Memories of Singapore

I am so behind with my posts these days but I still would like to register all my knitting adventures here in my blog. And I guess, you may as well enjoy them. I am trying to update as much as I can in a chronological sequence, so be prepared to see multiple posts this week!

By the end of summer I had a quick get away to Singapore. My family and I have lived there as expats for about 4 years and the experience has left solid memories for my boys. So it wasn't a surprise to me when my elder son told me his wish to go back for a few days. And I certainly had no problems with that as I also enjoy the country.

I myself have lived in many cities and once back I like to return to all my favorite spots. See what has been changed or still contemplate the old corners. It's true, I have been back to Singapore at least once a year since I left. I would fly back even more if I could!

One of my priorities is Orchard Road and the vicinity. I don't really buy a lot ( I think) but I like to wonder around. And then comes the Kinokuniya bookstore to check on the knitting books ( It was my routine stop to go twice a week) and certainly all the yarn shops.
I was able to meet up with Opportunityknits and we had the best time together chatting about knitting and checking yarn shops. Time never seen enough for us to catch up with our favorite subject about knitting. Unfortunately, I was too entertained and didn't take any photo of the yarn shops. I should certainly capture the moments next time.

However, I have these photos below to share. This window display caught our attention at Rafles city,

This store specializes in knitted handbags. Double click the photos for a larger view.

Below, one more view with silver theme.

For yarn shops I visited Golden Dragon (Chinatown), Knitting Shop Enterprise ( Golden Landmark), Yarn shop (Tanglin Mall), Spotlight ( Plaza Singapura), Yon Hearn ( Holland Village) and this new yarn place that Opportunityknits took me.(I don't know the name).

I was so behaved while I was in US but somehow I lost control and came back with all this cotton yarns. By coincidence, I always have my folding bag on my trips for emergency purposes like this. Half of the lot I got it few hours before I had to catch the flight. I went back to the Golden Dragon store on the last day to get extras of the red yarn ( bottom pack). I had a project in mind bt I felt that I didn't had enough yardage. Anyway, since it was my last chance I ended up grabbing 3 more packs of yarn.

To add more pleasure to my lot, I was gifted by Opportunityknits with these:

Sulvin Gold yarn from Richmore, so soft and they have this silky touch! And the soaps are so perfumed.

Changing subject to a quick food event. For days during the trip, I was looking for this particular fruit that I so love it's sweet and sour taste! It's named Duku , cultivated in Malaysia and Thailand. I found it on the way back from Golden Dragon. I was so excited but could only buy a small cluster since I would only have a few hours to consume it. Oh it was so yummy!! :)

Perfect stop in Singapore! And for days I was contemplating my new yarns at home!

Moreover, I had more joy.....On the next day at home, I had another big surprise by mail. Joy from Joyousknits and Siow Chin from Little Purl of Orient sent these,

The lovely socks are from Joy, she specially knitted it for me. Knowing that I don't know how to knit socks, Joy was very thoughtful in gifting my first hand knitted socks. I examined curiously toes, heels and top and they are so well knitted! They are actually custom made with my measurements. The socks came in this stylish bag made by Siow Chin. I like so much the linen fabric she used and the inside is matched by the mini rose prints and even has this little tag with her signature name. A perfect set for me!

And to finish today, I need to register here that I was nominated as "Rockin Girl" ( couldn't find how to paste the logo)by Mel from Wild and Wolly. Needless to say, I was very happy to be chosen. And to know that there are knitters out there that enjoy my posts!

Yarn Hunting in Bay Area

In the recent years I've been wishing to visit LYS in the Bay Area. This year, I had the perfect opportunity to set a day for a yarn hunting adventure since I would stay at my sister's place in San Francisco. I had initially settled my sons at UC Berkeley for a summer camp at the beginning of the trip and then I headed to San Diego to visit my parents, my other sister and brother. And only returned to San Francisco on the 4th week.

DH decided to join us on the 4th week and I thought that my hopes for a yarn day wouldn't happen. Not that I didn't want his company, specially that I hadn't seen him for 3 weeks by then. However; the thought of taking him or having him driving me around looking for LYS wouldn't be fair for him as a vacation itinerary. It happened that he had to go on a business trip to Europe on the third day of his arrival. Well, I would certainly miss him but soon the lights lit up for my yarn hunting day.

