I am going to make you either drool or get in your car.

I am a Japanophile, and that includes knitting stuff. Cara and other knitting superstars have been similarly overtaken by the Japanese knitting bug.

I spend at least one day every few months at one of the huge Asian malls in Toronto. Hub knows that when I'm frazzled, it's a good way to mellow me out. All that sensory input. He sends me up there and I bring home dumplings and chewy grape thingies for him, with my eyes happily glazed over.

I've been to First Markham Place at least 3 times in the last 6 months. So how the HELL did I miss Sweet Home? A Japanese yarn store in Toronto! No link -- there's no website. But I'm telling you now, people: they have Japanese yarn AND magazines. They don't sell the magazines [though I've encouraged the owner to consider it, since there are so many of us who'd drool to be able to flip through and then BUY one of these beauties] but you can consult them for patterns. I won't tell you how you get the pattern. Maybe once she starts selling the books, that will change. BUT, if you've been looking, here's somewhere to continue the search. Call them at 905-474-1788. Teresa is the nice lady that runs the place. And yes, she will do a special order for you, depending on what it is.

Worth a call.

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My last post has sat up for a while, because I'm [as you would hope] focused on getting Knitty done and ready for y'all. But I've also been watching the comments with interest. It seems that many people feel as I do, a good number feel the absolute opposite and some people aren't bothered one way or the other. Interesting.

I'd just like to state again for the record that I did not say the greetings in question offended me. I was just searching for a more inclusive way to get warm holiday greetings spread from person to person without isolating any one group. I'll continue the search.

For now, my greeting will stay "Happy Holidays", and I wish that to all of you.