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| - O Americo, I'd like to buy that pretty red bag in the window. Pretty please?
Sorry, it's only a sample. All of the hand-knitted items at Americo are "samples only".
O Americo, you tease.
Hmm. I circle the store thinking up another approach.
As my eyes skim the hundreds of skeins of unique yarn, I suddenly find myself dreaming of the many things I could make with the beautifully, handspun threads. That is, if only I could knit such elaborate things.
Plan A:
Approaching the service counter and pouting out my lower lip, I whine, "I really want that bbbbbag. Bbbbbut, all I can knit is an ugly scarf." With sad little puppy dog eyes, I scan for signs of sympathy. Maybe, just maybe, now they'll sell me that pretty red bag in the window.
No cigar. The staff won't budge on the bag. But they kindly tell me that I can make the bag, even if all I can make is a scarf. I'm skeptical. They must be mistaken. I tell them the scarf I'm wearing is not said ugly scarf. I admit to them, my ugly scarf actually resembles a ball of yarn and two needles in my closet.
With the purchase of supplies, you can have your pick of pattern and free knitting classes. Skill levels range from basic to advanced and patterns include the vests, sweaters, shawls, hats, mitts, and of course, bags. I learn that pretty red bag is called the "Miramar Bag".
Supplies are plentiful, but it's the yarn that catches my attention. The colour range is just my style: earthy, rich, and vibrant. I don't know what it's called in yarn terms, but Americo carries everything from skinny to fat diameters, and hairy, fluffy, silky, chunky textures. I'm not familiar with prices for yarn, but at approximately $15 per skein, I think that's a bit hefty. But I think back to the bag, the bag I would've bought and I reason a few skeins plus free classes is a reasonable trade-off.
Plan B:
I take the business card offered to me for the class schedule and decide on an azure blue yarn.
You will be mine Miramar, yes you will...
As I leave Americo, I daydream of my crafty potential. I can't help but think of the cliché: "if you teach a man to fish..."
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