I drove DH to the San Francisco airport and that was already more than 1/3 of the journey to the Silicon Valley, perfect justification. The boys had they own plan for the day and I was a free lady!

Thanks to Cafe Knitter for her detailed list of LYS that she prepared for me. She's a talented knitter and crocheter. Make a visit to her site.

My first stop was, Uncommom Threads, a small shop in Los Altos. I had visited it once a few years ago and I still remember the nice sale they had at that time. This year, I missed it for a couple of days. The guys and I were in the neighborhood on that weekend visiting friends and I thought I could have a better shopping day if I was by myself. Oh well, I still managed to get a box of Merino Big from Lana Grossa.

Nearby, there was Full Thread but they were closed on that day. Then, I followed my way to Knitting Arts in Saratoga.

This store carries a lot of the high end yarns but I couldn't think of any affordable project at that moment. So I walked out with just a pair of Lantern Moon rosewood needles.

I used to live in the neighborhood of the Silicon Valley, so I remembered that there was a store called "Yarn Place" in the region. My memory is not so bad , it still works for yarn things. I found it but also didn't get any yarn. They carry a good range of lace yarn similar to HYX yarn but not as good as the ones I got in Shanghai. So there wasn't any excuse to buy. Instead I found Addi Lace needles, so I didn't walked out empty hands! Next I had Purlerscence in mind but I was told it was not open on that day.

By then , late afternoon, I was already tired and hungry. As a knitter you know how time flies in LYS. So a stop at Stanford Shopping center was on call for some snack to fill in for the missed lunch. Besides that I wanted to do a quick browsing in the shops as well. At that moment, I was already on high walking speed as my wonderful day was about to end. Like Cinderella , It was getting late and I had to go back to SF to check on the boys and be a mom again and not the dreaming knitter.

Therefore, my listings of LYS was cut short and I visited one more shop on the way home.
I was heading to Creative Hands in Belmont. Oh it must be low stamina for lack of food that I couldn't find the shop so easily. I was just able to stop quickly for a few minutes before the closing time. But it looks so well stocked up that I had to come back another day.

Three days later, just before picking up DH from the airport, I made a stop again at this shop. Although not a big shop, they had yarns that I fancied for. This time I bought more, since I knew it was my last chance to buy yarns in US.

Just two more LYS...

On the day we picked up my boys at the summer camp, DH took us to Half Moon Bay area for a seafood lunch. There was a new commercial area besides the usual flower nurseries in the region. A small downtown area had emerged since I was last there. Look what I found at the main street,

Fengari Yarn shop

Actually, I had the impression that I'd read about a yarn shop in the vicinity, somewhere a long time ago. So I told DH that it would be nice to stroll in the city's main street. The boys were very cooperative, they were both taking a nap in the car. I heard they were partying until late hours and hence, missed much of their previous night sleep.

I had also the chance to visit Imagiknit in San Francisco. A huge shop with two big rooms, full of yarn. Again, I had the hardest time to buy yarn, just too many to select from.

Here are the goodies,

And to finish this post, I will let you take a glance at my new project. It's a top down design instructed by my teacher, supposedly inspired by a Fendi cardigan.

I am knitting with Gala from Lana Grossa, mix of silk, viscose, linen and polyamide. It's a very fun project, no mendings in the end.

I hope you enjoyed the virtual LYS shopping. Sorry it was a long post, but since I like to check on LYS photos I thought you may enjoy as well. Coming soon, Doily Cardi! ( Just waiting for some good weather for photo sessions)

Return to Blogland

Hello my knitting friends! I am finally back to Blogland after being away for more than two months. Thank you all for the good wishes for my vacation. It was so good to be back home with my parents and sisters. Though I had a busy schedule while there, I shopped until I dropped which allowed me to loose weight as well! And I am sorry for not replying for the comments left in my last post. I had wished to be back much sooner but I found it rather difficult to resume to my normal routine while my boys were still out of school. Besides, I always loose when it comes to who gets to use the computer when the boys are around.

As I mentioned in the previous post, I have the Lilac yoke top ready to go. Please ignore the middle folding line. This top has been in my luggage for two trips since I had in mind to take a photo but I never got to wear it. I tried a quick fix with steam iron but it didn't work. So it needs a full blocking again.

