The hardware store: knitters' edition

Not too long ago these gorgeous tools were pretty much beamed into my mailbox, after I ordered them from the Addi Needle Shop.

Oh dear, what am I going to do without my porch shadows.  But while I still have them - aren't these needles pretty?

Pulling them out of their envelope made me think, not for the first time, how much I appreciate being able to buy knitting tools online.  I mean, it's pathetic because I live in Toronto which is pretty much a yarny Land of Plenty, but I don't live near a yarn store at home and won't even after I move downtown.  Near-er, but not 'near'.  So even though I believe it is very very important to support small local shops paying rent on proper bricks and mortar premises, and try to do so as much as possible... sometimes I just have to order from someplace a little more distant.

What I like about the Addi shop is that it is very specific (hello, Addi needles!) and exhaustive (they have all of them.)

'take us to your bulky yarn, won't you? we are here to knit the top of many hats.'

But what I like about Churchmouse Yarns and Teas is that just visiting the website feels like about as much as 75% what visiting the actual store on its charming island would be like.  Maybe more, if you get a bit seasick and wouldn't enjoy the ferry ride.

I have bought a few small things from Churchmouse that aren't pattern downloads, just to have that tangible sense of knit-shopping holiday, and I can tell you:

It really does work.  No matter what I'm knitting, when I open this little tin in which I've stashed my darning needles and several Churchmouse stitch markers (these things are fantastic by the way, in case you are looking for a slick seamless variety), I feel like a very talented textile artist playing house.

It's a great feeling, and it's so very nice not to have had to put on boots or ride public transit to enjoy it!


Do you have a favourite online shop or knitting tool to share?