Vienna skeins and strands

I had to go to Vienna, Va to find the beads for the necklaces that I'm creating for this wedding. There are just so few great bead stores in this area. There are some good ones, but so few great ones. Well, before I could get to the bead store, I had to stop back by the yarn store that you see here:

Uniquities is a fun LYS. I finally realized that if I want some Bryspun needles, this is the place to go! Not just a one off, I'm talking all sizes types and lengths. I found a size 3 40' circ. Schweeet! They also carry the basic bamboo needles and straight ebony and rosewood Lantern Moons (she's not really wanting to add the circs just yet. . .I think she carries like 4-5 brands of needles and one more is not really worth it unless there is a demand and let's face it. . . Lantern Moons are a luxury for most of us knitters)
Now, on to the bead shop . . .Star's Beads!
Oh it is a bead lover's dream! Not only are there tons of beads of all kinds and silver and such, but each quarter Star's offers numerous classes for a person wanting to learn how to string a strand of pearls, or a class to help you make your first pair of earrings. I would drive from my home to classes off and on for a year or three. I forget now. It's been so long since I've taken a class. A one hour drive. It was worth every moment on the road and every dollar spent. I can make a pair of earrings in 10 minutes or less. A cute pair. I hope to be able to say that I can knit a pair of socks with the same amount of confidence. Or knit a sweater. There are times that I feel like I will never get there. I believe the thing about knitting that confounds me: realizing it is like anything else you want in life. It requires time and patience. I find that I get besides myself and revert to my youth--I want it nooooooowwwwwww! However, having just turned a year older recently, I am quickly realizing that I will have to accept that no amount of stomping my feet, rolling on the floor or whining is going to get me the thing that I want, be in the place that I want in my life, have the expertise that I want. It takes time. It takes understanding. I am grateful that I have another year to explore, learn and become.

Praise God.