It was a fun project, out of ordinary one dimensional projects that I am used to knit. Knitting in round didn't feel so hard this time. Even the thin yarn wasn't a barrier for enjoyment. The lace part wasn't that difficult but rather interesting to see the design emerging. An exception was the curved area that goes just beneath the yoke . I don't think I could repeat the process without the help of my teacher. It's a combination of short rows done gradually so that it will yield to a curved piece to accommodate the yoke on the top. Since it's a round knit, the back and front is done at the same time and the heigths for the curved area in the front and back differ. Most designs with yoke just join directly and the clothing normally is not as comfortable as if there is this little fix. The shape looks a bit odd ( small top and long body) but I am relieved that it doesn't have the funny look when I am wearing it. Hmm, in another thought, could this mean that I have an odd shaped body?

Design: Keitodama Summer 2006 ( It's actually a reprint of a very old design from Keitodama 1981)
Yarn: Cotton Soft ( Valeria di Roma) 4 balls at 180mts - 197 yds / 50 g
Needles: Japanese size 4, circulars in various length
modifications: changed the borders to tubular stitches. ( good exercise for closing tubular stitches. I think this time the technique is finally registered in my head!)

While in California, I didn't knit much. I mainly shopped for real clothing and accessories ( Don't get to wear much of my knitting, perhaps the hot and humid air here in Taiwan, doesn't allow me to wear my knits that often). However, that doesn't mean that I skipped the LYS. I started a new project when I found Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino. Though I brought two packs of yarn for two projects and had searched for patterns just before I left home. All that preparation and I didn't even knit a row! Can't help not being equipped with yarn but I always regret on the way back, when is time to pack and there is so much to stuff in the luggage.

The Debbie Bliss yarn is so soft to knit and gives great stitch definition. So it was a breeze to knit this project that is just missing the mending part. Here is my Berry cardigan, just waiting for the sleeves to be attached,

It has been put aside because it's still too warm to even think about wool ( it was cool enough in California to knit with wool). I almost run out of yarn but just a few days before my departure I got an extra skein. I had initially bought it in San Diego and when I was in San Francisco I thought that it would be safer to get an extra one. So lucky that I found it in the same lot at another LYS. And I sure used to the last skein for this project, leaving just enough for the mending job.

There is more knitting, like the doily cardi is in it's final stage. I finished the sleeves and now I am just working on the crochet border. Besides that I also started another fall project, which I will be showing next time because I didn't take photos of it yet.

So glad to be back and I can't wait for the weather to cool down so that I can produce more knits in a quicker mode. I have been dreaming of my future knits since I got the new Japanese knitting books in hands. How about you, have you started yours yet?

Leaving to California

I'll be leaving to California in about ten minutes. Since I have some photos loaded up, I thought it would be nice to post them before I leave.

This is a top down design, it's finished by now but really no time for photos.

I started the blue doily some time ago but unfortunately the gauge was completely off. So, I decided to start using thicker yarn and needles.

It's so nice to look at this doily shape. In fact it's going to turn into a cardi, hopefully!

I really need to go check around the house. Wish you all a great summer!

White Orchid FO

I finished White Orchid for about a month. I was planning to have the FO shot at an orchid nursery; however time went by so quickly and now it's not a good time to buy new plants for home since I will be away in California visiting my family by the end of this month. Then our weather here was either too hot, really impossible to wear anything with sleeves ( yes, even for a quick shot) or very wet. It's has been raining heavily all day long with some thunderstorms. And that will be the forecast until Tuesday. I tried indoor pictures and that's the best one I could choose.

Tried again yesterday morning before DH went to work when we had a a little break from the heavy rain. Perhaps, I turned the flash mode on by accident even though I had in mind to turn it off.

It was a quick knit despite the yarn being very thin. I wished that the fitting was a little more on the loosen side. Other than that I love the design and the little ruffles that I added on the bottom. Though, I should had added more length to the ruffles. The balloons turned out a bit smaller than I originally predicted but I am satisfied with it's size now. It's just that after blocking, the sleeves seemed to have deflated. I tried to use steam ironing but without much improvement.

