Achooo Charlotte

After a late night red eye to Charlotte and a much need nap. I got a late Start in Charlotte. I was off to my favorite fiber heaven in Charlotte. Charlotte Yarn I love this store , not only is it a creative gold mine,but I dare you not to fall in love with Remi, the owner(I have a little crush on both she and her daughter). I always look forward to a visit to this amazing shop.



Check out this great shawl I mean don't you just want to knit it. It is a free pattern with purchase of yarn. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the great patterns and interesting ideas you will find in this great shop.






After the shop closed(OK i admit it I bought some yarn... I couldn't resist)
I was off to dinner. I had walked by 300 East(the name and the address of the restaurant),but after the glowing recommendation from Remi, I was on my way.





Wow words are going to be limited in my description of the food. The restaurant is in a wonderful old remodeled craftsman style bungalow. The hostess says there are a couple of ghosts and they sometimes show up in photos. I had the hanger steak and wow oh wow. the ambiance is charming and I thought the prices were great , especially after I saw the portions. another great little find on East blvd is a little store called Paper Skyscraper
This store is a eclectic shop with tons of really cool stuff .

OK ALERT THE POLLEN IS OUT OF CONTROL IN CHARLOTTE!
Achoo achoo I have been sneezing ever since I got home . There is a fine green dust on every thing. It sure is beautiful though the flowers are amazing. I am going to be in Charlotte 3 more times this month and I have just started on my list of things to do!( thanks to the Charlotte North Carolina Knitters Group on Ravelry)
Ahhhchoo I got to go get a tissue.... stay tuned

Over the Hills and Through the Woods........

Anchorage the Alaskan Frontier. I started my day with a hearty breakfast at the Snow City cafe.

This place is legendary. The food is amazing. Michelle Shocked sang about it on her album, Anchorage.(or maybe she mentions it in the album notes, but I new about it from her)

Check out her video on the side bar while you are reading.

After breakfast with a nice warm Tummy it was......... Over the hills and through the woods to a knitting store I go. A true knitter will travel a long way when they are in need of a yarn fix(at least I will) ok so it was almost 2 miles from my hotel and it was 36 degrees, but The Far North Yarn Co. was well worth the trip. My weary frozen eyes were treated with a great wall of Irish. Greens of every hue!( This was conceived by the owners son)

It made me want to knit something for St Patrick's day.

The owner of the store is a refreshing burst of energy. Her name is Kay. There are wonderful yarns to be had in this store. Lots of great books samples and ideas at every turn......and yes. I bought something a skien of wonderful Kathmandu yarn merino silk and cashmere. Yes, it feels yummy and smoochy. I have no idea what I am gonna make, maybe a great hat! It will match my cell phone gloves( the pattern is coming soon). Travelers and locals alike you need to check out this charming shop. Tell them A Traveling Knitter sent you.

On my way back I thought I would give my knitting a chance to check out the view from Resolution point. This is where Captain Cook endened his nothern exploration. ( I thought my knitting need a closer look)

Jessica Knits

Well we ventured to north Scottsdale today. I was able to go to one of my favorite shops. Jessica Knits. Its quite a drive, when I was a kid growing up, it would have been in the middle of the desert. As a matter of fact, as boy scouts we actually camped out there. It is quite urban now.
Jessica is the owner( you may have guessed) and
I feel lucky to call her a friend.
The store has an amazing selection of yarns. I was drooling over a silk blend Manos. ( Too bad I am still on my self imposed yarn diet, still trying to loose a little around my stash ) The store also has a huge selection of great new knitting books. I am always inspired when I get a chance to head that way.
So if your in the North Scottsdale area head on in to Jessica Knits and check it out you will be surprised by the warm welcome and cozy atmosphere and very knowledgeable staff
http://www.jessicaknits.com/

Exciting news at Knit Happens

Just a couple of of knitters with a decapted torso!

(nothing strange here!)

For those of you just getting to know me,when I am home, my local yarn store is Knit Happens. It is very energetic fairly new store in Scottsdale. We had a teachers meeting Saturday and there are going to be some great new classes for spring. I think I am going to sign on for 4 classes. two of my own designs a lace cowl I have yet to name and The Rosebud Shawl .( I will have pictures soon) Then I am doing a Modification of the Ilene bag that is free on Ravelry. Finally, I will teach a beginners knitting class for men.

CJ, the owner of Knit Happens has some really great new ideas and it looks like it will be a great spring!