I was at a meeting last week for retailers and restaurants in Old Town to hear about all of the exciting things that are happening this season in our little town (more on that later), and someone tugged on my arm and said, “You did make THAT, did you?” Well yeah, I made it! I can’t just go around wearing sweaters that the Gap made. That wouldn’t be right, now would it? I was wearing my recently finished Berkshire Dolman Sweater by Melissa Wehrle (available through Knitting Daily or in the Best of Knitscene book at the shop). It calls for a aran/bulky weight yarn so I thought I could sneak in a quick pullover and my UFO pile wouldn’t notice. This one is done from the Swan’s Island Organic Bulky, in a colorway made from bugs. Yes, actual bugs. All of the colors are dyed naturally, from organic materials…the old fashioned way. I just loved the color and the idea that it was made from bugs. I figured that would probably freak out a few people, after they got over the fact that I had made the sweater myself. Since we were eating breakfast at the meeting that morning, I didn’t mention the bugs. Just that I had made the sweater. This person was quite impressed, which is pretty cool.
Now about the holiday season in Old Town. There are a few new and exciting things going on this year. The biggest being SANTA! So instead of hauling your kids to the mall or the National Harbor, come to Old Town. We have brought Santa to Old Town every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Location: 210 S. Union Street. Read more about it here. Each photo is $15 and will be printed on site. The decor will be amazing!
In addition, the Old Town Boutique District is hosting a city-wide window decorating contest. This will inspire our retailers and restaurants to really decorate this year and help you have the amazing holiday scenes that you would expect from Old Town Alexandria. Our window is in the works right now, featuring the knitted and crocheted rockets that you all contributed the past few weeks. Once it is installed, we will be sure to let you know so that you can vote for the window that you helped to create!
Lastly, you may have heard about the Day After Thanksgiving Sale at fibre space. It is amazing. It is the single biggest sale that we have for the year. Tons of fun (and work)! We open at 6 am and will be offering 30% off this year (higher than last year’s discount). At 8 am, the discount goes to 20% and then to 10% at 10 am. Get in line early because we can only allow 42 people in the store at one time, and you must get through the door to get your coupon for the discount. Folks in line early will also get some free prizes. (we like to use this as an opportunity to clean out the closets here at fibre space…you never know what you will find around here).
The most exciting thing about Black Friday this year is how many other shops have decided to open with us! The first year, it was just us (well and all of you…at 6 am). Last year about 8 other shops joined in. This year, the list is quite impressive. Check it all out here. You can get running shoes, makeup, bras, designer shoes and handbags and jewelry at 30% off!! AND, the City has decided to open their garages early for you as well as waive parking on all meters around town. Now there is just no reason to go to the mall…so can someone do some shopping for me? Because I am kinda trapped at the store….
