Minnesotan Yarn

You're right -- that is Chaotic Chris pictured in the last post.  I was in Minneapolis for the annual conference of the Medical Library Association, and had a little free time on Saturday afternoon.  Even though Chris and I had never met in person, I feel like I've know her for years and really couldn't imagine being in Minneapolis without seeing her.

So, we visited two yarn shops (more on that later), went to lunch, made a quick stop at the incredibly impressive Minneapolis Central Library, where I bought a tote bag because, you know, the conference tote bag wasn't enough, and stopped by Surdyk's, where I bought a wonderful chocolate bar and Chris bought gluten-free beer.  And we had some great conversation, all in just under three hours!

Of course, the highlight, next to actually meeting Chris, was the yarn buying!

First we visited Depth of Field, a nice-sized, friendly shop that I might not have been able to find on my own.  I followed my rule that tourist yarn should be yarn that I can't readily get at home.

Four skeins of Bristol Yarn Gallery Buckingham (fingering weight; 80% alpaca, 20% silk), in a shade of pinkish red that's not quite as bright as the picture.  Apparently, the distributor is no longer carrying this yarn, so I felt the need to buy four skeins!

One skein of Dream in Color Starry in Gothic Rose (fingering weight; merino and a little metallic).  I've wanted this yarn, in this color, ever since I first saw a picture of it.

I also bought a skein of gift yarn, but it hasn't been gifted yet, so you don't get to see it.

After Depth of Field, we went to Bella Lana, a smaller but very elegant shop.  I sort of broke my rule there, since I can get madelinetosh yarn fairly easily -- but I hadn't seen these colors, which were even right next to each other!  And Chris reminded me that sock yarn doesn't count....

madelinetosh sock in Citrus and Cobalt, or, to me, Illini orange and blue.  I'm fairly certain this color combination made Chris cringe, but I'm imagining orange socks with blue toes and heels, and another pair win blue with orange toes and heels.  Or maybe stripes!

I was also the lucky recipient of one of Chris's mix CDs, which I've been enjoying in the car, and a tiny black cat spiral notebook.

It was a great afternoon!  Thanks, Chris!