Island Knitting Retreat Pt.2

After a morning lesson with Cat, it didn't take long for most of us to decide we had to go visit the LYS, Island Wools. I, like many others, fell down hard. My two selections are dyed in the shop. Julie's Whimsical Colors on Silk Whimsy called my name. I almost was able to resist until Megan called Into The Abyss "Electric Cookie Monster Blue". Then I decided that that skein needed a friend, namely a skein of Darkened Forest.

On a slight aside, Julie currently has signed copies of Lit Knits in her shop and she does ship.

Each day was an adventure. Mornings started out with a group breakfast, followed by a lesson, then a group lunch. Then everyone would split off for their own afternoon adventure. One of the days I went with Linda, Melissa, and Susan to the Lime Kilns park to look for Orcas. We didn't see any, but we did see this cute light house. And behind it is Canada. We were so close to Canada that I ended up having to turn my cell phone data off so that I wouldn't accidentally be charged for using Canadian services.

While driving to Roche Harbor (to find Linda a rich husband.... haha) we accidentally found Krystal Acres alpaca farm and country store. Of course when I took my camera out, everyone turned around and walked away at the same time! 

Susan got tempted and bought some yarn. By the evening, we had heard that quite a few people had found Krystal Acres and left with goodies.

I am so thankful for having gotten to know so many wonderful knitters. They are my tribe. No where else can you talk about yarn with passion and not have people look at you funny.

 I had the pleasure of taking the group photo. Almost everyone is in it.

The day we left the island, Francine and Caitlin took me back to Seattle. I didn't expect to see a Washington sign as we disembarked from the ferry. As we drove by I shouted out, "We have to go back! I need a picture of the Washington sign." To which Francine replied, "A picture standing by it?" "No, jumping by it!" Thanks guys. I love that neither of you thought it was weird.

 Thanks for taking the picture, Francine

The drive back was full of good conversation, and great stops. We visited no less than three yarn shops. I managed to resist at Wildfibers (although I enabled Caitlin and Francine into some Spincycle Dyed In The Wool) Wildfibers has a sample of my Beyond The Pines shawl and it was great fun seeing it in person.

When Francine took us to Serial Knitters, I took leave of my senses and bought two skeins of Black Trillum's Pebble Sock. With names like Butterbeer and Hedwig, who could blame me? Of course if you don't understand the allure, you are clearly a Muggle.

All in all, it was a great trip. There were so many more experiences and conversations that can't even be described in this blog. I hope it isn't the last time I get to see everyone.