During our holiday, I had the pleasure of teaching Stuart the finer points of a good yarn crawl. We really only visited three different stores, but one involved a ferry ride, so I figure that counts for bonus points.
Fun Knits is a place I'd heard a lot about, so I was really excited to take the ferry over to Quadra Island and pay a visit. I spent a nice hour or so there, exploring and visiting, and found a few treasures I couldn't leave without:
Here are two big balls of Hemp yarn, destined to be the Hemp Bag in No Sheep for You, and some superwash fingering merino, which may be socks, or something else, like a small, lacy shawl. Maybe this would be good for a Swallowtail? It's almost too nice to make socks out of!
As we were driving through Campbell River, we happened across Needle & Arts Centre. They were super friendly, and had a great selection, but to be honest, I was tired and getting yarned out that day! Who knew it was possible?
We dropped by Uptown Yarns in Courtenay not once, but twice over the week! I couldn't find a site for them, but the lady there assured me that they will post yarn if needed.
I picked up a ball of Phildar sock yarn in dark blue, to be the solid part of the Bees Knees pattern I bought to make for Gwenyth. I also brought home a ball of Lanett superwash merino. My thought was that if I used it as contrast toes and heels (and maybe cuffs, too?) with the blue-ish Lorna's Laces I ordered recently, I could stretch it a bit. I didn't have the LL with me, so was just taking a shot in the dark, but they match perfectly! I can't wait to give it a try.
Naturally, when I saw Panda Wool I had to get a couple balls, these are Jet Black. I also found Regia Silk on sale, so picked up two of those, as well.
There was a sale bin of Light Lopi! I have heard a lot about this yarn, so didn't want to pass it up. There are three balls of red and two of white, and I'm envisioning some crisp colourwork.
This one skein of Sweatermaker handspun was too good to resist! I came away with a pattern for a cabled headband, and the shop lady said she figured I would get two bands out of one skein. Or maybe a baby hat? We'll see. The bamboo needles are 4.5mm, since last time I needed a pair that size, I found at least three pairs of 4.0mm, and no 4.5mm ones. The rosewood needles are 5.5mm, and a special treat (from Fun Knits, though, not Uptown Yarns). I bought them to knit my scarf out of the Sea Silk that I bought for my birthday - Sea Silk on rosewood needles sounds like the height of luxury to me!
I have heard Peg mention the $2.00 sale bin at her LYS, so of course I had to check it out! And look at the yarny goodness I found! Five balls of Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran, and one ball (I can't remember exactly what is was) of a brown/blue blend to make Katie a winter hat. I'm thinking just a basic rolled brim would be great - she values simplicity, just like her Mum.
Phew! Are you tired out yet? I know I am! What a lot of goodies - I feel so spoiled, which is good, since I'm pretty sure this is my last yarn purchase until next year! At least I'll have lots to keep me busy, right?
Good haul! I've made note of the stores you went to for my next trip to the island (prabably in 10 years if Mike gets wind of the itinierary.). Note: It's not gluttony if you're sharing the results. A painter has to have paint on hand, a carpenter needs wood, and knitters need fiber! Enjoy.
Posted by: Judy G. | August 30, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Hurrah for the lovely yarns - let me know about that Regia Silk I've got my eye on some of that. Good choices and sea silk on rosewood needles sounds divine.
Posted by: Sarah | August 30, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Oooh, what a lovely lot of goodness! Love ALL the colours you chose and those reds! yeeee!
I made some cupcake hats using Lopi and was so very pleasantly surprised at how soft it ended up after a bath!
Mmmmm, sea silk on rosewood needles, I'm with Sarah, sounds divine!
You did SO very well! Happy knitting!
Posted by: marianne | August 30, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Very nice yarn haul!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 30, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Beautiful post! I proudly pass on my gluttony crown of the week to you. :)
Posted by: Tammy | August 30, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Isn't the $2.00 bin fantastic! I am so happy you got lots of neat treasures. Fun Knits Shelley is the gal conducting the next Knitters' Retreat I am going to this fall! She also ran the one in the spring. Yes, a gal can even get tired yarn crawling!
Posted by: Peg | August 30, 2007 at 04:19 PM
Wow great finds! Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation full of fun, beaches and fiber. That's my kind of vacation! I'm off for the long weekend to go relax with my family to our normal vacation retreat, so I thought I'd drop in a day early. BTW I sent you an e-card while you were away did you get it? If not I'm just near the end of getting your first package together and if there is anything like say a knitting accessory that is needed or whatnot feel free to let me know and I'll see what I can do!
Happy Knitting from your Secret Pal.
Posted by: Secret Pal | August 30, 2007 at 11:28 PM
Wow great finds! Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation full of fun, beaches and fiber. That's my kind of vacation! I'm off for the long weekend to go relax with my family to our normal vacation retreat, so I thought I'd drop in a day early. BTW I sent you an e-card while you were away did you get it? If not I'm just near the end of getting your first package together and if there is anything like say a knitting accessory that is needed or whatnot feel free to let me know and I'll see what I can do!
Happy Knitting from your Secret Pal.
Posted by: Secret Pal | August 30, 2007 at 11:29 PM
Wow, lovely yarn! Perfect vacation, wasn't it?
Posted by: Hasbu | August 31, 2007 at 02:52 AM
Lovely stash enhancements!
Posted by: roggey | August 31, 2007 at 07:54 AM
Wow you did go on a purple and blue, green kick! Looks like some red won its way into your stash too :) Enjoy your new yarn.
Posted by: mari | August 31, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Wow, what a haul! Wish I'd had gotten to at least one yarn shop in my travels. :(
Posted by: Sheri | August 31, 2007 at 01:36 PM
Great haul!
Posted by: Julie | August 31, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Oh pretty! That Sweatermaker yarn is gorgeous. (especially gorgeous in a gorgeous pack of yarn.. so as not to hurt any skeins feelings....;)
Posted by: Carrie K | August 31, 2007 at 07:04 PM
Charity, I was with you all the way on that yarn crawl, Quadra Island, Campbell River, Uptown Yarns, the lot! (Did you get to Beehive in Victoria?) Oh happy memories. And you found some superb stuff. What a nice winter you've got ahead!
(When does the snow come?)
Posted by: Jo at Celtic Memory Yarns | September 01, 2007 at 08:28 AM
Charity, I was with you all the way on that yarn crawl, Quadra Island, Campbell River, Uptown Yarns, the lot! (Did you get to Beehive in Victoria?) Oh happy memories. And you found some superb stuff. What a nice winter you've got ahead!
(When does the snow come?)
Posted by: Jo at Celtic Memory Yarns | September 01, 2007 at 08:29 AM
wow awesome souviner yarn! looks like you had a great time!
Posted by: colleen | September 02, 2007 at 10:23 AM