to maine and back
Lolly has mentioned to me that I need to do a better job giving a head's up when I am going somewhere. I will try to work on that. In the meantime, I went to Maine over the weekend; and, I had a great time. Saturday was rainy, Sunday was perfect (if you are into that whole sun thing). I actually like the rain. And a rainy day is perfect for shop-hopping, particularly of the yarn variety. There are many yarny places of fun in Maine, I only had time for two places though.
First thing, fuel for the journey. Bintliff's American Cafe (best breakfast place EVAH), worth the 4 hour drive, all by itself. After breakfast and a brief stop in Freeport (L.L. Bean, anyone?), we headed up to Brunswick to visit Ms. Purl Diva.
I LOVED this shop.
Ellen has a great selection of yarn, she is really friendly and the customers all talk to each other like they are old friends.
Even Loki gets in on the fun.
My search for more Dream in Color yarn was what originally led me to Purl Diva, but I am so glad it was my first yarn shop stop. It was a great visit. And I will just say I was very successful in my purchases and leave it at that.
My other yarn stop was Halcyon Yarn.
Oddly enough, the store was smaller than I thought it would be. But, I have to admit, I was a little overwhelmed (which leads me to believe that a trip to Webs might not be the best idea for me, but I am willing to build my resolve).
I really liked the way the store was arranged.
Floor to ceiling color, gorgeousness everywhere.
I didn't go in with a plan and mostly just looked around. I wasn't planning to buy much, or anything in particular at all, actually. I had a vague idea about buying yarn for mitts for Special K and "maybe something suitable for lace." I ended up getting some gorgeous lace-weight silk orange-red stuff, some light orange wool for something fun (I have no idea, the color was fantastic), and then an inky skein of Malabrigo for mitts for the man. And then the man says, he doesn't think he'd have any interest in mitts that provide no finger coverage. Your loss buddy. I mean, Malabrigo, people.
After yarn shopping, eating, visiting with friends and sleeping, we ended the trip by looking at some lighthouses and playing in a few parks.
It was a good trip. Now, back to the knitting of socks.
the trip looks fantastic! i agree about the weather, sometimes a rainy day *is* perfect weather.
as for halcyon, you're not the only one. sometimes too much choice is just plain too much.
and if you can't find a good home for that malabrigo, just let me know ;)
Posted by:jody | October 30, 2007 at 05:38 AM
LOL. Nova, we're commenting on each other's blogs at the same time! Heh. The trip to Maine sounds like fun. I have my 10th high school reunion in Mass this June and we've thought about continuing on to spend a week in Maine. Thanks for the yarn shop suggestions!
Posted by:Elinor | October 30, 2007 at 08:11 AM
Come on... just one little itsy bitsy picture of the yarn enhancement from the Purl Diva? We won't judge you....
It looks like it was a fantastic trip.
Posted by:kathy | October 30, 2007 at 08:12 AM
what a lovely trip! I have been to Maine only once before and that was to suprise a friend who went to summer camp there!! I think judging by the photos another trip is in order!! :-)
Posted by:margaux | October 30, 2007 at 08:16 AM
Dude! You were in Maine and you didn't let me know!!?! I'm quite a bit farther north, but I would have driven down to meet up with you! So glad you had a good time, next time, send me an email!
Posted by:Loribird | October 30, 2007 at 08:33 AM
Oh those yarn shops look fabulous! I think you showed a lot of restraint. :)
Posted by:Opal | October 30, 2007 at 08:33 AM
Wow! To appease my family, I skipped Halycon Yarn during our summer trip to Maine, and I see that that was a bad choice. I did end up getting yarn much further up the road (we went to Acadia), and learned that Mainers love their wool! The most unassuming Yarn N' Craft shop was filled to the freakin' brim! Yay Maine!
Posted by:Liz K. | October 30, 2007 at 09:06 AM
I love Maine - looks like a great weekend!
Posted by:Theresa | October 30, 2007 at 09:56 AM
Okay, WOW! and you did it again - you surprised us with another trip :) I would love to get up to Maine. It looks like a fabulous time with the family. Love the photos too - that park bench one up top is particularly great.
Posted by:Lolly | October 30, 2007 at 01:03 PM
What a fun weekend. Maine looks like one of those made-up places they have in movies. So idyllic and cute!
Posted by:Kara | October 30, 2007 at 01:09 PM
That last photo is a total framer.
Posted by:JulieFrick | October 30, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Yum! That was a beautiful trip.
Posted by:Felicia | October 30, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Sounds like a great trip and acquired some wonderful yarns.
Love the picture of Little Sir up in the air! I wish there was someone big enough to through me up in the air like that and then catch me.
Posted by:Brenda | October 30, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Small world! I grew up in Phippsburg, about 10 minutes from Halcyon. Your post made me miss home *so* much.
(Halcyon is lovely and all, but isn't Ellen just the *best*?!)
Posted by:Amy | October 30, 2007 at 07:33 PM
Your trip looks lovely. I've always wanted to go to man. Particularly for the Fireman's Muster at the Fryeburg Fair which I've heard a lot about :-)
Ohhh all the pretty colors in Halcyon. So. Distracting.
Posted by:SpiderWomanKnits | October 31, 2007 at 12:44 AM
Geez. If that wasn't a Freudian slip. I've always wanted to go to Maine. Maine.
Posted by:SpiderWomanKnits | October 31, 2007 at 12:45 AM
Purldiva is such a great shop! Glad you had fun!
Posted by:Heather | October 31, 2007 at 12:09 PM
YAY! Thanks for visiting! I had a great time eating and shopping! And, we WILL have to meet at WEBS!
Posted by:Amy S. | October 31, 2007 at 12:41 PM
It looks like a fun trip! I'm pretty sure I'd be overwhelmed in that store, too.
Posted by:Kristy | October 31, 2007 at 12:44 PM
I love travel posts - especially when it involves yarn stores! Great pic of your guys!
Do we get a Weds Pie Post?!
Posted by:tiennie | October 31, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Ooooh wow! If I saw all that yarn together, I'd be flying through the air too [much like Little Sir...].
Posted by:Nora | November 01, 2007 at 05:09 AM
love all the beautiful baby socks. do they really stay on well because if so, i need to make some. there are so many exciting things you've been doing since i last slowed to read blogs. your maine trip looks like lots of fun. love the second orange yarn and the fun pic of your guys. thanks for sharing.
Posted by:Haley | November 01, 2007 at 08:31 PM
what a fun trip!! if you do go to Webs, you best give me a heads up and I can meet you there!!!!
Posted by:stacey | November 06, 2007 at 01:15 PM
sitting here reading your blog, getting very hungry, and in the mood to knit, then i saw this post! i am from maine and live about 10 minutes from purl diva, and i have never been! now i have to go check it out. Those baby socks are so sweet. i could use a ton in this house, and i will be making some. they look like they will really stay on their feet. thanks for sharing, they look so nice in all the different colors!
Posted by:katie | December 17, 2007 at 08:24 PM