6 December 2015

Loop … A Cautionary Tale






A Julie Arkell figure.  The first I've seen 'in the flesh'.


Oh beautiful cardigan.  My wardrobe needs you.


That outfit, right there.  Oh yes.

Flowers AND yarn?  Really?  Be still my beating heart!

Misti Baby Alpaca.  Like clouds from heaven.


If I am ever lucky enough to own a yarn shop, I should like it to be exactly like Loop in London.

If you ever get the opportunity to visit, I promise it is extremely well worth it.  I would, however, suggest that you exercise the following cautionary measures ...

♥  Don't go on a Monday.  It's the only day the shop doesn't open.

♥  Use public transport to get there.  It's a very short walk from the Angel at Islington underground station.  Do not, under any circumstances, turn up in a car with a roomy boot or, worse, a van or lorry.  Knowing that you will have to carry your purchases along the streets of London and through thronging crowds will help deter you from buying too much.

♥  Browse the website and write a shopping list before you go.  Believe me, on crossing the threshold, your mind will go blank.  It will then take off like a rocket and you'll suddenly be overcome with the need for absolutely EVERYTHING.  And when I say 'need', I mean really need, like your life depends on it!

♥  Have a thorough browse and then LEAVE the shop.  Seriously.  Go and have a cup of coffee and a little 'time out'.  Perhaps enlist a shopping buddy who is bigger and stronger than you and have them physically drag you out if needs be.  Allow your heart rate to return to normal and your mind to clear before you venture back.

♥  Familiarise yourself with Madeline Tosh yarns BEFORE you go to Loop.  If you don't, the positive kaleidoscope of colours will render you incapable of making any rational decisions.  Not only is their founder, Amy Hendrix, a colour genius but I have a strong suspicion that she sprinkles each and every skein with magical 'wanties' dust.

♥  Familiarise yourself with the feel of baby alpaca BEFORE you go to Loop.  (Preferably Misti Baby Alpaca Chunky.)  The temptation to grab an armful, hurl it onto the floor and writhe around on it is almost too much to bear.

♥  Take only the money you can afford to spend.  A credit card with leeway is a definite no-no.  A small photo of your children/partner/pet in your purse (preferably looking peckish) will act as a handy reminder that they will actually need feeding for the weeks ahead.

♥  Ask a non-yarny type to accompany you and instruct them to whisper sensible and rational thoughts in your ear as you look around.

Just saying …!

xxx

27 comments:

  1. Everything you have written is completely true. I went to Loop a couple of weeks ago on my birthday, and although both husband and daughter do not understand my love of yarn they did not deter but encouraged purchases. I did go ever so slightly over budget but it was so worth it. Cannot wait to go back again!

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  2. Everything you have written is completely true. I went to Loop a couple of weeks ago on my birthday, and although both husband and daughter do not understand my love of yarn they did not deter but encouraged purchases. I did go ever so slightly over budget but it was so worth it. Cannot wait to go back again!

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  3. Now you've made me want to go there - right now!

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  4. Hi and thank you for telling about this yarn heaven! Oh oh, all those colours and that softness! Should I be happy to live so far away that most likely never go there...but my sister lives in South England...she goes now and then to London...have to warn her. I'm in Greece and yarn shops are so poor here. If I ever visit again London, I know what's the most important place to visit. x Teje

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  5. What a brilliant post, just read it to my husband and we both chuckled especially with the hungry children. Hope you got lots though xx

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  6. Am slightly breathless just looking at your photos. One day I shall visit Loop. I am certain your advice will be essential. To actually see all those shades in the flesh! And the cardigans! And to feel the softness of it all! I'll probably need a sit down. They must be used to people going in and coming over all peculiar I think. CJ xx

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  7. LOL, lovely pics and a brilliantly cautionary tale :) how many of your suggested precautions did you follow.... or shouldn't I ask???

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  8. Wow, wow, wow. It just looks amazing! I just hope it's near to Guy's hospital so that the next time I have to go up I can sneak by Loop!! Just off to check the map! x

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  9. I think I need to adhere to your tips I go, otherwise it could prove very fatal! Eeeeeeek! xxx

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  10. Ha ha ha! My gosh. THANK you for all the warnings. Ha ha ha! Next time I get to London I'll pass by, knowing I only have a cabin luggage which is already filled to the beam and hand luggage is out of question with Easy Jet!!! That gives room for exactly 4-5 skeins of yarn that can be squished into any already full space. Probably just what I can afford. Ha ha ha!!! THANKS FOR SHARING. And what did YOU buy???
    Xxx
    Annette

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  11. Haha! Are we getting to see what you did buy? I'm so gutted we ran out of time to visit here last week when in London :,-(

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  12. what a fantastic place! why so far from Poland ? ;)

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  13. LOVe your post and I am drooling over your pictures! Your descriptions set my imagination running riot. What a glorious outing you had thanks for sharing x

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  14. Could not agree with you more, I work far too close to Loop and on my first visit I was so overwhelmed I left without buying a thing!!!! I now alway go with a wishlist and stick to it!!!

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  15. Wise words indeed my friend. Do not do as I did and take a fellow yarn bonkers enabler with you. Fatal!

    S x

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  16. Ha ha ha,what a fab post made me smile and oh sooooo true.Thanks for sharing these fab pics.x

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  17. Maybe the day to go is Monday.... then you can look through the window and plan what to buy when it is open...and come away sad but with purse unscathed.
    Also, what a shocking hanger for the cardigan. When I looked at the picture all I could think was how it was ruining the shoulders....

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  18. What a wonderful shop it is indeed!!! I was there recently when I went to the Country Living Christmas fair and OMG!! Those yarns were real beauties!! I also loved seeing Sophie Digard's creations on the flesh which were for sale in the shop. I think it would be a good idea to have a project in mind before going otherwise it is deadly..... I've been catching up on your posts as for some reason, they have not been appearing on my bloglovin blogroll.... I loved your previous post about your son's birth. There's nothing like a mum's instinct....and one should always follow it. I hope you have a fab time in Cornwall! Next year looks filled with exciting changes for you and your family and that's great. Have a cosy one, Heather!! Warm Christmassy wishes, Pati x

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  19. ooohhh how i wish...
    to own a shop like that? I would work 8 days a week!!!

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  20. Now I feel unnatural because I've been a few times and never bought a thing!!!!!

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  21. I really like Loop, but this post has me worried - I've never gone crazy in there, am I ok?!

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  22. Oh that made me laugh Heather! I live in london and I know what I'm like when I go to Yarndale and Ally Pally, so I haven't been yet! With my bday round the corner, I'm going to ask for vouchers!! Xx

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  23. Your post just made me smile and want to laugh aloud. So many beautiful things would definitely be on my wishlist.

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  24. Oh my ... What a fabulous shop! I feel a yearning to visit London all of a sudden! X x

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  25. What a fabulous shop! X x

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Anyone ever told you that you're a peach? xx

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