On Tuesday nights you can usually find me knitting with my local knitting peeps. They are a fun-loving bunch of women. I’ve been a part of the group for about a year, but these ladies have been together for quite a long time. In fact, I used to see them knit at a local bookstore. They were having so much fun, they inspired me to pick up my needles and start knitting again. Little did I know that I would one day become a member of their group.
Every now and then the knitters decide to take a road trip. In March, we got train tickets to Alexandria to visit Fibre Space – an awesome yarn store in Northern Virginia.
The night before we left, I was so excited I could not sleep. Now that’s excited! It’s kind of like when you were little and your parents told you that Santa wouldn’t come if you didn’t go to bed and get some sleep. Only as an adult, I knew the train would come and go without me. So I was up bright and early and at the station by 7:30 a.m.
Our train was on time, but the trip north was slow as there was a tree on the track and had to be removed.
Our group staked out the dining car – not for the food, but because we could get tables and spread out and KNIT.
Here are 3 of our party of 9. From left to right that’s Nancy, Mary and Cathy.
And here’s Jo, Linda and Issy (you can’t see dear Issy, she’s behind Linda). All are busy knitting as the train is picking up speed.
And here are my table companions on the ride up – Janice and Renny. Everytime I tried to get a good picture of them, something would happen.
The further north in Virgina we got, the more the wooded landscape gave way to water views. Before we knew it, we were in Alexandria and on our way by foot over bricks and cobblestones to Old Town where Fibre Space is located.
This is what greeted us as we entered the store. I was running all over trying to get the layout fixed in my head. And I was in sensory overload. Even though I’d brought a list to keep me focused, with all of the lovely yarns it was hard to keep to the list.
There was yarn in every nook and cranny. And wonderfully comfortable sofas, chairs and even a cushy window seat to sit and regroup and refocus. That’s Renny taking a moment to decide what she’s going to buy.
Here’s Janice and Mary enjoying that window seat. Janice was very focused on her knitting.
I finally managed to snap a picture of Issy. That’s Linda and Issy. I have no idea what they’re discussing, but they always have lots of information to share. And they are excellent knitters. I’m always in awe of what they produce.
Here’s the yarn that Issy helped me pick out for a Color Affection Shawl. It’s Neighborhood Fiber Company fingering, and I love it. I’m in love with blue and that dark skein on the right appealed to me straight-away. The lavender on the left popped out second with Issy’s help and while I was still floundering around in the blues, Issy picked out the pink – which I never would have. But I love it. I think this will make a great shawl that will serve me well.
I also selected some Loft and a pattern for it – Sakura by Leila Raabe for Brooklyn Tweed.
I’ve already wound one skein. LOL. The color is a plum and is breathtaking. I almost didn’t get it, but one of my peeps who will not be named (Janice) was a prime enabler on this purchase.
The last skeins I bought, I have no idea what I’ll make. They were blue and so pretty I couldn’t resist. Also Neighborhood Fiber Company – one of my new favorite yarns.
Aren’t they drool-worthy? I’m thinking a lovely shawl – probably by Anne Hanson, my favorite designer. Her Knitspot patterns are my go-to patterns for socks, shawls, mitts, sweaters. You name it. She’s brilliant.
After lunch, we strolled around Old Town and I snapped a few more pictures.
Charming city. Lovely buildings. Quaint shops. Fun, fun day.
All too soon we had to race back to the train station to hop the Richmond bound train home. But we’re planning on making this an annual event. Good times. Good memories. Great friends.
Kat Jorgensen 