Pattern: White Orchid - World knitting Spring/Summer 2007
Yarn: Dolce Amore from Filatura Di Crosa - used about 6 1/2 balls
Needles :Japanese size 3 ( 3mm)

new knitting corner

It has been a while that I'm dreaming to have a craft room. However, we don't have any spare room at this moment and my yarns have all been in container boxes that I would stack up one on top the other. It added to a total of five and the search for yarns was absolutely unpleasant to perform. I would feel upset to see my treasure yarns being smashed in order to close the covers on them. There was only one solution to this dilemma, to buy a cabinet for my yarn stash and knitting books that have been piling up next to my bedside since the bookshelf was completely full for a while.

Presenting my new knitting corner where I knit, blog , shop for yarn and dream about my knitterly things! It's really a corner as this space is an open area by the stairs in the second
floor.

It's not my dream cabinet ( I would like to have a white one), only a simple teak one but provides lots of storage. At least it was what I thought before I loaded my books and yarns. My HYX yarns ,purchased in Shanghai ,don't fit in. How about the bottom compartment? It's where I hide the odd balls and the not so appreciated ones.

Here is a close-up view, the main column yarn is all cotton ones. Oh, I so love the sliding doors!

Last section are the wool ones. It would look nicer if the yarns were left out of the plastic bags. I decided to keep them protected as leaving them out would dangle up the balls as I often see in LYS.

Then as a conclusion, building up a yarn stash has it's price. Storage is a major issue and you'll have to spend more to buy a cabinet. And also you need to explain to your non knitter visitors the need to have a cabinet full of yarns at home! Luckily mine is on the second floor, out of view from most people.

Oh but I do love my new corner! I enjoy just to seat there and look at the colourful yarns. By the way DH wants to claim some credit on my new corner since the cabinet was his gift. It's true , I wouldn't have it here now if he hasn't helped me to make decision.

I am de-cluttering my house these days, it's a very tiring task. This week however, I am taking a break from that and decided to knit more. I am afraid to confess but I think I have startitis. Besides the projects I showed last week, I swatched ( really!) for a top down blouse , started a caplet and I am about to finish this bolero.

New projects on the way

Another week is passing and Picassa/blogger is still not working for me. It's that problem with pictures disappearing after being published. Now I am using Photobucket, don't know if this is a good choice. At least, I can post the photos in my blog.

These images were taken couple weeks ago. I was pretty excited with these two projects. First one is this doily style cardi from the latest summer Keitodama. I was having fun knitting the center doily and seeing the emerging pattern because the photo of the design doesn't show the back at all. ( Btw, just showing the cover of the magazine, cute bolero, no? It's crochet though.)

This second project is from World Knitting Spring /Summer 2007. I am just knitting the outer bolero. The set would be neat but perhaps too thick for summer. I am using a smaller needle size than required by the pattern. The cables and the eyelet rows were making this pattern too stretchy. It worked out for the width but smart as I could be, I forget about the length issue. I am trying to solve this problem by adding rows between the lateral increases.

And last photo, something sweet to make up for the previously bitterly projects! :D
Self bought gifts for mother's day! I found a new LYS a few weeks ago and couldn't just walk out empty hands. They are both Japanese yarns. The light terracotta ones are blend of linen and cotton and the light blue is 100% cotton, a very thin yarn.

I've been tagged for a meme by craftlover and Little Sesame Knits for this 8 random things about me. Thank you both for thinking about me!

1. I have a special affection for cotton yarn. When I go into a yarn shop I browse for the cotton section first. It could be the spring colors that attract me and the lacy patterns suitable for this material.


2. I still prefer straight needles even though I've been trying hard to use circulars. I even bought nicer ones to encourage the switch. Though, I still prefer my old straight needles.


3. Nowadays when I go out, my priority is my knitting bag. I spend more time gathering my knitting gadges than selecting my outfit or applying make-up. It doesn't matter that I often don't even get to knit more than a couple of rows.


4. My native language is Brazilian Portuguese which I have not fully used for more than 20 years.


5. I don't drink coffee even though I grew up in Brazil.


6. My great grandmother was a Manchurian. (Chinese minority ethnic).


7. I can speak fluent Chinese (Mandarin) but I can't read or write.


8. I am a fruit lover. I specially like fruits that have some sour taste. Bananas are exception though.

Thank you all for the well wishes and the nice words on Jasmine. I am feeling much better this week and ready to add more knitting into life.

I had couple of questions left in my previous posts that I will answer here because I don't have the readers' email.

