Today the kids and I made a day trip to visit a friend in Petaluma.  I had gotten interested in taking my frustrating Cormo locks to a mill in Valley Ford, about a half hour drive from Petaluma, that I’d discovered.  It turned out that my amount was too small to process affordably, but we decided to check out the mercantile anyway!

The town of Valley Ford seems to consist of about a dozen buildings along a short stretch of highway.  It was hard to understand where it was acceptable to park, but I felt safe leaving my car in front of the local grocery.

Village market

From there, it was about 50 feet back to Valley Ford Wool Mill!

Wool!!!  A-ha moment; it’s only been in business since 2013, THAT’S why we hadn’t heard of it!

Of course, we couldn’t check out the mill itself, but the mercantile was more than satisfying.

Lovely shop

Local yarns galore!

Spinning fiber!

Beeswax candles!

The Truth.  Click for a clearer view.

I would like to print this info out on small cards to pass out to people who gush over my handknit items and insist that I should sell them.  Um, yeah, I’d make a great living doing that, because who WOULDN’T pay $375 for a hat?

More local yarns!

Locally made soaps, etc.

Since our knitting group had our stash exchange yesterday, this outing was kind of like going into a candy store the day after Halloween!  Initially, I left without buying anything, but after lunch, I dashed back in for a few of these lovely soaps.  I wish you could smell how delightful they are!!  I resisted the urge to buy a very pretty top.  I can’t remember why….?

Restraint.

And on to the Stash Enhancement, Oops.

Oops, where will I put all of this?!?

I knew my friend had some roving for me, but the photo she’d texted me did not have me prepared for the huge amount!  Part of the green is 15 ounces.  I have a few sweater’s worth of wool here to spin, as well as a sweater’s amount of Cascade 220 Heathers (always lovely!), and some sweet fabric.  I think the Wee Girl and I will dye up some of these silk scarves as holiday gifts for her teachers.  I’m eyeing the yellow/blue fabric and thinking of a blouse from one of my sewing books….  Oh, the possibilities!