Fluffbuff

I finally went to Unraveled, a yarn store in Monrovia (Southern California) that had been highly recommended by a couple of friends. I was not disappointed.

Gleaming hardwood floors, beamed ceiling, good lighting, and lots of space to move around and look at yarns, books, tools and accessories.

The store carries a good variety of brands and a yarn selection that seems targeted primarily at the new and intermediate knitter for the prevalence of thick and novelty yarns. There were thinner yarns, too, including some sock yarn, but not as much as I had hoped. It's really hard to find a good selection of small gauge yarns in physical stores these days.

Helpful staff ready to assist without being pushy: a big plus for me. I've been put off a couple of stores because the owners are either too eager (see Skein in Pasadena) or too stuck-up (see the infamous Knitterie Parisienne in LA). This one is just right.

I particularly enjoyed the book corner, with its two displays and many books and magazines including Rowan, Colinette and even a couple of issues of Rebecca, which you don't see often in stores.

And the place is so airy and inviting. You have your choice of cushy armchairs and sofa in various happy colors and a good size table and chairs, all near natural light: another winning move.

I am definitely going back.