Of course, on any trip, it's important to find a LYS. Why would going to Maui be any different? I did a bit of research before we went, and found two small shops, both in Lahaina (a main town on Maui).
The first was called Yarn & Needlecraft, and it was a nice, small shop. It happened to be right next door to a dive shop, so Stuart happily went next door to talk scuba while I looked around. There was some luscious silk that was difficult to walk away from, but ultimately I decided that pretty much everything there I could find from home, and moved on.
The second, The Needlework Shop, was a mult-crafting shop. They carry yarn, cloth, thread, needlepoint kits, ready-made items, and also offer classes in many different areas. I purchased there one skein of sock yarn, hand-dyed on Maui. It is called Maui Sunset, and if you'd like your own little taste of Maui, the dyer has an etsy shop for you to explore.
I also indulged in a half dozen batik fat quarters. Although I'm still so new to sewing, I couldn't resist all the colours and patterns, so full of possibilities. I also picked up a pincushion kit, which I hope to make up soon, to keep in my studio and remind me of Maui.
While in Vancouver, I found a few treasures, although some are for gifts, so are top secret. At Christmas, Stuart gave me a gift certificate to Birkeland Brothers, with the thought of taking me yarn shopping while we were there, and I purchased 6 skeins of NaturLin, in a navy blue (which sadly does not photograph well). At Three Bags Full, I picked up a couple of skeins of Shetland wool, found in their sale (!!) basket - I've never used Shetland before, so I'm looking forward to giving it a try this winter.
I feel I was pretty restrained, at least for me, in my purchases this time around. I have been talking for ages about knitting from my stash, but it is only recently that I've found my perspective changing. Rather than dragging my heels and making myself use what's here, I'm quietly enjoying my stash, planning and admiring the treasures I already have! It's amazing how much things can change, depending on how you look at them, eh?
The framing does make all the difference.
Ooh, souvenier yarn! Very pretty. Are you making the pincushion out of those fat quarters?
Posted by: Carrie K | June 11, 2009 at 01:03 PM
love the fat quarters, looks like so much possibility.
and the yarn, is it really that bright? ;)
Posted by: colleen | June 11, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Oh the Maui dyed sock yarn was the perfect souvenir :)
Posted by: Sarah | June 12, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Love the Maui sock yarn! And even though I don't sew, I can see why you chose those beautiful fat quarters.
Posted by: Julie | June 12, 2009 at 12:19 PM
The sock yarn is beautiful but what really caught my eye were those fat quarters.....they are simply gorgeous!!
I have recently taken up English Paper Piecing and am loving it!!
Posted by: Kristeen | June 15, 2009 at 11:14 AM