1. a reader from Hokkaido requesting LYS address:

I only have Puppy store address -
Sapporo - Puppy Sapporo Komiyamaya
Nishi 2, Minami 3 Chuoku. Tel: 011 221 0565

There were other yarn shops in the same neighborhood but I don't have the address. You could ask the saleslady at the Puppy shop for directions to the other shops ( that's how I found the other ones)

2. Reader Claire requested info about White Orchid

The pattern is from World Knitting Spring/Summer 2007. It's a Japanese knitting book and instructions are based in charts. Some translation for the Japanese instructions can be found at ABCs of knitting. The book can be purchased or ordered from Kinokuniya ( scrow down this page for a list of stores in US), or through amazon.com.jp

Jasmine Fo

I am back after a long absence. I am having a busy life and things weren't going so smooth for a while. I guess is part of life to have ups and downs. I still knitted though, not as much as before but was able to finish Jasmine. The yarn left for the sleeves was just enough to finish both of them with the main stitch pattern. I realized this possibility when I was half way through the first sleeve. Then started the second one with the main pattern stitch and I knew I would have enough yarn.

It's fitting me comfortably in all areas. The length is ideal for me as well. So perfect, that I am afraid it will stretch after a while. Hope it won't.

The collar portion gave me a little work since it's not a simple ribbing. I had to pick up the exact number of stitches from the instructions to align the stitch design to be centered. In overall, the complexity of this pattern didn't generate much trouble on the process.

Pattern: Amu spring 2002 May edition
yarn : Filatura Di Crosa Millefili Fine ( 7 balls)
Needles: Japanese size 4 ( 3.3 mm)
modifications: used needles one size smaller and also had to resize the pattern to fit the yarn gauge ( lenght )

I am also done with white orchid ( to be shown next time, no photos yet). Subsequently, I am working on new projects. To be revealed next time because I can't get to post the pictures with either blogger or Picassa.

Thanks for your comments on my Rubi & Topaz stole. They are always received with much enthusiasm. I have lots to catch up with bloglines and my apologies for not replying to your comments lately.

Ruby and Topaz stole

I finished this stole a few weeks ago and was just waiting for some sunshine in order to take a photo. However, when that happened, it was too warm and I wasn't in the mood to touch wool or even to think about it. Of course, today has cooled down and I don't have a nice natural light for my FO!
This model photo was taken on the following day I finished it. I wore the stole to a party despite the matchless outlook. :D I think if you are like me, I am most enthusiastic when the FO is fresh out from the needles. Therefore, just can't wait for the debut!

I actually didn't like the sparkling gold accents on the novelty yarn but the subtle change of colors in the mohair yarn is beautiful. I bought this stole kit in Sapporo when I spotted a knitted sample in a LYS. The displayed one looked nicer, maybe it was longer and the blue tone was prettier ( they were sold out on the blue one). I followed the pattern measurements and still have some yarn left.

Pattern: from a LYS in Sapporo ( Japan)
Yarn : Mohair ( count 10) graduation from Richmore ( 3 balls)

novelty yarn - Topping Mole from Richmore ( 3 balls)

Needles : Japanese size 15 (6.6 mm)

During the warmer days couple weeks ago I forced myself to work on Jasmine. I had lost interest on the way since the progress was so slow. Once I started, I was on the track again and was able to finish the front but stopped again since I was unsure if I could complete with two sleeves. I only had one skein and maybe about 1/3 of another one left after I finished the collar part .

After days of searching in the net, I didn't find many on line shops selling this Millifili and in this vanilla color. And there is a likelihood that I wouldn't find in the right lot anyway. Today I decided to take a chance and started the sleeves. It's not going to be a 3/4 length as I first wished for. Moreover, I changed the pattern a little, instead of the leaves pattern, I am knitting with the vertical eyelets like the sides of the top. I had in mind that this change would minimize the busy pattern and at same time save some yarn. The bobbles and the leaves can consume lots of yarn. I have to admit that I am sort worried about my modification since designers should know best.

I am crossing my fingers that I will have enough yarn and that the modified sleeves will match the design. Will continue to work on Jasmine, can't wait to finish it! :)

The start of white orchid

I went to my favorite knitting spot a week ago, the outdoor tea shop by the water reservoir. It was nice and relaxing to have a cup of my favorite calamansi tea, homemade cookies and the most attractive item of all, new knitting magazines. Can you picture the nice atmosphere? ;)

It was hard to choose between browsing the new magazines or to start this new cute design from World Knitting Spring 2007 ( It has many crochet designs and some nice knitted ones as well) . This particular design doesn't fall on my my usual choice of style. It's very plain knitting but those mini balloons sleeves and the ruffles are what enchanted me. Must have it!

