When we think of supporting our hard working local yarn stores it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that this must involve spending large amounts of cash on yarn. But in reality there are other, cheaper things that we can also do - especially if, as we head towards the end of January, money is a little tight.

The success of the Just A Card campaign stemmed from the comment by a closing art gallery that if everyone who had visited the shop had bought ‘just a card’ they wouldn’t have had to close the business. Businesses don’t become a thriving success because of occasional large purchases (although obviously, that doesn’t hurt) but it is the continual drip, drip of small things - regular small purchases, visits, reviews, recommendations - all count.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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With that in mind, it's worth considering all the ways you can support for LYS (or fav indie dyer) without spending any money:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1. Leave them a review (on FB or their website)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2. Mention them when talking about what you are making - tag them on social media or tell a friend about them.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3. Offer to review a product for them, knit a shop sample or lend them something you have knit, for display⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. If they have a newsletter, sign up to it and share it with friends⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
5. Bear in mind that an LYS is also often able to fulfill online orders - when recommending places to buy online don't forget the small indie businesses at the expense of the 'big box stores'⠀⠀

Can you think of any more? Please do let me know in the comments, and let’s help to share a bit of LYS love this January.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