Rehab Remix

There are so many titles for this post which we could have used . . . "Blame It On the Rain," "Downtown,"  or "The Bitch Is Back," but we settled on "Rehab Remix" for a variety of reasons. First, after this shopping weekend of yarn-porn, we truly need some rehab to get our spending back in check. Second, we realized that we really are kind of (okay, really REALLY) snarky when we get together. And third, we listened to Amy Winehouse all weekend long and it's the first and last song on the CD. Ironically, it has nothing to do with drinking. For that, we don't think we have a problem . . . seriously. Friday started off in typcial fashioin for us: Lola's flight was cancelled. She nearly cried on the ticket agent's shoulder saying, "Please don't make me go home to a 2-year-old. I can't do it." Suffice it to say, she got here and we got into New York City without any major obstacles. Granted, I really didn't know what we were doing other than a train would in fact take us into the city, but we got there.

Our first stop was Purl. We were a little enthusiastic when we walked in as they weren't even open yet, so we grabbed a quick bite at Once Upon a Tart (thanks for the recommendation, Cara) and then waited patiently while about ten other knitters walked up and down the block. Talk about looking like herion addicts waiting for fixes. The thing about Purl is the size really gets to you in the end. If you are even remotely claustrophic, Purl might require some anxiety medication. Lola picked up some Lorna's Lace Purl exclusives (she was such a good girl), but I bought some Habu Cashmere along with the Lorna's Lace. For me, the word of the day was cashmere. Not a cheap word by any means. From there, we went to Purl Patchwork (pop another anxiety med before entering . . . it's itsy-bitsy) and bought a variety of fabrics. Me? I'm just making a purse or two. Lola, she's making a purse, a pillow, and an apron. Neither of us is into "exquisite" quilts or technically matching fabrics like some of the other shoppers. In both stores, we were struck by how the owner was able to make the most of her limited space and still have a thriving business. Thanks for cutting the fabric, Joelle; it was a pleasure.

Let it be said that Lola's interaction with public transport is limited. Still, I expected her to know how to operate a turnstile. I am wondering how many people looked at us in the Spring Street station saying, "Look, see how patient that woman is with the mentally challenged lady." Unfortunately, our "sister sign language" wasn't working that well so it took four swipes of a MetroCard to get Lola into the station. Priceless!

Somewhere between Purl and Purl Patchwork, it began to rain which is fairly typical for our New York expeditions. This time, it wasn't a torrential downpour as in the past, but still, New York in the rain kind of sucks. Seaport Yarn was next on our trip. If you haven't been there, it really is an interesting place as the yarn just goes on and on and on. We were a little overwhelmed, but they did have a fantastic selection of Louet Gems and Noro so we each got a little sumpin' sumpin' for our projects. We tossed around going uptown to Tender Buttons, but the rain really put a damper on that idea, so we settled on just Habu Textiles and School Products with a quick stop at Lush for good measure. Lola was unaware that Lush made a Karma Kream and, after trying some, spent the rest of the afternoon smelling her hands. Habu was worth it just to marvel at all the nifty yarns, but I found myself having to really do some mental talking just to buy something, so we left empty handed. School Products (after we found the right building) was much more profitable - for them and us. Lola had been talking about super-yak for a while, but I just couldn't get my head around it. School Products has a variety of yak yarns as well as an extensive camel selection. If you would have asked me about camel and yaks last month, I would have laughed at you, but suffice it to say, camel and yak was on the train home just an hour later. Me? More cashmere and some Koigu for the Chevron Scarf as I am giving into peer preasure.

We got home relatively early - about 7 PM - and got to work on our knitting while we decompressed with a beer. We learned that we don't wear our knitting into yarn shops because we don't need to prove that we can knit. If you are in a yarn shop and fondling the yarn, we assume - as do the owners - that you know what you are doing. You do not need to wear your most complicated piece as if you were fishing for comments. Please, if your first scarf turned out shitty and your second piece just as shitty and then you switched to lace and only lace, do not assume that you have a talent for the complicated shit . . . you have a talent for yarn overs. We also learned that if a yarn shop owner professes a love for a certain designer and we don't share those feelings, we will keep it to ourselves for fear of getting into a protracted arguement based upon said designer's speech patterns. And finally, we learned that the owners will laugh a little more with you if you aren't condesending about the whole thing. After all, it's just yarn. Lola will post about Philadelphia tomorrow; I have a Chevron calling my name.
-Ava

Comments

[Faith]

What a great post- it's hard to believe that you're a "new" blogger (judging by the archives, right?) I have yet to hit up the Manhattan yarn stores, but may have to visit now! What was the #1 highlight of your trip?

[Carol]

If you could only visit ONE yarn shop in NY, which would it be? I am going to try and visit in October and I won't have a lot of yarn shopping time, that's why I ask.

[Cara]

So glad you got to yarn shop!!! Was I right or was I right? I can't stay in Purl more than five seconds - but it's very pretty.

I'm sorry I missed you girls - in either of the two places I'm mostly like to be found - but hopefully soon!

[kelp!]

Wow, you guys had quite the yarn crawl! The only NYC shop I've been to is Habu - it's definitely an experience. I've fondled camel yarn before, and it is SOFT, yum!