Being in the right place at the perfect time

A few weeks ago we found ourselves on a mini vacation three hours north...more specifically: in Nashville, Tennessee. A great city that rarely disappoints in two areas that are utterly important for this family: food and crafts.

After checking in the hotel, we headed to the 12 South District. We ate at Burger Up with all the intention of stopping by Craft South with a full stomach.

Craft South is a beautiful place. From knitting to sewing to embroidery...the store carries a great supplies selection, all beautifully arranged. The staff is as friendly as the famous store owner, Ana Maria Horner, whom I I had the pleasure to meet and chat. What a beautiful, sweet and talented woman she is.

Already in cloud nine, I noticed that Natalie Chanin, from Alabama Chanin, was teaching a workshop right next to us. I have been following Ana Maria and Alabama Chanin's blogs for a long time. Their books are part of my small library. I am a fan; now more than ever.

My souvenirs are two skeins of Malabrigo Rastita in Mostaza and Quince & Co. Owl in Acacia.

New York and some knitting

I can't believe a couple weeks had passed since my last post. Traveling and a cold got my attention while I was missing in action.

Manhattan doesn’t get old for us. We recently spent five fabulous days in the city. Favorite experiences:

• Admiring everything at Marimekko's flag ship store
• Devouring a delicious burger at Burger Joint, Park Meridien hotel
• Petting and buying yarn at Purl Soho 
• Eating {daily} Argentinian empanadas from Nuchas empanadas 
• Strolling through the small yet awesome Hester Street Fair

From Purl Soho: Manos del Uruguay Fino in Rosewater and Madelinetosh Merino DK in Calligraphy  I cannot put into words how much I like these yarns. Trust me!

In Progress is a cowl that I am loving so much that it isn't easy to put it down. The free pattern was written by  Cailliau Berangere. 

What have you been working on?  

Back to reality

The husband and I took a mini break from work, parenthood and metro area chaos. We drove back to town yesterday--feeling renovated and ready to resume adult responsibilities :-)

I am in love with Asheville, the Smoky Mountains and North Carolina's endless fiber possibilities. How cool is to combine social responsibility and fiber? Well done EcoView Fiber Mill.  How about a wonderful craft shop? I dream to come back to these lands soon! Maybe for my second Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair (SAFF)?

Of course, I picked up a fiber item or two as souvenirs. I'll show them later. I now need to prepare for what promise to be one of the busiest week at work. Fun times ahead. Have a wonderful week, my friends!

"Unexpected" Souvenir Yarn

Vacation is over. We are back from Washington DC. I cannot describe how wonderful was to have my parents, sister, daughter and husband in one location. My parents live across the ocean; my sister lives in the DC and, my husband lives in an airplane (a.k.a. travels A LOT for business). So, I really treasure those moments when we are all together.

My sister surprised me with the most gorgeous and vibrant lime yarn...

The family battled 100 degrees temperatures and ventured out to Fibre Space. If you are ever close by Alexandria, VA you need to stop by this awesome LYS. The store is beautiful, the service is outstanding and, they even have an area to entertain non-knitter toddlers! 

From the Fiber Space:

The new Fibre Company yarn: Meadow (40% merino, 25% baby llama, 20% silk, 15% linen).

Who can pass on Dragonfly Fibers? Not me! This is 100% merino lace yarn.

Yarn for a commissioned "Japanese Feather and Fan shawl" (link is for the Fibre Space sample). This came all the way from Germany and is 50% silk, 25% baby camel and 25% silk.

And just when I thought there was no way I could fit my stash enhancements in my bags, I made a trip to Looped Yarn Works. Just to check the store, you know! And to say hi to the lovely ladies who helped my hubby picked out yarn for me in past business trips.

But, seriously, who can stop by the wonderful Looped Yarn Works and not get something as souvenir? 

This Quince and Co. yarn is destined to be a "Grace" cardigan.

I couldn't leave this Tosh Merino Light in the shelve. I think it needs to be "Celestite" cardigan.

I now have to catch up on all your posts, pictures and endeavors. Have a great week! Keep the your chocolate torte close and the yarn cakes closer!