In the days of my youth, I heard actual people say in all seriousness, “It’s too hot in Texas to knit.” It’s true—the fact that they said that, I mean.

I didn’t understand at the time how it could be too hot to knit. Now, at a much advanced age, I still don’t understand!

a building in the railroad district, Tallahassee

One might assume it was too hot and humid to knit in Florida as well, but the knitters of Tallahassee obviously don’t think so, because Tallahassee supports three yarn shops!

Yarn Therapy, Tallahassee

Charles and I visited the lovely, green, tree-ful city of Tallahassee in May, when the white crape myrtles and jasmine were in bloom. While he attended an archeology conference, I went yarn shop hopping.

Marianne at Yarn Therapy, Tallahassee

Yarn Therapy was my first stop, where Marianne (she’s in the photo) gave me a quick tour of her great sock yarns. She has several brands, including some that are custom-dyed for the shop. I had to buy Pagewood Farm Denali Hand Dyed Sock Yarn in the Watermelon colorway for some socks for myself. I love those colors together.

Denali Sock Yarn from Yarn Therapy, Tallahassee

I managed to slip in a mention of my crochet books. Marianne and Heather wanted to see them, and I happened (!) to have some copies in the car. We took pictures, and they posted the photos on the internet right away. Technology can be so much fun.

Really Knit Stuff, Tallahassee

After a delicious Thai lunch, I went to the Railroad District for more yarn shopping at Really Knit Stuff. Paula gave me a big Texas greeting when I walked in. She’s from Texas, but hasn’t lived there in a while. I can’t blame her for choosing Tallahassee. I loved her hairstyle, which was a long braid with yarn as one third of the braid.

She stocked Classic Elite Yarns Liberty Wool, a long-repeat variegated yarn. She cleverly provided knitted-up samples, so customers could see the range of colors in a skein. I left with some Liberty Wool to make a flower-cloth scarf of Russian Picot Daisies (from Crochet Garden). Here’s the beginning of it.

Liberty Wool from Really Knit Stuff, Tallahassee

Tallahassee, a dog-friendly place

The Railroad District has quirky and colorful shops and workshops, including the flower building above. Outside the bookstore there, I saw evidence of Tallahassee’s hospitality for dogs. Our hotel had a similar spread.

Tallahassee looks small from the air, because the many trees hide the buildings. It’s a good place. I would visit again.