I had a lovely Christmas, and I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season as well. I’d like to share one bit of happiness from Christmas morning.
I opened a package from my son. Lo and behold — inside the package were two skeins of yarn. Beautiful yarn. Luscious yarn.
The yellow yarn is Pashmina, a mix of merino, cashmere, and silk that I love and have blogged about before. The color is Candlewick.
The blue yarn is Madelinetosh’s Pure Silk Lace. The color name, appropriately, is Happiness.
I love both yarns, especially that blue. If I had seen it in a store, it would have come home with me. Sterling bought the yarn at Happy Knits in Portland. (I don’t know the store, but I plan to find it next time I’m in town.) The fact that he bought it in Portland — he’s a student at Reed College there — means he took the time out of finals to go Christmas shopping. For me. Talk about happiness!
I asked him whether he had picked the yarn out himself or had help. His answer? By himself. “I just looked for the most expensive yarn.” He knows me too well.
I have a queue a mile long, but something out of that silk had to jump to the head of the line. I’ve just started a shawl I’ve liked for a long time: Tiong Bahru from Asa Tricosa. It is already providing great happiness.
P.S. Michael asked what the yarn is sitting on. It is called a “Yarn Buddy.” It’s from Sun Valley Fibers in Wisconsin. They are beautiful in person and each one is slightly different depending upon the wood. They’re really great for a fiddly yarn like pure silk that tends to fall apart after it’s been wound. I just leave the yarn on mine and knit; it rotates like a lazy Susan. Sue and I nicknamed these “Yarn Marleys” because they could drag after you like Marley’s chains. Sun Valley sells beautiful yarn also.
From Susan – I love the yarn and the pattern — the edging is great! I may use that on future shawls!
Comment by lv2knit — December 30, 2013 @ 4:30 pm
First off happy new year. I like reading your blog but this post caught me for sure, your son is very thoughtful and his thought brought a tear to my eye , I have three kids my youngest is my son 16, he knows my love of knitting and helped his dad do my shopping, I got a very nice namaste bag…it warms the heart to know that they do pay attention to our passions in life….keep posting the shawl progress plz I love the color!
Comment by Bonnie — December 31, 2013 @ 1:21 am
Happy Knits is a great store! My husband worked in Portland for awhile and I loved going there when I would visit (we live in CA). I’m going to be casting on Tiong Bahru this week also. I’ll enjoy seeing your progress. I’m sure you’ll finish well before I do. 🙂
Comment by Annette — December 31, 2013 @ 1:46 am
I second the recommendation of Happy Knits! I went to a few of the many wonderful Portland stores for this year’s yarn crawl — many wonderful, but Happy Knits was my favorite. Made me want to buy stuff and KNIT. Happy new year to you!
Comment by Pam — December 31, 2013 @ 4:06 am
The yarn is “nummy!” Can’t wait to see the finished product and your comments! I, too, love Happy Knits! Have never been there but have ordered from them online and they are great! Love their website as well! Very personal service too. Happy New Year, Sally!
Comment by Kathy W. — December 31, 2013 @ 10:16 am
Just wanted to wish you both a very Happy New Year and thank you for sharing this fun blog with us. Love it!!!
Comment by Barb — December 31, 2013 @ 10:24 am
I went to Happy Knits when I attended Sock Summit. It had just opened. Happiness is their exclusive color. Speaking of Happy Knits/Happiness, I want to wish you a Happy New Year!
Comment by Christine — December 31, 2013 @ 12:10 pm
Was at Happy Knits just yesterday, for the first time. Small, well-organized, and very nice. Lots of ‘Tosh; lingered over Happiness and Byzantine, then chose Silver Fox. Thanks for a favorite blog, and Happy New Year!
Comment by CreeksideKnitter — December 31, 2013 @ 7:30 pm
How lovely! That is the prettiest blue 🙂 Now tell me, what is that equally lovely wood yarn holder you have there? 🙂 Happy New Year from Toronto!
Comment by michael — January 1, 2014 @ 12:40 pm
Thank you for sharing. I too know the joy when your child knows what makes you the happiest.
Comment by Nancy — January 2, 2014 @ 1:46 am
What a fabulous gift, both the content and the intent … he’s going to make someone a wonderful husband one day 😀
Comment by Pru — January 3, 2014 @ 2:34 pm