I even have the perfect yarn for this set. From the stash, I have 10 balls of Dolce Amore from Filatura Di Crosa that fits the 3 mm needles. I am so glad that recently there seems to be an increase of patterns with thinner yarns.

In a couple of days I produced this piece with one ball of yarn. It's so delicate and soft with just a minor problem. With one ball knitted, I can estimate that I won't have enough yarn for the set. :( This Dolce Amore has a great yardage 180 m (198 y) that induced me to think that 10 balls would be more than sufficient. Unfortunately the LYS that I bought them from, closed their business.

A solution would be to just knit the cardi. Since it's white color, I believe it's not going to be hard to match it with a white top. I will keep the ruffled bottom though, that's an essential detail I want to have. My only dilemma now is that the inner top has a waistline and the cardi doesn't. I could keep it but will that look odd with the one bottom design?

White Orchid has been since set aside until I can make my mind to rip it apart or to knit it straight. These days I have been checking ladies sporting one bottom style cardis. Interesting ,I spotted one that has a waistline and had only one bottom. It looks like that I have a yellow light to proceed the project. It's hard to make up my mind.

When I left the tea house, I saw these colorful balls on the tree! Hard to believe but they are wool pom poms. I was wondering whether there were any knitters gathering over there.
I am often bumping into knitting related things, could that be the fact that I think too much about knitting?? :D

Catching up with knitting!

Lately, I am having hard time to go back to my usual knitting mood. But i still do knit, a little at time. I already started with some cotton knits with the false Spring temperatures we had here last month. I have a pattern from one of my old Amu magazines. I know I fell again tempted with the busy lacy style. This one was chosen because I really wanted to knit those leaves and bobbles. Some habits are hard to be changed! ;) It will be either a 3/4 length or short sleeves depending on my yarn allowance as usual. I often have this issue since my yarn stash is built with yarn I buy on my trips. And this lot was no exception. I am using Filatura Di Crosa Milifilli in Vanilla colour, knitted with Japanese needles size 4. I am trying to knit in smaller gauge with the hopes that this cotton top will be a perfect fit after a few wearings.

Jasmine top

This is not a complex lace pattern; however, it requires some attention to the chart. I finally got to make an enlarged pattern copy and it does good for your eyes!

I soon had to give a break on this wip because the temperatures dropped a lot past week and my mood for cotton soon swept away. It's funny how I can change my mood for knitting.

Actually the progress was slow and that meant I wasn't feeling happy in my corner. I was in need to find a quick, no brain type of work. With that in my mind, I found a perfect project. A stole kit I had bought in Hokkaido. Using mohair yarn and this sort of novelty metallic thread combined together. It progressed so fast, look at this,

ruby & topaz stole in progress

I started this past Friday evening and this photo was taken on Monday. Just the perfect project to give me a knitting boost. It's all done by now but not photos of the FO yet.

And that's all for this week! Happy knitting, my friends!

Yarn hunting in Europe part II- Switzerland

Blogger finally allowed me to post without "eating up " my photos. Today must be my lucky day!
Continuing my yarn hunting - part II in Switzerland.

First day in Zurich we visited a couple museums, explored the old town that consisted of many narrow and winding streets, full of antique shops, small boutiques, cafes, etc. Some of the old houses were dated back to 14th century. We strolled down the famous 'Bahnhofstrasse', known as one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe. Very nostalgic and romantic area.

We stopped at the tourism office to get directions and attractions information as we would be soon heading to Lucerne. I had an inquiry as well and you know what it's! Forgetting about my shyness, because when I think about yarn I completely seem to forget about it. :) I approached the old lady from the information desk regarding yarn shops. She took a glance at me over her glasses and said " Yarn shop? This craft ( knitting) is almost extinct these days. She took another good look at me. I felt that I was from the dinousar era . Then, she slipped off a little map out and circled an area around the famous street of Zurich that we had just strolled by momentarily ago. I heard the name of a department store Manor and DH soon remembered about seen it before ( great husband with great memories?) ;) I was a little embarrassed to leave the counter because once I turned my back , I saw this huge queue behind me. Perhaps we spent a little longer in our turn. And asking about yarn shops didn't sound too important, at least to these other people.
And this was my next stop,

