I’ve been checking out the local (to my work) yarn shops during my lunch. Last weekend I went to Accent on Knits in Morristown. I hate driving in Morristown; I know where I want to go but never seem to be able to get there on my first (or second) try.

Accent on Knits is on Speedwell Ave, a block off the green. The owners were very nice and you get 10% off if you are a new customer. I went there to buy some Berocco Peruvia so I can make the sweater that’s on the cover of Intraweave Knits Fall 07. I had called ahead to make sure they had it. They have the store organized by color. I find this very annoying. I knew what yarn I wanted but I had to wander around trying to find which colors they had. I guess to business owners this may seem like a way to get customers to buy more, but personally it makes me want to shop elsewhere. The store itself seems a little messy and rundown, especially compared to some of the newer posh places. I walked out with 8 skeins of peruvia in chipotle for my sweater.

I’ve decided I wanted to knit the Hemlock Ring Blanket for a wedding gift.  I don’t have anything stashed that’s appropriate so I decided to look for some Eco Wool. There are 3 yarn shops nearby that stock Cascade. Knitting Lab (cute logo!) is closed mondays.  Angelfire Studios is on the other side of town and their website says they don’t carry Eco-Wool.

So I went to Down Cellar which is on the main street in Basking Ridge. Jean was very nice and helpful and after I perused the store, she gave me some suggestions on yarns to use. They did have Eco Wool but it wasn’t that soft and while everyone online sells it for $15 they were charging $24.  For that amount  I could get something nicer. I ended up picking Cascade 128 Tweed in a taupe color. That was $12/skein and I got 4 so it was $48 – the same price that a similar amount of EcoWool would cost. I also bought a skein of Malabrigo Chunky in variegated greens and browns.

Down Cellar had some really unique yarns and some brands I’d never heard of. Sheep Shop has some lovely soft yarns that are hand painted. The colors remind me of some Manos yarns, but spun in a more refined way and with softer materials. I’d definitely go back there. One thing does bug me, I got back to work and looked online and the list price for 128 Tweed is $9.50. That’s a $2.50 markup and more than I really care to stomach. I’m generally ok with 50cents or a dollar but over 25% is pretty ridiculous to me. I guess that’s why I end up buying online so much. I would like to support local shops but I can’t see why I should be paying a premium to do so.