We have a tradition...

Once a year we load up the truck with "provisions", grab the dog and go "once around the lake".... the lake being Ontario.

I can't recall how or when it began. All I know is, over the years we have learned that with 60 hours and 2 tanks of gas---a bit of a "$ yikes", this time--- a great adventure is almost guaranteed.

Before setting off on our adventure, I always hunt down info on a yarn shop that can be visited en route. This time we were heading for Ithaca!

Ithaca, NY is situated at the base of the longest of the Finger Lakes-- Cayuga. Perched on the top of a very substantial hill that climbs up from the town is Cornell University. The ear popping experience to reach the main campus certainly gives a fresh take on the term "higher learning".

I reckon it is the proximity of Cornell that has turned this hamlet into a wonderful place to spend a day or a weekend. There are fabulous eateries-- including Moosewood, of vegetarian cookbook fame-- lovely boutiques and, best of all, Homespun!

Julie has a wonderful shop jam packed with only the most beautiful treats (basic to extravagant) for the needles-- both knitting and sewing. How she ever envisioned that such a small footprint could function so wonderfully as a place to be inspired shows her passion and eye for all things fibre-y.

I confess to a wee bit of shopping.

I bought this for inspiration...

and 3 of these to make a design idea I may submit to a zine...

and a tempting metre of this destined to be a big, sturdy sling bag for my summer travels.

When at Homespun, don't expect to find a place to sit or, even lean for that matter. The precious real estate allows place only for Julie's marvelous wares. But... you are in luck... you are in Ithaca! The place is brimming with places to enjoy a tipple, a nosh or a nibble while you stitch. You may wish to start at the taqueria just a few steps away...