As crazy as it sounds, some of my fondest memories are of car trips we've taken with the wee ones. We load up the van, head for the border and basically enjoy an anonymous and quiet existence. Outlet shopping, trashy chain dining, daily ice cream, far too much coffee, swimming and early bedtimes are our vices of choice.
Last year's trip was a biggie, all the way to southern Ontario to visit my sister and her family. This time we cut it somewhat shorter, with a 4-day journey to North Conway (NH), Freeport (ME) and all points between.
Hub was in a terrifically generous mood, and took me to several yarns shops, despite how very off the beaten path they were. Thanks to Pauline in CA for recommending the shoppes she did. Cindy, I left before I could get your recs, so I'll have to give them a try next year!
Central Yarns in Portland was our first stop. 40% off the whole place and, no, she's not closing out, simply making room for more stuff. The owner was gracious and lovely, despite the fact that I was running around her shop like a lunatic, confirming that everything meant books, notions, well, everything. She even posed for a photo with me, which I accidentally deleted from my camera. The haul? 3 skeins of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock (burgundy, navy and dusk). Yes, that's it.
Halcyon Yarns was an insane experience. I'd never been to a yarn warehouse before, and the floor-to-(very high)-ceiling shelves were dizzying. I snapped photos until my camera's battery gave out on me.
Lookie the Lamb's Pride worsted weight:
and the Cotton Fleece:
Little wall full of Noro...
and one more wall full for good measure.
An irresistible way to display the array of shades.
And even I, an avowed non-spinner, could appreciate the beauty of the fibre area, including a vibrant purple merino/tencel that made me want to drop everything and buy a wheel.
Purchased? A copy of Charlene Schurch's More Sensational Socks. Yum.
Last of the shoppes was Grace Robinson in Freeport. No purchases, but I greatly enjoyed browsing their massive selection of Rowan.
Overall, I'd say the sock bug hasn't hit Maine at all, which is why my purchases were so controlled. Beautiful selection of sweater yarns, but I'm not in a sweater place right now.
Road knitting was very fruitful. Photos here for now.
Plunge pair #10 is done. Self-striping Online.
Pair #11 is done, the Rockin' Sock Club selection for April. Silkie STR is the YUM!
Pair #12 is done, Austermann Step in greens.
Pair #13 is half done, one of the More SKS patterns in my Cherry Tree Hill.
Outlet shopping was even more fruitful.
This LL Bean leather shoulder bag for $45. Not the listed retail of $129. Not the $90 tag spotted in a different outlet. Forty five dollars. No tax.
Purchased in New Hampshire. Between the great value of our dollar and their lack of sales tax, shopping there is equivalent to shopping at par!
The best part? BOOTS!
Size 11, stretchy and fit great. Regular price $80, on an 80% off table. Take an additional 40% off with the discount card from the hotel. Yep, that makes 20 bucks. For BOTH pairs!
Since returning, I have dealt with my mountain of laundry and finished my French Market Bag. I cast on one more backpack with the Classic Wool I got on major sale at AC Moore. (Oh, did I not mention that?)
Enjoy the dwindling weekend. I'll be buried in yarn, just the way I like it.
So THAT*S were I should have been!!!LOL.Both yarns and boots! Sounds like you had a great trip!
Posted by: Marit Kostøl | May 10, 2007 at 07:19 PM
*wandered over from 52-pair plunge blog*
Next time you're in the Portland area, check out Knitwit. They're on Congress St on the other end of downtown from Central Yarns, and tend to have more sock yarns than Central, not to mention wonderful hot chocolate :-) Not that that is important this time of year.
Posted by: Jaimi | May 12, 2007 at 11:44 AM