I'm Back!

New York and Boston were lovely! We had gorgeous weather and got to see lots of friends. And since we drove (well, actually Pete drove) I had lots of knitting time. Charlotte was completely neglected as I knit this pair of socks:

These were made using the generic sock pattern that I always use (Classic Socks for the Family by Yankee Knitter Designs). I did try a little different heel on this pair. I think it is the eye of partridge maybe? Basically I slipped alternating stitches on the knit side. (slip knit) repeated on the first right side row and (knit slip) repeated on the next right side row. It is difficult to show the effect in my photo, but I really like how it looks and feels.

The yarn I used is a wool/hemp blend from Dzined in sport weight and colorway WH1287. I picked this up at the Michigan Fiber Festival. Bonne Marie, who was there too, turned us on to this cozy stuff.

But our trip wasn't all driving. I did get a chance to visit a few yarn stores. The first one was Woolcott & Co. in Cambridge, Mass. It was a nice little store with lots of high end yarns. The salesperson left little to be desired though. I picked up a few skeins of Kureyon in color 91 to make another Booga Bag which is almost finished too. (Did I mention that we did a lot of driving?)


And here is the incredible alpaca that I got at Northampton Wools, located at 11 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA 01060 (no website). This was a wonderful shop with helpful salespeople. I have never seen the Frog Tree Alpaca anywhere else. Frog Tree is made by a women's co-op in Bolivia, and is reasonably priced at $7.00 for 130 yards (at least at this store). I'm planning a super soft scarf, possibly with cables for this yarn. I am an alpaca addict.

I'm getting caught up on Knitting Blog Ring business and trying to settle back into the regular routine. I think one of the best tings about vacation is never having to cook a meal, sigh. . .

Comments

[Barbara]

Northampton Wools is lovely, but just a tad claustrophobic for me. Or maybe it's just bad timing when I've been there. Did you see their knitted wedding dress in one of the magazines this spring? (can't remember which one) Anyhow, next time you're in the area be sure to get to Webs too, just a mile or so south down Route 5 (Pleasant St) from Noho Wools. More fun stuff to play with. Lucky me, I live just 40 minutes away from both.

[Kerstin]

I've seen Frog Tree Alpaca in a couple of other stores around here as well. I've been very, very tempted. Next time, plan your trip for when I'm around, you hear? ;)

[Julie]

Kerstin -- give in! It is SO soft and lovely. Of course, I haven't had a chance to swatch it yet, but I have confidence!

[LynnH]

Julie, Carol Leigh's Hillcreek Fiber Studio has FrogTree alpaca. At $6 a ball, I got 6 balls in Allegan. I'm addicted, too.

Carol's web addy is http://www.hillcreekfiberstudio.com/

The FrogTree is on the shopping cart after many clicks, but it doesn't say current color availability, it says to call first, a bit of a hassle.

But, hey... that stuff is wonderful and what a great price! I'm thinking faux-turkish sox for me. Can't be more warm than that in the upcoming cold months!

[evelyn]

I used to live in Cambridge and WoolCott & Co. was my local yarn shop. It's been under new ownership recently and the new owner is not nearly as friendly as the previous owners. I do miss having such a yummy selection of yarn so close by.
I do love your blog, and I've been seeing your Booga J bag *everywhere* I may succumb to peer pressure and make one for myself!
evelyn~

[Ellen]

Does anyone know how well Frog Tree handwashes? There are no washing instructions on the label

[Rod Dakan]

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