Knit Picker

Braving the Elements

It was pouring rain and extrememly windy when I left my apartment and headed over to the W. 57th St. Holiday Inn a little before noon. Boxes and boxes of yarn, and in true Smiley's fashion, an acrylic lover's paradise. Bags of Red Heart for $6, all the Lion Brand chenille you could ever want. I overheard a woman tell a friend, "Stock up, we have to fill the suitcase."

I am not a devoted fan of acrylic. Seriously the last time I owned Red Heart Yarn was in 5th grade. So I looked for the natural fiber section and alas, there were a couple of great deals. Since I had to be at work in 20 minutes, I could only fill my shopping bag and couldn't lug any more. Here's my bag with my briefcase sitting next to me on the W train:

So the sale continues thru the week. The good stuff is the Grignasco and the Italian merino (although there are limited colors available.) If your interested in making something like a man's sweater in Fisherman's Wool this is the place to go. There's also some Lopi and Alpaca available. Hopefully when I go back on Friday there'll be some left.

Here's the jumbo size 50 needle I had been using to make a scarf...now if I could just find the scarf!

What's Up with the Reusable Shopping Bag?

Yes, it's a shameless plug for Urban Outfitters: This is a great, reusable shopping/tote bag containing my new plaid coat I bought this evening,  but tomorrow it'll hopefully contain the discounted Lanarota Cashmere that's at the Smiley's Hotel Sale, going on this week in the city. I just opened my email announcement, and supposedly there's mohair and cashmere available, by the loadful! It started today but I couldn't get there this afternoon. I'm breaking a lunch date with the boy to go tomorrow--talk about a yarn addiction.

Thanksgiving week for me started last Tuesday when I packed up my knitting and headed to DC for the first time--being holed up Downtown for a 2-day business trip back in 2000 doesn't count. How romantic and pressure filled this trip was! First off, meeting the parents and staying with them in Cleveland Park, where Nathan grew up, then meeting a bunch of his childhood friends and party afterwards. Oh yeah, and see 5 or 6 museums. That is why I only got as far as the pocket.

While watching the Redskins game Nathan discovered my newfound talent, and loved it. I briefly thought of making something for him in blue...I told him about the superstition and said I'd be willing to make a scarf, but a sweater? I don't want to ruin a great thing! Anyway, I am loving the Hoodie Sweater and I don't care if Stitch N Bitch Nation is already out, I am slowly but surely going to finish this and try not to get distracted! The pocket is done, and I am about to add the green Diakeito.

We got back to NY on Monday. Hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving this year!