I am rushing, trying to catch up on housework, homework, and pack because on Thursday, three friends and I are taking the Silver Meteor out of Winter Park, Florida and riding the rails to Union Station in Washington, DC. From there its a short drive to Manassas and to top it all off, the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival on Saturday. The train takes us home again Sunday night! I am beyond exited.
Our last trip was in September, 2010, when we were graciously hosted by a fellow knitter. She put us up in her flat in Toronto and showed us the sights. What a city. I am originally from Edmonton and had not been to Toronto in years. I can't gush enough. The city is varied, vibrant, with no sign of a flailing economy. The restaurants were great. Each meal eclipsed the last. Meals are very important!
A trip into Toronto is not complete without a visit to Romni Wools. This place is a massive wall to wall, two level maze of yarn. It was amazing. Don't miss on your next trip to Toronto. You've been warned. I posted a little video for your viewing pleasure.
We spent two great days at The Purple Purl on Queen Street. One of those evenings was host to a Yarn Tasting put on by Knitty's Amy Singer. (That's Amy in the pink sweater. Betcha ya didn't know she had her own web site). The concept is one that reminded me of musical chairs. Five table with three brand new yarns on each were available for sampling. You had five minutes to cast on and knit with each yarn, then off you went to another table. We graded and tasted and made notes. The evening ended with a raffle of goods that Amy brought along. I don't thinks that any of us went away empty handed. I won a luxe skein of Viola Fancy Sock yarn in a mushroom color. What a thrill. The skill level of the knitters in our midst blew me away. I noticed that most of them knit with Signature needles. I have a pair and love them to bits and pieces. To own more is but a dream right now.
The Barn
Our hostess, Jody bussing Rhichard (Koigu's master dyer)
Our Mascot, Flori-duh, rolling in the Koigu
Bonnie in "The Coat"
Me in another Coat. I looked stunned.
Koigu Wrap, we both bought this pattern.
One of our many field trips was to Koigu, out in Chatsworth, Ontario. When we arrived, we were greeted by two zealous pups, the owner Maia, her daughter Taiu, and Rhichard, the boy wonder-dyer. We were spoiled with attention and were granted access everywhere. We watched the skeining process and listened to Maia discuss her designs. Not only were we privy to all kinds of yarns and techniques, but to Maia's wonderful knit samples. They were there to wear and try on, so we did! Each of us came home with bags and bags of Koigu. Between the stuff we purchased at the Purl and all the Koigu, luggage was bursting.
My trip knitting was Citron using Schoppelwolle Zauberball in cranberry. One of the knit nights at the Purl had me sitting next to a lovely lady who wasn't such a fan of the yarn and gifted me with three more balls. I still haven't returned the favor and this trip will have me shopping for a very special skein of yarn, as a surprise.
When I came home and in my Koigu haze, I cast on a pair of socks using the KPPPM that was already in my stash. I had never knit with Koigu before. I enjoyed the spring and the sproing that the yarn provided. Cookie A's BFF Sock was perfect for the colorway that I had on hand.
So, Wednesday are my finals and I am looking forward to Thursday. I will be meeting up with Rhichard again. We will be celebrating my birthday, pending graduation, and Mother's Day. Amy Singer will also be there, ukulele in hand. I've been tweeting her!
This trip, my pocket book is light until I finish my internship and find a job. Shopping will be kept to a minimum. My stash overfloweth anyway.
So, all aboard the yarn express to Maryland! Woooo, wooooooo!
