous said...

Dude. We like Tom. Does he have a brother?

Dana S. Whitney said...

Must look up Westfield. There's a darling yarn store in a Barn outside of Columbus in S. Indiana.. (South of IN's Nashville, even)... but Stitches and Scones sounds wonderful. As does Tom. Trust your gut!

E said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
E said...

Stitches & Scones is the best yarn store in town...

Made me laugh though, when I saw your post because while you were down here drooling on the "Marabella" at *my* LYS, I was up at Loopy Yarns at *your* LYS...*grin*

dale-harriet said...

WE are LOVINGK on Tom! We all want one of our very own. Also I am lovingk on IN because of Conner Prairie where I would like to live and work. Indiana must have pure water or clean air or wossname - both YOU and David Letterman got borned there. (And thanks for the pix - does Pater ever go to the big EAA Fly-In at Oshkosh?

Anonymous said...

We likes the Tom. We wants the Tom to be our pet. We would be good to the Tom.

FiberQat said...

Welcome back! It's great that you got to fly with Dad and Tom and also got a yarn fix with your mom. As for taking the Alaska pictures and giving "Arctic Lace", the Tommeister earns himself many brownie points. He was trained well. The Kidnapped Can Opener wishes he had been flying with you.

Rabbitch said...

The Rabbits approve of Tom. (And you know that rabbits are pretty damned disapproving most of the time).

John said...

He's a keeper!

Terri said...

You deserve someone kind and thoughtful in your life, and I would imagine Tom does too. Be good to each other, and thanks for all the laughs. Be well.

Anonymous said...

Let's see: Tom is a very good friend, he thinks of you while on vacation, brings fiber related gifts AND came to meet your parents on a weekend. So far, so good. I'd like one myself.

What are his TV watching habits?and what does he do for a living? What are his drinking and eating habits? Does he understand what a committment the Buddhism is? Has he made an imprint on your couch?(I have three overprotective brothers and am well trained in potential boyfriend interrogation. Just being thorough.)

rosesmama

Anonymous said...

And ... the 1,000 Knitters session at Stitches and Scones is when?
And Tom, love.

Carol said...

Tom sounds lovely!

Lorraine said...

Tom is a Prince.

Looks like a great time. You have great parents.

Anonymous said...

I like Tom! Sounds like a truly wonderful guy. I really enjoyed the pics, also. You're truly very talented. (Thanks for sharing.)

Unknown said...

Is 992 miles (distance from my house to Westfield) too far to experience this amazing looking yarn shop? Hmmm...

Jen W said...

Tom is most excellent. I deem him "hand-knit-sweater-worthy"

Anonymous said...

Dang, man. Every picture of you is hotter than the last. Tom seems nice. While I don't know how to knit or do lacey things, there are things I can do quite well. Here, let me show you . . .

The crazy cat lady said...

I think you should marry Tom, and be done with it. He's obviously perfect.

Sorka said...

oooh Now those are the floors I want in my house very nice..
And Tom?? Not baad!!

evergreenknits said...

Hell, Tom needs to learn how to knit.

You could offer to teach him...

Deborah C. said...

We think grabbing onto Tom with both hands and not letting go is a good option. He sounds like a real keeper.

Stitches and Scones sounds wonderful, I hope my LYS grows up to be like that! It's only a year old, and she's already moved to a larger space, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that.

Anonymous said...

After a good night sleep and dreaming of my entry yesterday......
and a day at work......
I think he is CUTE,
but.....
he can't knit....
but......
can he COOK?

Anonymous said...

"It's easy to feel secure with my father at the controls." What a lovely thing to say.

Julie said...

So I'm about to visit my hometown in Indiana, where I haven't been for over 20 years! Any tips on surviving (consider me, as a bisexual feminist progressive vegetarian tree hugger--though I didn't know those things at the time--fairly traumatized from spending my impressionable years there)?
And just as important--anyone know some good yarn stores in Rushville?

Anonymous said...

Franklin you are adorable! I have had two Tom's in my life (23 years with Tom I and now at year 1 with Tom II)! Go for it. Cindy

Knittymama said...

You have officially written the first knitblog post my husband is interested in, because his ultimate goal in life is to live on a farm with an airport behind it and have his own plane. Of course, in my world, that farm is covered with sheep rather than airplanes, but perhaps we can compromise.

Thumbs up to Tom!

calicokitty6 said...

I am married to a Tom but his name is Patrick. He is just like Tom in that he encourages my love of all things fiber.

I'm glad you had a nice vacation with your family.

BTW, marry Tom as soon as he asks!

kt said...

What a great looking.......

a. plane
b. yarn store
c. guy
d. all of the above

Wow! Much happy to be being happy about. Get to it, yes?

:0)

Anonymous said...

It definitely does NOT sound like "my idea of nothing to do". I most certainly get a (huge) kick out of you! Sue F

Anonymous said...

I am envious of you n Tom. I wish I could find a Tom. Where did you find him? Maybe you should have a blog posting on "tips on how to find your very own Tom" for the newly single among us.

I could use a tutorial. Perhaps you could give your tips, and then Delores could post hers? A point/counterpoint discussion?

Anonymous said...

Just catching up on your blog Franklin. Wonderful pictures and a great trip. Wish I could visit that Indiana yarn store. I've been visiting yarn stores in Harvard Square, Glastonbury Ct., and now Weaving Works in Seattle. Will send yarn thought waves to you as I pass through O'Hare on Tuesday.

roxie said...

I think Tom is entiteld to a lovingly hand-knit garment or two.

Piloting a plane is not quite as much fun as sex, but it lasts longer.

Anonymous said...

I live in westfield. I told you about Stitches and Scones. You come to vist. great. You don't call?! Not so great. I love Tom, by the way.

Unknown said...

I don't believe Tom exists. I think you made him up. Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, Tom.....

Nope. Can't fool me.

Tomme said...

Enough about Tom. The photo of you in the plane is heart-stopping! I'm e-mailing it to a couple of single friends. ('Course they live in Oklahoma and don't knit - yet - but who knows?)

abbenormal said...

Tom sounds like a keeper to me.

katerina said...

Tom actually looks quite a bit like my husband! (from that one picture) so you've got my vote there - now if we could just get my husband to think the same way Tom does....hmmm.... daydreaming ... hot man PLUS thoughtful knitting gifts without asking....
oh! yeah - Tom rocks!

Anonymous said...

Tom is cute, too. But you're da best.

Next time you go to Indy area, go to Morgantown and visit the Sheep Shed. It's out of the city, but stop in town and eat at the Tea Shoppe. Yummy, both of them.

Anonymous said...

We might have missed a key post, because we want to know if Tom bats the right way (for you, not us) and is single.

Trope said...

Another vote for Tom! TOM 4 PREZ!!

No one will ever be as cool as Franklin, but the "Arctic Lace" and not-plummeting-to-earth are strong resume points.

Anonymous said...

Definitely has potential! Wish he had an older brother...go for it! Abigail's best uncle deserves this kind,good man :)

Anonymous said...

Vickie said...
I don't believe Tom exists. I think you made him up. Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, Tom.....

Nope. Can't fool me.

Sorry, Vickie - but he does exist! He's a great guy to have around - Krafty1 and I will make sure that he sticks around!

Anonymous said...

I'm late to the party, but Stitches N Scones is my mother's LYS, so everytime I go visit, we make the pilgrimage. Lovely store!