“Oh, my! This place is pretty packed. I think we’d better come back later. Let’s see what Toni’s got in The Boutique.”
“Silver, see this color? Do me a favor, please. If you see anymore of this while you’re digging through the bins, please pull them out for me. Wow! You must be planning a big project. Do you have something in mind for all that, or are you just adding to your stash?”
“I’d be glad to watch for them for you. I’m so excited about this. I’ve never been in a fiber shop before. The colors, and the smells, and the textures . . . something for every sense. Actually, see those needlefelted sheep behind you? When we were at Bunty’s house the other day, I saw her packing them up and fell in love with the little things. She offered to give me one, but I really want to make my own. So, she said she’d teach me how, once Wool Week is behind her. She gave me a list of what to buy, but I can see I might need a few other things. Is that what a stash is? Then the answer is both ‘yes’ and ‘no’. I do have a project in mind, but I just know I’m going to love it and will want to make more than one. Seems like tonight is a great time to start my stash, what d’ya think? Would it be a bother to ask you to walk around and make suggestions? Oh, great! I wouldn’t bother Bunty right now for all the tea in China. Where to first?”
“Welcome, Hibiscus! Hibby? Then Hibby it is. How are you enjoying your first Wool Week Street Fair? Oh, I’m so glad. You’ve made nice choices today. Glad to. Would you like it wrapped or unwrapped? Well, you’ll get more choices at the Gift Wrap cart out in the street. I’ll tell you what . . . I’ll just put the mug in a separate bag. That way you’ll have a place to carry your wrapped box. Oh, I do. They’re right over there, next to Johanna. Oh, you’ll like her. Why don’t I just add it to your bill now so that you won’t have to stand in this crazy line again? No problem, really. Hey, Johanna! Could you please show the drop spindles to Hibiscus, I mean Hibby? Thanks!”
“So how into this do you want to get? There are a couple of great starter books over here, and there’s yarn, and a fab sourcebook, and– Okay, so how ’bout we get Bunty to open the shop some time next week, and the two of us can help you ‘start your stash’? Great, for now, let’s just do some fun window shopping. No, silly, not just the window. Where are you from? Don’t you know what window shopping is? Oh, my. I can see I need to take you under wing and teach you about the finer art of shopping on a limited budget.”
“Just look at this yarn, Silver! It’s TEAL colored! Nabbed. I love anything done up in teal tones.”
“And see these socks? Bunty and I could teach you how to make these, too, so you might want to look at her yarn. No, it hardly takes any to make them. They’re actually great for using up your ends. I could even see what I have in my stash that might get you started. I hope you like teal.”
“Hiyo, Silver!” Giggling. “I’ve been wanting to say that since I met you. Hmm. Looks like you found your way around just fine. Of course, I should have known by the teal roving in your stack. How did you manage to get her to part with it? She’s your what? Mentor? Now, why didn’t I think of that? Maybe we should start a ‘wool-hobby mentoring’ program right here on Islandshire. Let me make a quick note here . . . Okay, so what have you got? Did you get everything on the list? About the felting needles, I’m hoping they’re in my next delivery. You can borrow one of mine until then. This week? Sure, I’d be glad to open the shop for the two of you. In fact, why don’t I just announce that I’ll be open for a couple of hours next week for everyone who couldn’t get in tonight? I know. It’s been packed since before we officially opened. So, let’s see what you’ve got . . . hmm, very nice . . . I think you’d better leave this in the back room, though. You won’t have much fun outside if you have to juggle all this. Just– Lillian says that Jill needs help at the Wrapping station. Sure, I’ll take care of it. You go on ahead. I’ll be out in a minute, once one of the other girls gets back. Toodle pip!”
“Toodle pip?”
“I’ve been looking for you, Hibby. I’ve got Velvet looking after the shop for me right now, so I’ve got a few minutes to look around. How about some pizza? I’m famished. And wait’ll you get a load of the song he’s got playing in the diner. Have you been . . .”