Manor department store , 4th floor

This was a great shop, with a good selection of yarns. They carried Anny Blatt, Lang and their own Home brand. The Spring yarns were out and I could even take advantage of the cotton yarn on sale. The colors were not so distinctive to me, specially that I have a good stash at home in many colors. So I ended up choosing this light orange color ( All the tones are lighter than in the photo) . But the rest were regular price. The white ones are 50% cotton- 50% silk, the Home Brand and my favorite buy was Anny Blatt 100% cotton in this grey blue color. The colorful crochet threads are for my sister.

Later, on the same street I found this window display in a pharmacy?? I wonder what was the purpose of the knitting display? "Knitting is good for health" or "Healing with knitting"? Interesting, right?

On our way to Lucerne we stopped in a small city, Zug. In their small downtown, you could see a stunning view. With the morning fog it was just gorgeous! Indeed, this was my favorite spot.

Did you see me in that photo (left bottom) ? I felt like in heaven. It was sure true because it was so peaceful and enchanting to walk in that area. It felt even more like it was a dream when DH surprised me with this finding!

There was just one negative aspect about this store. It was closed for lunch!! Being already satisfied with my yarn hunting from the previous day in Zurich, I supposedly could not expect for more. There were still another 50 minutes before they would reopen for business. So trying not to show my disappointment, I told the guys that it was all right ( we had to head to Lucerne) and that a few photos for my blog would be sufficient!

Ooooh, the yarns looked like candy, don't you think so? This shop was filled with better quality stock than the other stores I had visited. I spotted lots of Lang brand and magazines inside!

So, I tried to console myself for the bad luck and tell myself that I had being fortunate enough to have found the other stores. Then someone ( my younger son) loudly announced that he was hungry!! The next thing I heard was DH laughing. He told to the boys that this plan would fit mom perfectly! I can only say that my guys are the greatest! And you know what was next after lunch...

A better look at the rainbow candies! So yummy, I wanted them all! Such an interesting display. You could see all the selection and pat a ball without fears that the yarns would fall all over.

In the photo below, there are rows of zippers but i didn't buy any. There was no time to think about future cardigans that would need zippers at times like these.

Could not walk out empty hands, right? I chose Fuchsia merino yarn from Lang, some sock yarn and a few balls of silk mohair. Found couple knitted lacy doily and tablecloth magazines. Too intricate for me to knit but it's so nice to just look at the pictures. This is the type of magazine you leave by your bedside so that you can have sweet knitting dreams! ;)

The lady from this shop was extremely nice and well mannered. It was a pleasure to visit her shop. Just wished that I had more time to chat with her and talk about her knittings. All the samples in the display were her work.
Once she learned that we were on our way to Lucerne, she gave me the address of another branch that carried sale stock.
This shop was located in the old downtown of Lucerne at a walking distance from our hotel.

Unfortunately the sale selection weren't the yarns that I liked. I had the feelings that this one was going to be my last shop. It was my last chance to get some blue cotton yarn-Lang Golf ( forget to take a photo).

My younger son soon came to look for me with a business card in his hands. He was holding a yarn shop address that he had found nearby. Oh he joked in selling it to me, knowing that mom wouldn't be able to resist it! At time like this, you think they are your little angels!

It wasn't just an ordinary yarn shop as they carried souvenirs as well. There were a good stock of Italian yarns and magazines. I didn't buy anything because I was starting to be realistic about the little space left in my luggage. After all you need to show some resistance to your kids, right?
And with that I finished my yarn hunting in Switzerland. We still had a weekend to enjoy and sightseeing around the city. We visited mount Pilatus with an extraordinary view. Can you spy a knitting lady?

And last but not least, we visited the "The Dying Lion of Lucerne". It was carved in memory to the Swiss that had died in the French Revolution. In fact, Mark Twain called it "the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world."

On our way back to Zurich, we had lunch in a French border city but it was Sunday , so no yarn hunting! Will be on my future list of places to visit.
In case, you're wondering about my real knitting activities. I have been knitting , though not a lot these days. Just have been busy and not being able to concentrate. Besides my Flower Basket shawl, I am working on two more projects that I will show next time.