I had to go, I needed things that could not be purchased at a craft show. Staples, ordinary things. The mall was almost empty due to our current weather (beautiful, wonderful snow), which was a bonus for me. At least I would be able to see what was on the shelves.

All I saw was gigantic 50% off signs everywhere, before boxing day. Is this really a sign economic downturn or a belief in the machine that says there is economic downturn. My personal experience from my shows this season was an increase in shopping, not the other way around.

I decided to try on a ski jacket, since I only have one coat and I do not want to spend another season falling on my ass on the ice rink in the cashmere coat. I had to divest myself of all my hand knits while I tried on the 6 different coats and decided what I wanted —plain, practical and affordable. Once my decision was made, I turned around to gather my things only to find that there was a woman wearing MY hand knit scarf.

Let me explain. Since the scarf was more than 8 ft long, I hung it on a hanger while I was trying on coats. I guess that made it fair game. I had to explain to her that it was MINE, prior to coming into the store and not some scam to get her to drop this great scarf with no price tag on it.

The whole exchange got me slightly overheated so I took my wonderful scarf and rolled it up and stuck it in my bag and continued around the store. I felt something a bit off and realized that I was being followed by an overzealous store employee who felt that she was about to foil the crime of the century.

I ask you, does this look like something that Old Navy sells….Before you answer, let me say hand spun blended kid mohair, silk and merino….If your answer is yes, I don’t think I like you anymore.

In my altered state, I inadvertently purchased the wrong size coat. I am sending John back to the mall in my place. I just don’t think I can do it again.