theraineysisters knitting and so much more

What a fun few days we had!  Seems like we’ve been gone forever or never left — that strange time warp that occurs with travel.  Anyway, we are back and ready to share the adventures of our sisterly travels.

Friday, May 2: Susan Arrives in DC
Susan arrived fairly early, so we felt we could get in a quick trip to a yarn store before lunch.  We headed for Knit Happens and paid a lightning fast visit — no stash upload there (we were saving ourselves), but we discovered Le Pain Quotidien across the street and had a wonderful lunch.  We found out that they also have multiple New York locations which came in quite handy :).  The rest of the day was very low key.

Saturday, May 3: Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
We got an early start and arrived at the Howard County Fairgrounds by 9:30.  The hordes had already beaten us there!  This is the largest sheep and wool festival of its kind in the country.  But it needs to be twice as large: twice as many exhibit areas, twice as many bathrooms, twice as many food vendors…!!  It was difficult to see all the exhibitors because the crowds were packed in so tightly.  Here is a little taste of the event:

Very fun and very exhausting!  We bought a tiny little amount of yarn for us: some lace weight, some roving, a finished garment (such a luxury).  Sally did not bring anything to display this year because we would not be able to pick it up on Sunday — we were going to be in New York. So no going to the Exhibition Hall to look for ribbons. Le sigh.

Sunday, May 4: New York City
Up early to catch the train to NYC.  We absolutely loved our hotel — The Casablanca — SEE PS BELOW!!  Sally discovered this little gem.  It definitely has a European flavor, and we were very outnumbered by British and Irish tourists.  It is small, older, cozy, and charming.  The big selling point for us was Rick’s Cafe:

This spacious and welcoming sitting room is open 24/7 with coffee and snacks, and a happy hour from 5-7.  They also serve a lovely continental breakfast:

Needless to say, we were very happy to have a comfy knitting nook at our beck and call.  Sunday evening we went to the theater and then dined at a fabulous restaurant.  Quite a whirlwind of a day!

Monday, May 5
We did a little sightseeing and yarn shop touring.  We strolled through Central Park briefly:

CP is the most amazing place — cannot be believed! 

We went to these shops: String, Knitty City, and Purl Soho.  String specializes in HIGH end (very high!) yarns and their own pattern line.  It was nice, with some lovely patterns, but the prices were a bit daunting. (Note to selves: start saving $$ for more cashmere.)  Knitty City was a real knitters’ knitting store.  Nice yarn, nice people.  Purl Soho is a small, but lovely shop (we were there on our last trip).  They carried a yarn that we really wanted, but could not justify.  We’re keeping it on our “must figure out how to justify it” list.  It’s called Road to China Silken Jewels — this picture was taken by Jess from the Yarnery:

The picture does not do the yarn justice, but trust us! 

After our grueling shopping excursion, we stopped at Le Pain Quotidien for take away coffee and a chance to relax in Bryant Park:

That evening we hung out in Times Square — it was a Monday night and you would think it was Saturday!  People were out milling around all night long. 

We had a great time.  The weather was perfect, everything we did was fun.  We were recognized a few times along the way and felt like rock stars.  (Thanks especially to all of you who said hello to us at the Sheep and Wool Festival.) It is a little bit of a letdown to get back to reality, but our many fond memories will keep forever.

PS — You never know who is reading your blog!  The lovely people at The Casablanca read our rave review of their hotel and are making the following offer for visitors over the summer months:

“We are so delighted you enjoyed your stay with us at the Casablanca Hotel! It was so kind of you to refer your friends to us, so tomorrow, in your honor, I am going to set up a special promo code “sisters”. That way anyone who uses it on our website for a reservation between now and Labor Day, 2008 will get $10 off per room per night. Okay, so it won’t pay for your flight or anything, but it will probably buy you a nice cocktail out or an “I love NY” tee shirt, and most importantly, it is just our way of saying THANKS! adele@hkhotels.com ”

Thank you, Adele!