Supporting My Local Yarn Stores
While James was here, we were able to to make it to four different yarns stores, and I ended up buying at least one sweater’s worth of yarn in each store.
Latest Yarn Purchases
First of all, if anyone is in the market for a large wooden yarn swift (either for themselves or as a great knitter’s gift), Amazon has it on sale right now
Also, for those of you on Ravelry, you can check out my stash there (if you already have, this section of the blog will be repetitive). I also got quite a nice gift from Carol at Black Bunny Fibers.
I’ll start with the gift, since it was my favorite (including the card visible in the background).
The yarn is hand-dyed merino/tencel blend, that I will use for socks. Here’s a closeup, since the colors are so subtle and so sublime.
I bought 11 hanks of Berrocco Peruvia Wool.
It was softer than Cascade 220 and had some really nice colors (even though I selected gray…much to James’ dismay).
Then I picked up some Claudia Handpainted fingering weight yarns.
Not sure what I’ll be using the Claudia for, but I liked the colors.
I picked up some more Koigu KPPPM in colors that I thought would look nice together.
Then I found this lovely yarn. It’s Jojoland Harmony in a very fine laceweight.
This yarn was was very inexpensive, and had some spectacular colorways.
I couldn’t resist picking up some of the Malabrigo Merino Laceweight.
I thought the colorway was rich and interesting, and the yarn was softer than corn starch.
I can’t believe no one had told me that Manos starting making a Silk Blend yarn.
The colors are just wonderful and deep and vibrant. I have no idea what I’ll make with this, but whatever it is, it will be very nice.
Finally, I picked up two different colors of Rowan Felted Tweed.
I found the tan color first and liked it, and then when I saw the red, I had to have it as well.
Suffice it to say, I have enough yarn due to James’ visit to keep me knitting for at least the upcoming year.
Current Knitting
I was able to finish the back of the Alpaca Herd Jacket and then work up to the sleeve shaping on the left front.
This is going to be one warm and soft jacket when it’s finished.
Readers’ Comments/Questions
Suzan asks, “Question: do you think Thanksgiving is more important than Christmas?”
I don’t think Thanksgiving is more important than Christmas…no. I will say that I enjoy the restful, peaceful quality of Thanksgiving a little more than the frenetic chaos that Christmas usually presents, but that has more to do with how we celebrate both holidays as opposed to the inherent importance of each.
Yarn envy! You got some amazing deals. I had heard about the Manos wool/silk but not seen it yet. Wow. Gorgeous stuff, especially with their colorways. And not only are you supporting a local yarn shop by buying it, but Manos is now distributed by a company located in Philadelphia.
Yessir, you have a good eye for yarn.
I’m glad you liked the sock yarn.
what a great haul. I’ve been looking at the Jojoland Harmony – what are the color lengths like – how long are the repeats – do you know?
Manos has a silk blend?? Maybe some anticipated Christmas $$ will help some of that land in my hands.
Your haul is gorgous!
where in Philadelphia can you get silk blend Manos? I’ll be in Huntingdon Valley (spitting distance from Bucks county) at Xmas, and I am sure I can escape family long enough to make a yarn outing …
What a Great and FAB yarn and I envy you because here in Holland we can’t buy these yarns in a local shop…. Perhaps I have to start one myself 🙂
As I said at the time, I thought the grey yarn reminded me too much of the school uniform sweaters of my youth! However the red tweed will look great on you once it’s knitted up.
I wasn’t able to compete with you when it came to the yarn shopping but I was pleased to manage a purchase from every yarn store I visited during my travels. The copious amounts of yarn fondling I was able to do in the process was almost as much fun as making the purchases themselves.
2008 will have to be a stash busting year for me so that I can save up for another trip stateside!
Yarn p0rn! oh my goodness!
I’ll admit that I’m not a big Manos fan. Most of the stuff I’ve tried of theirs has felt kind of harsh against my hands, though I don’t really feel like I’ve given the yarn the best chance.
I will have to try the silk blend. I love the way the colors pop.
i agree that thanksgiving is a bit easier on the nerves than xmas. it’s certainly better on the budget.
i hope you’re enjoying your retired lifestyle!! great to see you’re as busy as ever!
🙂
Cara:
Rosie’s Yarn Cellar in Philly has it.
Nice haul Joe! Let us know when you get to the JoJoland how you like working with it.
Thanks for the Yarn Porn, loved it.
I did a shawl collared pullover out of the peruvia and I’ve got to say I was pretty impressed with it – it’s soft and warm… and I love the little halo.
Good luck with the Felted Tweed – I’ve got about a dozen balls in the stash – but it’s very splitty… i do love th manos tho. yum.