There’s a great yarn store in Soho, New York City.

Unfortunately, it’s pretty hard to access if you use a wheelchair.  (Keep reading for the GOOD news.)  I find the sidewalks in this part of the city crowded (all those shoppers maybe?), more narrow than midtown, dabbled with cobblestones, and sporting stingy curb cuts. Purl Soho is one of the many stores in Soho that are in old buildings and have one or two entrance steps.  They do, however, have a ramp, and if you call in advance, the very-obliging salespeople will put it out for you. Beware though: the aisles are tight for a wheelchair, and I don’t honestly think a wheelchair could make it back to the (quite alluring) fabric section of the store.

The good news is that you don’t have to physically go to the store to get some of their great (free! downloadable!) patterns.  Check out this free poncho pattern I picked up there that I’m going to make for Marianne.  Ponchos work better for Marianne than down coats – just as warm, far less bulky, and easier to put on/take off alone.

For the same reason, Marianne loves vests (as opposed to sweaters).  They conserve body temperature very nicely without a lot of fuss.  Loved this pattern from Purl Soho;  you can download it for free.

I like this one, too.  (Although I think I might be afraid of the zipper….)

Important note, though.  If you are a knitter, search for patterns on The Purl Bee (a site operated by Purl Soho), because it is dedicated to the yarn-and-crochet sort of fiber arts folk.  Both sites are treasure troves of ideas, patterns, and materials.

Happy knitting….or dreaming of knitting.