[. . . they love him so, he’s PIZZA BOY U.S.A.] “Yeah! Great, isn’t it? It’s my new theme song. Before I hit the repeat button, though . . . You know, Hibiscus, I– okay, Hibby. Anyway, I don’t believe you’ve had the thrill of hearing my 10 Wonderful Reasons to Love Wool– Toni, stop shaking your head and backing up.– Hibby, take my word for it, Wool Week wouldn’t be complete without hearing this at least one time. Well, how about later? Any time you say. I’m here until the fireworks start. Now, what can I get for you to eat? Well, I’ve got plain cheese, onion, loaded veggie, spinach, pineapple . . . um, let’s see. Well, pretty much anything you want. Meat?! No way, Jose. We don’t eat animals on Islandshire. I think it was Eliot’s great-great-great-grandfather, or something like that, who paid the carnivores to move off-island. Anyway, you name a combination, and I’ll do my best to oblige. Hang on a sec, I think my next pizza pie is ready to serve, and I need to hit the repeat button. You be thinking about it, and I’ll be right back .” [He’s the new sensation in the nation . . .]
“Sit very still, Mariamne. I just have the finishing touch– Not that still, goofy! You have to breathe! Relax. Let’s talk about something. So, what’s in the bag? Can I see? Ooh, nice. Have you been to Bunty’s new shop, yet? No I haven’t, but my sister’s in there, probably buying out the store. Did you vote for the calendar photo? Well, you’ll have to go back in. I’m waiting for Bethany to come back and take over so I can get a pretzel. And a slice of spinach pizza. You haven’t?! Never?! You’ll have to ask Harold to let you try some. Sure, he gives lots of free samples. There! Fini! Now, who’s next?”
“I love doing hats on people. Just another second. So, what have you guys eaten already? Who does? Eydie? Well, I hope they have one left when I get there. By the way, Masami, I keep wanting to ask you, “What’s in the wrapped package?” Why didn’t I know she was selling souvenir mugs? Did she have a lot of them left? That’s just what I’m going to buy for my sister. But it’s a surprise, guys. No telling. There, I think you’re done, Brighton. Everybody done? Good, because I need to go to the shops before everything’s gone.”
“Oh, Livie! You’ve captured the real me! And look at Georgiana’s! I’m going to send everyone over to get their portrait done. Well, when will you be back? Okay, see ya later. I want to show this to Bunty . . . Hey, Georgie, wanna swap portraits before we go home? Oh, she won’t mind. Bunty can swap with Brighton. Let’s get something to drink. I’ve got sand in my mouth . . . Oh, Trudy! Just wait till you see what . . .”
“Hi, Girls! What a clever idea of yours, to set up a Gift Wrapping cart. Toni said you’d be able to wrap these glasses for me. They’re a gift for a dear friend, and I’d hate for her to see them before her birthday. I don’t know. I hadn’t given it any thought, and your selection isn’t going to make it any easier to decide.” Giggling. “Marie Simone, may I look at yours, please? That’s very pretty, but my friend isn’t really the iridescent type. How about that– Pardon me, Jill? You were saying? Sure, I’d like to see the Wool Week Special. Oh . . . red and gold. No, my friend’s not very traditional either. I think she’d like the orange and pink. Well, it isn’t for Christmas, Jill. It’s for her birthday. Ooh, that’s just perfect! I’ll stop by later and pick them up. No rush. Hey, Mariamne! Wait for me!”
“Quick, while there’s no line, you start tidying up while I get this wrapping finished. So, how many of the Wool Week Specials have you sold? None at all? Well, maybe the traditional crowd is waiting until it slows down a bit. Who?”
“Oh, Ammy! I didn’t see you standing there. Can we wrap something for you? Don’t worry, you’ve got all evening to decide. We have this beautiful red-and-gold Wool Week Special, in case you’re looking for something more traditional. Yeah, Silver likes the island-y colors, too. But just look at the shine on that box! Okay, you think about it. We’ll be here. I’m thirsty, Silver. Back in a minute . . .”
“Yoo hoo, Girls! Are you still wrapping? Well, now I’ve found this adorable little purse for my friend for Christmas. I guess I just need to stop going into The Boutique. Anyway, what’ve you got that would work for this? No, I don’t think I care for the Wool Week Special. Too much red and gold for me. One of those neon green gift bags would be perfect. Oh, no, don’t rush. I’ve still got lots to see. If it gets in your way and you can’t find me, just leave it with Toni. She’s holding the portrait and some other things for me. Oh, excuse me, but I see Joanie over there. Jo-o-oanie, wait up . . .”
[Toss a pizza, roll a pizza . . .] “What can I get for you girls? Nice wrapping paper, Am. How about a few free samples? Would that help? Okay, let’s line ’em up.”