My Amsterdam Trip
It's been a couple of
Unfortunately work got in the way and I didn't have enough time to explore (dang work!) but I was able to stop by one shop -- Penelope and Stephen! One of the finals days we had a little break in the action so a colleague friend (who is just as addicted to knitting as I am) and I jumped on the tram and hurried into town to visit and patron the Penelope + Stephen shop:
The small shop was beyond cute. I mean, even before you got in the shop you saw knitterly goodness. Yep that is a crochet cozied bike!
And the inside was just as adorable:
Oh so much pretty yarn! Many were yarns that I could find here in the states. But some were unique colorways that I had not seen before. Mostly I just had fun looking around and squishing every bit of yarn possible.
The ladies working were very nice. They even gave my colleague and me a free measuring tape (pictured below) for shopping with them!
 |
| Yes... we had fun! |
 |
| Such a cutie! |
And now I'll tell you a funny story. So I purchased this pattern book because I love knitbot and I had never seen this particular book. I checked the date and sure enough, knitbot Essentials is from 2012. Because it might be difficult to find the booklet again I purchased it. Fast forwards weeks later when I'm looking at my knitted sweaters on Ravelry and a friend mentions she likes the Lightweight Pullover I knit ages ago. As I'm checking out the design I realize it's a Hannah Fettig - huh, apparently I liked Hannah's designs even before I became a huge fan. As we're digging around more I'm noticing my e-pattern book is very familiar. I check out the cover... and sure enough! It's this same knitbot essentials book! So now I have it both e-format and in paperback. Oops! I guess you know I like the patterns.
An 80/20 (80% merino, 20% nylon) fingering weight yarn, dyed in Amsterdam. I walked by the yarn a couple of times and didn't think too much of it. I mean nice colors (the yellows and greens really popped!) but the yarn wasn't the softest. And I couldn't really think of what I'd do with it. Then the shop assistant told me it was all dyed by a lady who lives in Amsterdam -- okay sold! Apparently she specializes in yellows and greens so I had to grab a green. And I love purple so I though why not. But I have to admit, I'm kicking myself for not getting the neon yellow?!?! Ah well... next time.
Yes I know it's available in the US but I really liked this particular colorway (24 carat!). It's 90% merino and 10% nylon, and oh so unbelievably soft! I'm thinking this might become a little shawlette rather than socks just because of the softness.
Three Irish Girls - Glenhaven Gold Sparkle
Yes, I can get 3 Irish Girls anywhere - even at WoolWinders! But this, THIS, yarn is an exclusive from the Stephen and Steven Tour! I know, I didn't attend but I don't mind grabbing some of the leftover yarn from the rockstar tour! I love that it has just a hint of bling in it - just enough to make a lovely shawl.
 |
| Another image of the lovely yarn. |
And finally, I'll leave you with some pictures of the lovely city. I went on a couple of early morning jogs and a walking tour with a group of friends. Here are some of the images:
 |
| De Gooyer Windmill |
 |
| View from my hotel room. |
 |
| Another view from my hotel room - no that is NOT Hogwarts, but it's the place where we had our conference! |
 |
| Things are so much prettier in other countries... even the details above doorways! |
 |
| Beautiful canals. |
 |
| The line to get into the Anne Frank House. |
 |
| More canals. |
 |
| For some reason my hotel thought it was important to let me know how many sunshine hours there were each day. |
 |
| I'm not even going to tell you how many croissants I had during the week-long stay. |
 |
| I had too many stroopwafels too.... |
This post should go up as the husband, dogs, bunny and I are driving up the NH. Not sure if I'll be able to write up a post while visiting with the family - so if not - happy holidays and see you on the return!
Comments