Raphine's Orchardside Yarn Shop

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to visit the LYS in Rockbridge County, where I grew up. It's called the Orchardside Yarn shop, and it's located on a farmhouse property in the idyllic countryside right outside of Raphine. It's so neat, I never knew it was out there, along with a very nice country kitchenware/antique shop. The yarn shop itself is a small building sharing a driveway with the farmhouse of the owner, Carol Smyer.

First things first: my mom, Salmaan and myself visited this wonderful yarn shop on Sunday. They aren't open on Sundays. I called to check their hours, and the answering machine gave an alternate number for "knitting emergencies". Wanting to visit of course wasn't a knitting emergency, but I had heard great things about this shop, and really wanted to check it out. The owner and her daughter, upon learning that I was from out of town and wanted to visit before heading back to Richmond, were happy to open the doors of the shop at 1:00--just for us. How nice is that?

This is what you get to see upon entering:

I LOVE this yarn shop. I have been to quite a few now, and I can say, with utmost sincerity, that this is my very favorite one. The selection was WONDERFUL, and, Carol indicated that she had some Koigu on its way in. KOIGU!!!!!!! I can't buy that anywhere here in town. Not only that, her prices were incredibly reasonable. The Manos was $12.95 a skein, compared to $15.95 at most shops in Richmond. She had solids, variagated yarns, sock yarn, bulky yarn, worsted yarn, lace yarn.........she had it all, and in such wonderfully saturated colors....*sigh* it was truly a sight to behold. This is my mom and I, enjoying the incredible selection.

Oh, and see that needle selection there? Carol has notions galore--including Lantern Moon needles *Laura gets giddy*. I know, I know...I always said I wouldn't get really nice needles...because then knitting with the Clovers would never be the same again...but, they're gorgeous, and so well weighted, and polished, and just....deliciously decadent. Mom is going to purchase some for me at Carol's big sale on August 2nd. I have decided that knitting with Lantern Moon needles is like the difference between writing with a crayon and a fountian pen.

She had Joe Sharp, Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Cascade, Noro, Manos....The list goes on and on. She also had a TON of wonderful patterns--mostly sweaters, all knit in one piece from the neck down. I got one for a nice cardigan which ties in the front.

While we didn't purchase much (mom took notes the whole time of items to purchase at the August sale), we did get a few things, including this Liisu Yarn that I absolutely fell in love with. It's hand-dyed, the colorway is eggplant.

This beautiful little creek meanders its way in front of the farmhouse and shop--guests are free to sit and enjoy the scenery for as long as they like. I'm going to be making a shawl out of this yarn, just as soon as I finish my Kenya Forest Canopy. Any suggestions for a shawl pattern? I've got 700 yards--all ideas are welcome. It's basically half mohair, half merino, and is incredibly soft.

I also purchased some Manos to make some Kim Hamlin hats out of Last Minute Knitted gifts. I'll hopefully finish one this weekend.

All said and done, I cannot wait to go back to Orchardside. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it back for the sale since Salmaan and I will be at the beach for a conference, but Mom took good notes and seemed excited to purchase some early Christmas gifts. Salmaan really loved the shop too, he went straight for the Joe Sharp Aran. My man has good taste!

We enjoyed the creek for a little while before saying our goodbyes--Mom to go home, and us to head back to Richmond. It was a really nice visit, and I hope we get to go back before the fall.

Comments

[Carole Smyer]

Laura, thanks so much for this incredible review of OYS. I'm just sorry it took me so long to read it. Bryan and I are really excited about being a part of the Ravelry group and look forward to meeting more nice knitters like you and your mom.
Looking forward to seeing you again,

Carole