No trip to Bryce is complete without our annual trip to Fibersmyth, an absolute gem of a knitting shop in Woodstock, VA. Last year, while we were there, the owner's husband showed us an adjoining storage room where they planned to open a tea room and when we got there last week, we discovered that those plans have indeed become a reality--a quite wonderful reality.
Originally, the shop was located in an old stone townhouse in downtown Woodstock. Shortly after the present owner, Elizabeth McCarus, bought it in 2007, the business was moved to a large farmhouse farther out of town on the the main road. While the store's new location, amidst highway type businesses, lacks the charm of its former historic surroundings, a step inside reveals that the new space is a great improvement upon the old one. The rooms are now warm, inviting and full of natural light. The shop's collection of yarns is extensive, including my favorite "workhorse" yarn, Cascade 220, and other more luxurious offerings like Blue Sky Alpacas, Malabrigo, and Sublime. The shop also carries many Berroco yarns and some interesting local wools. This is a place where a knitter can spend many tranquil hours shopping for yarn and inspiration. It is also a place where a new knitter can find come for assistance and support. Whenever I've been there, I've witnessed the special care that Elizabeth extends to her beginners or, for that matter, anyone who seems to have questions.
The new tea room, The Cup and Crumpet, is the perfect addition to the shop. The offerings are mainly quiches, some sandwiches and soups, but, oh, the choices! I had a hard time deciding between the roasted asparagus sandwich, the leek quiche, and the tomato bisque. Julie got the bisque, Paul and Amy both ordered the roast beef on pumpernickel with (gorgonzola mayo), and I settled on the quiche. When the food came, conversation stopped and no one seemed to regret their choices. It was all SO good. Afterwards, we split a piece of Chocolate Decadence. After one bite, I wanted to grab it, hide under a table, eat the whole thing and lick the plate. But I didn't. Sometimes, I hate being a Good Girl.
Later, as we finished our tea, Julie proclaimed that Fibersmyth was her MOST FAVORITE LYS in the world. Think about it: good yarn, good food and a cute loo--how can you beat that?
1 comment:
Hi Trish,
I knew when we met this morning we had a lot in common - but after reading some of the entries on your blog and I know this is true. I am an avid crocheter and a certified tea lady. I collect teapots and other tea goodies and love exploring places that prepare good tea. This place in VA sounds divine - I'd love to go there! Thanks for the tip and I'll see you next Tuesday morning with a crochet hook in hand. Have a great week! Carol from the coffee shop
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