Wednesday 3 February 2010

Chicago Style!


Such an amazing city! Eliza toured me around, and we checked out the amazing Art Institute of Chicago, which was having a well-timed Apostles of Beauty exhibit on the arts and crafts movement in design. Frank Lloyd Wright was a part of this movement, and he did quite a bit of design in Chicago and the surrounding areas- in that photo mosaic there are is a photo of a house that he built. Many slices of pizza were had, and loads of baked goodies were consumed. So much food! And I got to crash Eliza's great book group. The book in question? Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.Also fascinating was her father in law's woodworking studio- he's an amazing furniture designer, and his pieces were so incredible, I forgot to take photos (this happens to me more often than I'd like to admit). But check out all the gorgeousness here.

And of course, when knitters get together, it's all about the knitting, isn't it?

Knit 1 in Chicago is sadly closing down, but they are having a really amazing giveaway- purchase one of their patterns, and you will be entered to win one of 60 $500 prize packs! This is how Karen (the owner) is clearing out her inventory, which is such a creative idea. When we visited, we were able to try on some of the samples of the patterns, and picked our favourites:
Eliza's choice, above
my choice, below
 That caplet just had to be mine, so I bought the pattern on the spot. I'm so in love, I've already cast on:
 Cascade Magnum in 9408, a lovely heathered reddish brown
Trisha was the one that alerted me to this bittersweet giveaway, and we had a great sit down to talk about all the things we love about patterns, yarn, and the perfect LYS.
 Pictures from Knit 1, with Trisha and Karen (shop owner and designer)

Check out all the gorgeous patterns here. You have until February 14th to purchase a pattern and enter the draw for the prize packs (it's not restricted just to the US- so no matter where you live and knit, you can win!). Good luck everyone-  I'd love to win one of those $500 prize packs!

We also checked out Nina and Loopy Yarns, and I found myself stocking up on some Malabrigo laceweight from both:
'Olive' colourway on the left, and 'Paris Night' colourway on the right

And Eliza generously gave me a skein of her handspun:
All said, it was a wonderful weekend getaway. Thanks to all the wonderful Chicago people I met while I was there, you made my trip memorable!! And an extra thank you to Eliza and her husband, for being wonderful hosts.

11 comments:

Teresa said...

That looks like so much fun! I love both of your choices for favourite patterns :)

April said...

Wow, I've been reading your blog for a while now and was just pleasantly surprised to see you've been in my city and in my yarn shop! I knew they were probably closing soon but didn't know about the giveaway. Thanks for the info!

Adriana said...

It looks like you had a fantastic trip! I was in Chicago in November and thoroughly enjoyed myself. There will be more trips in the future :)

juicyknits said...

I love Chicago as well.

Michele Saunders said...

Looks like you had a great trip! It is so much fun to get away for a couple of days - especially to a great city like Chicago. Also fun to pick up a great pattern and yarn!

Trish said...

Heya! It was so great to hang in Chi-town. What an amazing photo essay about your trip - you are a truly gifted photographer! You make my town - and my favorite LYS look so great. Thanks for everything!

Hilary said...

How fun!! It sounds like the *perfect* vacation! I love the photo of the two of you in your knitted hats - so cute!

Knit 1 Chicago said...

The photos in your post makes me want to take a tour of my city before I have to leave! So good to have met you and thank you for your support. Looking forward to seeing your finished piece!

Anonymous said...

looks like a ball of fun! and any time at an lys is, ummm, well, knitted bliss!

yoel said...

Fun! Love the yummy yarn and photos. It looks like you had a blast!!

jen said...

It definitely looks like you had a great time! It's so fun to see the hometown through the visit of somebody else, reminds me of all the things I want to do here!