new york in november
First we were going. Then we weren't. And then we said, who are we to let a little thing like sickness deter us from taking three bites out of the Big Apple? In a spontaneous (for us) decision, we opted to go. And on the advice of my friend Al, we thought we would take a ferry (long story). When I say we, I mean Special K. I came home from work and was told, "we are leaving in 15 minutes, pack a bag." Good times!
We were sick, but we had fun. We stopped at School Products. I bought some yarn.
We stopped at Purl Soho. Special K got to meet other knitter spouses outside the shop while I discovered that I am somewhat claustrophobic in the shop (tiny shop), try going on a week day, that would be my advice. I, of course, bought some yarn. I would have probably bought more if I didn't feel so frantic and uncomfortable in the cramped quarters that was Purl on a Saturday afternoon.
We also went to Purl Patchwork, right down the street.
I was able to see many of the projects from Joelle Hoverson's new book. The shop is small, but it wasn't as crowded as the yarn shop. Special K waited outside with Little Sir for a while but did have to bring in Little Sir at one point though, it was getting really cold outside. Not that he was complaining.
We also managed to get to Brooklyn to check out Brooklyn General Store.
I am convinced that it is, quite possibly, the most wonderful place on earth. Special K mentioned that of all the yarn shops he has been in, this was his favorite. We won't even analyze that statement. Just go with it. It is a great place, the atmosphere is excellent, the staff is friendly and the customers are fun. A quilter had a really long conversation with Little Sir about her quilting adventures. He thought she was fascinating. And of course, I bought a few things.
And though we had a lot of fibery fun in New York, we really enjoyed going to The Strand (18 miles of books people!). I was able to add to my collection of Dorothy Parker books (by and about). I am a fan.
I think we mostly enjoyed the parks (Central and Prospect) though. We are fans of public spaces. And who is going to deny the fun of a park to a kid?
We didn't get as much done as we would have liked; but, we were sick. And of course, you all are right. New York will always be there, so we can go back! Probably when it warms up a little though. We had some frozen fingers and toes on Saturday!
Purl is definitely gives me that claustrophobic feeling when I'm in there even with only 4 other people! Isn't Brooklyn General just fab! I think those three places, School Products included, are my three favorite yarn spots in NYC! Glad you had fun!
Posted by:yaiAnn | November 13, 2007 at 03:26 PM
I'm glad you were able to go anyway! How was the ferry ride?
I still haven't been yarn shopping in New York. I'll definitely have to hit those places at some point.
Posted by:Kristy | November 13, 2007 at 05:09 PM
Sounds like a perfect weekend. I love New York in the fall. Glad you guys had so much fun!
Posted by:Erin | November 13, 2007 at 05:50 PM
Glad to hear you had fun in NYC and got to get out to Brooklyn General. It happens to be my favorite store too!! Sorry I couldn't meet you - next time!
Posted by:Lisa | November 13, 2007 at 07:22 PM
I'm so impressed with what you DID manage to do! When I'm sick I just want to lie face-down on the couch and complain. I actually want to do that about 60 percent of the time that I feel fine. :)
Can you believe that on all my trips to NYC over the past year (there have been maybe 7-8) I have never been to a yarn store there??? I'll have to rectify that.
Posted by:Rachel | November 13, 2007 at 07:47 PM
sorry you were sick, but it sounds like you squeezed in lots of fun anyway. i've never taken my husband to a yarn shop. special k's comment makes me wonder what he would think of one. anyway, looks like you found some lovely fabric and yarn. i thought of you last week when there was no pushing daisies. it was very sad indeed. random question, does little sir ever watch Elmo? i just recently checked a few movies out from our library and little man loves them. Anyway, I think one of the characters (Miss Noodle) is on Pushing Daisies. Anyway, that's my random comment for today. Hope you are all feeling better.
Posted by:Haley | November 13, 2007 at 08:47 PM
Why wait until it's warmer? You can knit mittens and socks with your new yarn, and then you'll need more! Right?
Your fabric and yarn look great, and I love the books. The spine of "Collected Stories" is beautiful!
Posted by:Loribird | November 13, 2007 at 08:58 PM
It looks like you hit quite a few of the good spots. I love Brooklyn General too.
Hope you are all feeling better.
Posted by:Kirsten | November 13, 2007 at 11:53 PM
Glad your yarn tourists were so willing to indulge you! I am in agreement with you about the claustrophobia factor at Purl Soho, and Brooklyn General is a fantastic place, no claustrophobia there!!
Posted by:Heather | November 14, 2007 at 07:38 AM
what a great day - cold and sick and all! I have to get down there one of these days for a fun trip....
Posted by:stacey | November 14, 2007 at 08:29 AM
ahh you were so close, yet so far away! ;-) glad you came up even though you weren't feeling well! I love the fabrics you bought - seriously i need to start sewing!!
Posted by:margaux | November 14, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Ooooooh! The pictures are wonderful of your quick trip to NY. I hope you are feeling better. I'd love to visit these places... I wasn't even into knitting the one and only time I visited :(
Posted by:Tonni | November 14, 2007 at 01:56 PM
I'm so jealous! I've never heard of Dorothy Parker, I'll have to check her out, and Lil' Sir is SO dang cute, he looks like he's having a blast romping through those leaves :)
Posted by:Bea | November 14, 2007 at 02:34 PM
It looks like you had such a grand time even though you were sick. I think I'd have a problem with Purl Soho too. Too many people in too small a space is my least favorite thing.
Posted by:Opal | November 14, 2007 at 03:23 PM
I'm glad you went anyways! Hope you're feeling better now. Glad it was a great time!
Posted by:tiennie | November 14, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Purl also gave me that claustrophobic feeling and I went on a weekday. My husband also gives me a rating of yarn shops when he visits them with me. He's actually mentioned it to the owners when he likes their shops. :)
Posted by:monica | November 14, 2007 at 06:04 PM
Yay for spontaneous trips! Looks like you guys ad a great time. And I'm so jealous - both purl stores? Nice.
Posted by:diana | November 14, 2007 at 08:17 PM
One of my great knitting ambitions is to go yarn shopping in NY so, of course, I wish I was there with you! I love your fabrics and that photo of Little Sir playing in the leaves is adorable!
Posted by:Nora | November 15, 2007 at 05:23 AM
I can't believe how much you fit into a day - sick and all!! And really happy to see you made it to BG - one of my favorite crafty places, it's like a sanctuary, I'm so lucky to get there as often as I do.
Posted by:schrodinger | November 15, 2007 at 09:10 PM
I'm still pouting, though I understand when coordinating other people while sick is completely not on the agenda. glad you all had fun!
Posted by:Mintyfresh | November 18, 2007 at 11:01 AM
Oh, shopping in New York. I remember being a Midwestern girl tasting the Apple several times. Now I am an Alaskan girl with sweet dreams of Seattle. To visit all the stores that I dream of from the magazines, you are fortunate. Sorry you were sick; but not enough to miss the enjoyment of Purl.
Posted by:Krista | December 19, 2007 at 03:45 AM