While on vacation in Wisconsin, we drove through Mineral Point, largely to stop at a local yarn shop there called la bella vita fibre gallery. The whole day was somewhat of a fiasco, as we had trouble getting started, then when we located the shop, we found it had moved. After walking to the new location with a sleepy, grumpy 4-year-old in extreme heat, we discovered a sign saying “closed for a meeting, be back at 2.” It was around 1, so we wasted time at a local bar/pastry shop and went back at 2. Still closed. Eventually, they did re-open and we spent a fun hour or so browsing, feeling the different fibers, and petting the resident dog.

Molly Walz, the store owner, was very patient with Wally, even letting him play with some roving and then helping ensure he was gentle with the dog while I shopped. The shop was very attractive (though, really, how can you go wrong with walls of yarn, right?).

I ended up buying only four skeins of yarn.

Front, a worsted weight wool/mohair blend from Sandy’s Palette, a local yarn producer. Back, a merino from malabrigo, made in Uruguay

A super soft baby alpaca from Misti Alpaca. And this fun yarn that dearest husband picked out. Lumpy Bumpy Yarn by Charlene from Farmhouse Yarns.

The owners of la bella vita have also recently opened up a small hotel in the upper floors of their shop called the Mineral Point Hotel (actually, I believe the building was originally a hotel called the Mineral Point Hotel). The hotel is quite nice, with very nice rooms (we toured one). Do consider a visit if you find yourself in the area.