Wednesday, December 27, 2006

New Jersey knitting idyll





We've spent the past several days far away from the the grim realities of Nascar, PA. at my in laws in Bergen County, NJ.

Things I love about this:

-going into the city on Christmas Eve, unfettered by the normal congestion, getting a parking space and visiting with family in the most possibly relaxed way

-having coffee and klatsching (her expression) with my MIL

-being in a close proximity to a Whole Foods Market where I can get my favorite hippy yogurt

-having guilt-free hours and hours to knit to my heart's content

-visiting a new yarn shop!



To wit: Yesterday I went to Teaneck and checked out a fantastic yarn store, The Skein Attraction. The shop is right downtown, is very accessible and owned by Julie Friedman and her two lovely, helpful daughters, Shaina and Adina (see pic below). They have an excellent selection of yarn, patterns and needles.

The thing that most impressed me was the kind, careful help that Shaina and Adina gave their customers. There must have been at least 10 knitters all clamoring for help on a variety of projects, and they were incredibly patient with everyone. I bought a yarn I'd been dying to try--Filatura di Crosa Zara--and made another Center Square Hat. Yes, I am a creature of habit. When I find something I like, I stick with it, as evidenced by my strong attachment to this pattern, Summer Knitty's Fetching, and Triscuits. I am happy with how this yarn worked with the pattern and am not ruling out doing several more. LOVE this store, if you're in the area, check it out...



Things I didn't love:

Inexplicably, my customary yarn stop, Majestic Yarns, in Ridgewood, had the following highly distressing sign posted on their door:
Now, I realize that occasionally things happen...but come on people! I braved major traffic and aggressive drivers to make my way over there. Closing early? WTF?!! Sorry, I don't care if you are a major Karabella crack den, I'll be spending my ca$h at other yarn joints from now on!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is just cruel to make a special trip someplace and find your destination CLOSED. It always makes me stomping mad. But you found a new favorite store? That's cool. :)

Melissa said...

That sucks!!
I love the hat. It is sooo cute!
What yarn did you use?

KnitPastis said...

Haaa, I love that you said you found your favorite hippy yogurt at Whole Foods! I would give anything to have that store nearby. Glad to see there is someone else like me about finding something you like to knit and knitting it like over and over just because you like it:) I like to knit them in several colors. Plus if I mess up the first or second one...I just get the third one right.
I have heard about the Chinese Mall in NJ, do you know of it? I had a swap pal friend of mine get me the most amazing things from there and I plan I going there one of these years.
Keep knitting those hats...I love them!!

Anonymous said...

Owww. Major bummer! A closed knitting store? That's terrible. Well, I hope you saw many yarns to drool over from the window at least. Thanks for your interest in my contest! I love the color combo of your latest hat.

Amanda said...

I love store owners like that, going out of their way to make sure everyone is happy. Sucks that the other store closed while you were there tho. Love the hat ;-)

Anonymous said...

There's nothing better than visiting a new yarn shop. I try to visit at least three new yarn shops a year. Even if it means driving 2-3 hours!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed the store! They have some really great yarns, and seem to have a good crowd.

The hat looks great too!

dārza mēbeles said...

I love to read your posts! You are awesome :)

mobilie telefoni said...

This was very interesting :)

Lego said...

The hat is awesome!