One Crazy Fiber Lady

I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I was having a house guest, just didn’t mention why.  Well, Elaine was going to stay with me after our first yarn crawl through New York City.  Oh man, was it a blast.  I’m exhausted.  Lots of stores, lots of walking, decent amount of buying, and an overwhelming introduction to bead stores.  Today, pictures from our various stops and a quick review of the included stores.  Tomorrow, the stash acquisitions.

Store 1:  Seaport Yarns

I think I have a new favorite yarn store thanks to this visit and one that is dangerously close to the office.  Not so much as a store, but a stash gone wild   Spread through an office on the 5th floor of a building is this treasure.  Packed with fabulous yarns, both basics and designer, it really is wonderful.  She has a very good selection of sock yarns (a requirement for me to rate this a great store).  The prices were very reasonable and there was even an entire room devoted to sale items.  Nice.  Everywhere you looked was another cache of yarn and a book selection I’ve never seen the like of.  Elaine and I did some damage here.  This place is definitely worth the visit.

Store 2:  P&S Fabrics

After a very yummy sushi lunch around the corner from Seaport Yarns, we walked uptown to P&S Fabrics.  I wouldn’t call this our favorite stop.  They had a decent selection of Lion Brand and Patons yarns at good prices.  There was nothing that I couldn’t get at AC Moore of even Rag Shop.  Now the fabrics and trimmings are a different story but the yarns?  Nope, not worth the trip.  Elaine was a bit freaked out by the "downstairs" in her voyage to their bathroom.  I passed on that experience.  We didn’t spend much time here and quietly left without buying anything.  If you happen to be in the neighborhood, or are looking for fabric, then yes, stop in.  I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit though.

Store 3: Purl

Deciding to forgo the public transportation system, we walked to our next destination, taking advantage of the glorious weather that was just perfect for a yarn crawl.  Anyway, the next stop was an old favorite of mine, Purl.  They’re in the process of bringing out the fall winter yarns and putting the cottons in the sale bin by the door.  The Rowan 4 ply was making an appearance while we were there.  Purchases were made by both of us after much debate, giggling and yarn fondling.  We sat outside for this picture on the lovely painted bench that matches the telephone stand.  Reluctantly, we eventually stood up and hit the tart place next door for some much needed caffeine in the form of iced coffee.  I’d always recommend a stop here.

Store 4:  Downtown Yarns

We decided to take advantage of NY’s excellent subway system and made our way to our next stop.  Schlepping out to Avenue A (including hilarity provided by my trying to remember whether even avenues ran uptown or downtown and what the odds were doing) we arrived to find that the darn store was only open Wed thru Sat during the summer.  They neglected to post this on their website which I consulted the previous night in compiling the lists of places to go.  Poo.  Goes without saying that we didn’t buy anything here.  Back to the subway we went for the next stop…

Stop 5:  Knit NY

I hesitate to mention that once again I got the uptown/downtown avenue running thing wrong and we headed out in the wrong direction when we got out of the subway … twice.  I’ll turn in my New Yorker title immediately.  We got there despite my best effort to head in the wrong direction.  Cute store, bright, helpful staff, decent selection of yarn.  Seriously cute and clean little bathroom.  Purchases were made after more giggling, gabbing and yarn fondling.  We didn’t take advantage of the cafe portion, but it appeared excellent.  This place is one easy subway ride from the office as well.

>This ended the yarn portion of the day.  We then hopped back on the subway and headed towards midtown for some bead browsing.  I’d never been in a true bead store and I have to admit, I was overwhelmed.  Felt like my first visit to Rhinebeck, with a subtle difference of course, I left empty handed.  Within two blocks on Sixth Avenue, we hit 5 different stores with vast tables of beads, findings and tools.  One place had exquisite pearls and I was tempted by some others as potential stitch marker fodder. My eyes just couldn’t differentiate them all.  This Bergen county mall rat cried uncle and Elaine won the shop-till-you-drop contest

We made our way home.  We had dinner with the short people and my folks.  Elaine gave Yeti a very much needed grooming and then the two of us talked until far too late.  It was an excellent day spent in great company.  I had a fabulous time and would do it again in a heartbeat.   Thanks go to Elaine for a great day!