One of the things I like best about working in a yarn shop is my bird’s-eye view of some pretty brilliant project ideas. Because Prince Edward County is quite a popular vacation destination in the summertime, we see visitors coming from everywhere. We’re about half way between Toronto and Montreal so, predictably we get many a tourist from Quebec. Recently, a lovely lady turned me on to Espace Tricot, a yarn shop (and blog) from Montreal where are designed some really marvelous things. I find I’m fascinated by the detail, simplicity and inventive use of materials in these designs. I do so love to see simple things done well!
That same nice lady came in to the shop wearing the absolutely groovy “Pop Spots” by Loop of London. I think our lady’s turned out better than the original! She used a Madeline Tosh for the shawl and a Freja gradient for the spots.
A frequent visitor to our shop is the talented Elizabeth McCarten, author of the knitting blog Chez Lizzie, whose design details have been described by Vogue Knitting as “show-stopping”. Elizabeth is simply inspiring. She’s always got a new sleeper of a yarn (like crispy-softy Einband Icelandic Lace ) or some clever design-in-progress in her roomy tote bag. She’s famous for rummaging around in the depths of the tote and pulling out something amazing. I’m a huge fan and can’t wait to knit her Downtown Jacket. I’m going to do it this fall in an Elizabeth-approved shade of deep red.
When I arrived at work on Wednesday, a rainy day, a petite, pretty lady with a big umbrella nipped in to the shop before I’d even opened. Can you believe…Mags Kandis! I’ve long admired Mags and loved her book “Gifted”, and was shocked to find that she’s a resident of PEC as well. I love the sense of honest, confident whimsy in Mags work.
So I have to say, I love being in the shop, particularly on days when I get to try a new-to-me yarn. I came home yesterday with a sweet little skein of Koigu which is made here in Ontario. I’d heard of it, naturally, but never had a skein. Oh my goodness! I can see what all the fuss is about…it is really extraordinary. The twist is inexpressibly lovely, the color sublime. I don’t know if you can see it in the photo but it looks breathtaking mounted on my rainbow wood needles 🙂
