Tuesday 6 May 2008

Back from Bristol- with new Yarn!

Thanks for the suggestions to go to Get Knitted and John Lewis in Bristol! I did try to go to Get Knitted, but every time we were going past it, it was closed, or we were already running quite late for something else. But John Lewis did yield some treasure! More Rowan than you can shake a stick at, that goes without saying. but I was on the hunt for something that I hadn't heard of, something special........ and then I found them. The skein on the left is Marisol Sulka, in Black Pepper, and the skein on the right is Marisol Hacho, in Purple Peacock. It's been a while since I was seriously interested in sock yarn, and this Marisol Hacho did it for me. As for the Sulka, I couldn't resist- it is the cuddliest, softest merino, and the black is amazing- it has the softest halo colour combination of golden brown and bright blue over the basic black. Have a look:
And then this photo pretty much sums up my feelings on the subject:
It was a good day for yarn. And books. I love checking out books in other native English speaking countries, to see which authors they are showcasing, what's new, and what simply doesn't always make it across the pond. I'm on a bit of a non-fiction kick at the moment, and bought this and this. I haven't started either of them yet. I'm still reeling from the novel I read on the flight over: Utterly amazing novel, I read it all in one sitting, it is that compelling.

But back to the yarn...I did some resesarch on the yarn afterwards, and found that the Marisol Project works on developing sustainable income and social programs for the communities in Peru where the yarn is made. So naturally I felt even happier about my yarn purchase- it's kind of like saving the world, via knitting. At least that's what I tell myself.

I was so busy having an amazing time in the UK, that I didn't do any knitting on the eyelet ribbed bandeau, except on the flight back (I slept on the flight there, or at least tried): And I was lucky enough to have an empty seat next to me: Knitting and an extra seat? That's luxurious flying.

I have to give props to my boyfriend, he took most of these photos. For someone who doesn't knit, he certianly knows how to photograph yarn!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

ooh, I want to read that book, it's by a NZ author!

Aesderina said...

so glad you had an awesome time in the UK!! the goodies you found look amazing, can't wait to see the projects you knit with them:)

ah yea, knitting and empty sit, that is luxury, when i was little, i sat beside a man who wouldn't let me shuffle my cards cause it was too loud.....

Anonymous said...

I forgot all about John Lewis but then I don't live in Bristol. Glad you had a good time. As for an empty seat, that's just magic. :)

Andrea said...

Love that first photo. You're kneeling at the altar of The Glory and the Grace of Yarn and you're taking communion!

I lived in the UK for a while but it was before I could knit. Otherwise, I suspect I would have spent my tea and biscuit money on Colinette and Rowan.

Anonymous said...

Oh, John Lewis! I used to live in Glasgow, and I did all my yarn shopping at the JL there. That first photo made me totally nostalgic, and I could tell exactly what department store you were at, without reading the caption.... Isn't it great?

yoel said...

Welcome back! That black yarn looks so snuggly and wonderful!

Hilary said...

You got some darn good stuff! Can't wait to see what you do with that Marisol Sulka.

And your bf -- he goes to yarn shops with you *and* takes amazing yarn photos? Definitely sounds like a keeper. :)

Susan said...

Your bf did a wonderful job on the photos! He's destined to be with a knitter, for sure. lol.

Glad you got in some good yarn shopping while in the UK.

Adriana said...

It looks like you had a good trip! That yarn is truly delicious!

Sophie said...

Glad to see you made a great trip to UK, would love to go these one day... I agree with other comments, a BF who come with you at yarn shop and take those lovely pictures is definitly a keeper !

Claire said...

Mmmm...yarn...yummy. Glad to hear you had a good time. Great photos. They make me want more yarn (like I need it!!)
Eheheh

Allison said...

Oh my gosh, the sock yarn! I am very jealous :) Looks like you had a great time. And I may have to read Mister Pip - I've been looking for some good fiction lately.

Anonymous said...

Ha! Love that tongue-sticking-out pic. :)

Thank you for your nice comments on my blog. I didn't mean to ignore you, I swear! :) For some reason I stopped receiving email notifications -- must look into it.

erngrn said...

empty seats are the best. my absolute favorite (<-- i've been in america so long i spell like an american now) is when you're doing a 4-6 hr flight and you end up getting an entire row of 3 seats. thats luxury right there.

i have a question for you, as i've been lurking your blog for a few weeks now and continue to come back i think you're a good candidate to ask... what would you say would be an easier first sweater knit project? a cardigan or a pullover?

lekkercraft said...

NICE yarn finds! That black yarn looks neat. I think I would bring it out of the bag and stare at it too :)

Glad that you had such a great trip!

juicyknits said...

It's nice that you had a great time in the UK, I like that island. ;-) Oh, does this mean your bf is still there? If so, poor you...