Apr 28 2008
Ounce of Restraint
Given the opportunity, I can definitely drop some cash on nice yarn. I have done it before. As I stated previously, New York City could appropriately be called New YARN City with all of the shops and the amazing selections on a relatively small island (Manhattan). In previous years, I have brought a second bag for my purchases… this year, I showed remarkable restraint.
…not because I am immune to the siren song of great yarn…
More like the fact that the BIGGEST yarn festival is virtually in my own backyard this weekend.
I alluded to my purchases in the last post. After spending a good chunk of time camped out on the floor at Kinokuniya bookstore, I brought home three craft books:
The bottom two are pattern books featuring lovely intricate designs. There are many colorwork projects and some beautiful accessories as well. The second is a smaller book focusing on Men’s Knits - specifically sweaters and vests. (As you know I like to knit for Kris, so one of these sweaters could very well be on the needles for the 2009 anniversary sweater!) The third and final book is a collection of Eastern European folk motifs charted for cross-stitch and embroidery. I think the charts would be perfect for knitting as well as embroidery. The simple Japanese aesthetic really appeals to me - I could have left the store with many more books in hand!
At School Products, I came away with a cone of Aran-weight wool/alpaca/silk blend. It weighed in at 2.5 lbs, so I should have approximately 1100 yards, according to the calculations. Plenty for the stranded colorwork I am planning! If you have rough estimates in mind, this is the place to go to find nice yarns and blends. I am always pleased with their selection of natural fibers. I almost walked out with some yak fiber too… but I left it behind for the next trip.
It was my first time to visit Gotta Knit! and Erin and I was happy to meet Goldie, the sweet 
owner. She told us that the shop had just moved to Midtown after being in the West Village for many years. They are on the 5th floor of the building, but if you look up from the street, they have a visible sign with the store’s name. There was a nice selection of luxury fibers and some “new-to-me” yarns. Upon walking in, my eyes fixed on a cream-colored Noro skein on the table. I figured it for the new Kuryeon sock yarn, but Goldie told me that it was even better - the new(er) Silk Garden sock yarn. Imagine my excitement! Goldie told us more about the shop’s expertise: when you buy yarn at their store, they will actually customize a pattern for you using the yarn. You can tell them the style and kind of garment, and they will write it up for you! An amazing and unique service. This skein of Noro and two issues of Rebecca came home with me.
The two new yarns in my stash were quickly “balanced” (as Jenna puts it) by the cast on of my new small transportable knit: Laila’s Socks from Folk Knitting in Estonia. Truly inspired by Terhi’s amazing version of these socks last year, the yarns jumped out at me when I did a quick survey of the sock stash. I made this bit of progress on the train ride to New York.
Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Loden / Louet Gems Pearl in Mustard
…quite possibly a match made in heaven…
That is a heavenly sock match.
What is it about a grand yarn festival that makes everyone want to buy yarn NOW? I’m with you and have read a few other blog posts this evening by people facing the same dilemma
Totally jealous about the silk garden sock yarn! I want some! In the colorway that you got! Can I use any more exclamation points! Yes! I have knit up the kuryeon sock yarn and it is nice, but silk garden ! Wow. I hope my lys gets some soon! Thanks for sharing. Love the other sock color combo, too.
I love kinokuniya! That reminds me that I need to go and take a look at their new books soon
The noro silk garden sock yarn sounds very luxurious and yummy.
Very nice. I have demonstrated utterly no restraint lately and am therefore trying to determine a strategy for the fiber fest that is Maryland Sheep & Wool — particularly because I am still working through last year’s acquisitions.
I would love being able to spend a lot of time looking at crafty books and yarn. How fun! And yes, those colors are gorgeous together.
Wow! Silk garden sock yarn! This is the most exciting news that I’ve heard all day. The socks that you are knitting look great.
We have a Kinokuniya out here, and whenever I’m out in San Jose I make sure to stop by and peruse their craft books. The knitting and crochet books are amazing, especially their stitch patterns.
I like the sock, the colors are nice together. (love that green!)
That new sock is gorgeous! I love the colour combo you have chosen.
Oh, Silk Garden sock yarn… my yarn diet is doomed! Thanks for the link, Lolly!
Wow! Those socks are going to be heavenly! I can’t wait to see them finished!
stranded socks! yay!!!!
sounds like a great trip to NYC! you got some great stuff!
what a great trip! I must check out that bookstore now
such a great idea for the cross stitch motifs! brilliant! have fun at the MDSW festival this weekend!
I can’t wait to see what you do with those craft books! Great finds!
Lovely train knitting! I love how those two colors are coming together. I always adore the color combos you choose though, they always sing.
I’m still working up the courage to knit VJ his second sweater! 
Nice job on the restraint! I agree that with MDSW coming up, it makes sense to play it safe. I’ll be sure to look for you there.
The books look awesome. I can’t wait to see the 2009 Anniversary Sweater!
I had no idea there is Kinokuniya Bookstore in NY! I loved it last time I was in BKK - but just purchased some cookbooks!
For a knitter and social networker, you really have some fun and a lot of exploring. Thanks you for sharing your adventures. I enjoy reading about them, really!
Beautiful yarns & beautiful sock so far. I love the green & cream together. Very nice combination. Very springy & earthy, reminds me of grass emerging from the snows
I don’t think that I would be able to contain myself yarn wise the way you did. Good will power!
What a fun weekend you had- and another one coming up! And you’re right- those colors together are perfecto!
Lovely stuff!
SILK GARDEN SOCK!?! Seriously! Must. find. some. now.
I mentioned there’s a Kinokuniya here, right? Further enticement…
All of these purchases are just great and very unique - all of the best things about shopping in NYC! I do think it’s true - you put some in, you’ve gotta take some out (although I don’t know if a sock balances a cone).
Next time, don’t forget the bagel!
I went to your blog right after you left, and entered a comment, but it seems not to have been received. I just wanted to say, that you can teach an old dog new tricks!
I thoroughly enjoyed your blog, and will be reading it often.
Goldie, at Gotta Knit!
eek! I’m practically hyperventilating at the sight of that silk garden! It’s gorgeous!!!
Yes, definitely a match made in heaven! LOVE IT!