As Samantha accurately noted, I was at KnitNY today.
I met one of my college professors there; she bought some lovely Lobster Pot cashmere and some angora, too, and she's going to make a fun (superwarm!) scarf. And I bumped into Samantha, although we didn't do proper introductions at the shop. If she's the one I think she was, she was wearing a gorgeous Charlotte's Web. And if not, then some other nice person was wearing a gorgeous Charlotte.
I am VERY proud to confess that I didn't buy any yarn. However, I cannot claim to have not spent any money, for aside from the (delicious) sandwich I had from the lovely cafe, I purchased three (count 'em, three) books.
1) A Treasury of Knitting Patterns (Barbara J. Walker)
2) A Second " " " " (" " ")
3) Knitting 19th Century Sources (Jules & Kaathe Kliot).
Many of you know the first two; the third book is amazing. It is a collection of vintage knitting designs ranging from shawls to socks to petticoats to a "Barrister's Wig in Puffed Knitting." I love the final instruction: "Make a pretty bow to place on the top of the wig, and a smaller bow to go at the back of the neck above the curtain." I am not sure if I would ever make something from this book, but it's fascinating and the patterns are extraordinary.
There are some great lace patterns in the BJW books which I intend to use for the Bridal Shawl I'm going to make for my sister. (Did I mention she finally got engaged this past weekend?)
I knit two rounds on the Elephants at KnitNY, then after we left, I realized I was just a couple blocks from Downtown Yarns, so I decided to stop in there. And I didn't buy any yarn there, either! I must be doing something right. Actually, I decided I'm going on a yarn diet (unless I realize that I seriously need something for a particular project) until I get to England. I think I'm going to buy a lot of fun stuff at Colinette, and I'm thinking about buying yarn to make myself an aran, though I may concentrate on Shetland Jumperweight (unless I have to go to the Shetland Isles to find it) and explore my inner Fair Isle designer...
Any of you UK'ers, please send any great LYS advice my way.
Posted by Jon at June 3, 2004 08:18 PMTwo things...well, actually three: No, it's not cheating if you don't buy yarn. Also, it's not cheating if coffee or a sandwich gets put on the same receipt as the yarn. After all, you do need something to keep yer hands from getting burnt by the coffee...and what's better insulation than cashmere!!!
And regarding the knitting shops in the UK: I'm sure that if you put your nose to the task, you could probably sniff out a few worthwhile yarn shoppes!
But aren't the BW books just GRAND! I just purchased the second one a few weeks ago and am totally in LOVE with it...(even though books 1 and 2 are missing some lace patterns that I'd love to own).
Posted by: Antonio at June 7, 2004 10:20 AMI want to knit a Barrister's wig! I've always thought it unfair that I don't get to wear a wig in my profession. . .Perhaps I could knit mine with some curly wensleydale locks worked in.
Posted by: Carolyn at June 8, 2004 05:04 AM