Cabled Feather Cowl from The Studio - Day 1

If you give a mom a migraine…

Last September was not a good month for me.  Eight migraines in twelve days tends to fry the little gray cells, if you know what I mean.  During that month, I was writing about my trip to Kansas City the previous May, and the marvelous yarn stores I visited while in the city for the RT Booklover’s Convention.  

I told you about three stores.  I told you about three projects I’d be knitting and documenting.  I knit three projects, took notes on three projects, and photographed three projects.

Somehow, in my migraine-induced brain fog, I only posted about two.  At least I’m attributing said omission to a migraine-induced brain fog, because I can’t stomach the idea that my organizational skills have sunk that far on their own.  I missed posting about an entire project.  I like to think I’m better than that.

About two weeks ago as I was wrapping up my 2013 files, I realized my mistake.  After a prolonged episode of face-palming and kicking myself in the backside, I called manager Cindy Craig from The Studio Knitting and Needlepoint and begged her forgiveness.  It was one of the more humbling phone calls I’ve ever had to make, and it speaks well of Cindy that she was so nice about my gigantic goof.  I hope you’ll all be as forgiving as she was.

All of that is an explanation as to why the next episodes will be about the lovely Cabled Feather Cowl I knit from them.  I hope that my enthusiasm for the project will eventually overshadow the tardiness of my accounts.  It really is a lovely, inventive piece that deserves your consideration.

KANSAS CITY - Day 3

A little bit of everything...

Start today at a bit of retail history:  Country Club Plaza.  This upscale shopping mecca is not only beautiful to look at, but was the first shopping center ever designed for the automobile-driving consumer.  Ever, like ever in the whole world.  Opened in the 1920’s and boasting a strong Spanish feel from fountains, mural, and mosaics, it’s visually lovely.  It was ridiculously cold there for a May day on my visit, but I still had a great time wandering the fifteen blocks of posh upscale stores as well as the standard retail establishments.  Many people told me the place is decked out beyond compare for the holidays, and I can believe it.  While you can pursue whatever retail urges you may have, I found a few snack pursuits worth noting thanks to some great tips from locals:

Christopher Elbow Chocolates in Halls department store

elbowchocolates.com

Chocolate as art.  Incredible chocolate as art.  I had the counter clerk pick out her four favorites and then spent the next ten minutes in chocolate heaven.  Oh, and the rest of the store is nice, too.

Natasha's Mulberry & Mott

natashasmulberryandmott.com

I’m serious about French macarons, and I’d heard of Natasha’s even before heading into this charming little bakery.  Splendid macarons and a bunch of other things, but I was only there for macarons.

When you’re ready for lunch, head to a KC favorite:

Classic Cup Cafe

301 W. 47th Street

Kansas City, MO 64112

www.classiccup.com

While this was certainly not the day for it, my sources laud this place as one of the nicest (but not particularly kid-friendly) outdoor dining experiences in the city.  It’s an acknowledged power lunch or snazzy brunch spot, so eating at prime times can involve a wait, but it was quietly bustling and casually elegant during my mid-afternoon visit.  I especially appreciated the fireplace on this frigid day.  Everyone has their favorite meals, but make sure you have the bread pudding.  It’s hard for a non-chocolate desert to catch my fancy, but this one sure did.

When you’ve scratched all your retail and sugar itches, it’s time to head just a little bit west for today’s yarn fix:

The Studio Knitting and Needlepoint

1121 W. 47th St.

Kansas City, MO 64112 United States

(816) 531-4466

http://www.thestudiokc.com

Manager Cindy Craig’s reputation, vision, and knitting skill give this place it’s unique charm.  A true craft evangelist, Cindy works hard to make every customer feel welcome.  She strives to “give no one a reason to quit knitting,” removing barriers and pouring on the encouragement.  A customer in the store while I was there boasted, “There’s nothing Cindy can’t solve!”  The store is a series of homey rooms, each one stocked with projects and fibers that make for enticing wandering.  Like all the good yarn shops, there’s a big table filled with customers hanging out and sharing their craft and lives all the time.

As you can imagine, Cindy is big into education, offering “Quarter Master” classes that cover a different topic each quarter.  I love that you can earn discount points for meeting your class goals!  According to those in the know, the Studio’s winter retreat is not to be missed!

Here are some projects you’ll want to consider:

The Reunited Scarf

Designed by staff member Susan Andrews and available on Ravelry, I love the nice balance between lace and substance in this scarf.  I also like the size--I prefer my scarves on the big and wide side.  I’ve not yet tried entrelac lace, but it looks intriguing.  While I’ve got some yarn in my stash just perfect for this, Cindy recommends Anzula Cloud.

Celebrate Color Scarf

By far my favorite in the store, this big, bright garter-stitch scarf of Cindy’s own design does what the name says: celebrates color.  You’ll need 8 different colors of whatever fingering you choose, but Cindy recommends Claudia Handpainted fingering.  “Choose colors that don’t necessarily match, but multi-colored yarns that have a least one color in common with another skein.”  If it were me, I’d get some staff help to select my 8 to make sure I loved the results.

Playful Stripes blanket

Another Ravelry pattern that takes simple stitches to an eye-catching new level, this Meridith Shepherd design utilizes four colors of Berroco Weekend or any worsted weight yarn.  I thought it would make for a great baby gift, a cozy throw for someone you want to comfort, or bit of home for a new college student done up in school colors.

Cabled Feather Cowl

While I love feather and fan for a shawl, I’ve not yet done a cowl with that design, so I'm glad this project will be our knit-along from The Studio.  Another exclusive pattern, this should knit up warm and soft in Missouri-based fiber Alpacas d’Auxvasse suri/merino blend.  Looks like great gift knitting--even if I plan on gifting my own lovely self!

When you’re done here, you’ve got two very different options to finish out your day:

Go upscale and lady-like at:

Andre’s Confiserie Suisse

5018 Main Street

Kansas City, MO  64112

816-561-3440

Andreschocolates.com

Swiss decor.   Chocolate.  Ladies tea.  What’s not to love?  Okay, the cowboy in your life might not appreciate this place, but you sure will.  Folks rave about the quiche and desert is always included--how can you beat that?

Want to get a little more down and dirty?  I’m pretty sure it's against the law to leave Kansas City without eating barbecue, and my choice was

Gates Bar-B-Q

Several locations

www.gatesbbq.com

Folks behind the counter yell (and I do mean yell) “Hi may I help you?” when you enter, and the in-your-face-helpful charm just goes on from there.  Greasy, messy, wonderfulness.  I ate something heavenly called “burnt ends” that probably would have given my cardiologist fits.  Sure, it’s not for everyone--and most locals are loud about their opinion on where to go for BBQ, but I’m glad I went here.

You know what?  If I had the time, I’d do both Andre’s and Gates--just not in the same day.  But that’s what DestiKNITions is for; to send you on an adventure beyond your yarn.

Next up, I cast on the Arroyo shawl from Yarn Shop and More.

KANSAS CITY - Day One

KCMO, here we go...

I have not returned to Kansas City since my freshman year in college, when I was an entirely-too-wet-behind-the-ears employee of the Bell Road Barn Playhouse in Parkville.  It was my first professional theater job, and I was pretty awful (both as an employee and a performer).  That summer also served as my introduction to 1) tornadoes and 2) chiggers.

My return to KCMO was a MUCH more pleasant experience, despite the alarm of a May snowstorm during my appearance at the RT Booklovers Convention.  Still, like all good DestiKNITters, I did not let freak weather keep me from getting my fiber fix on.  I visited three delightful--and distinct--shops and have lots of goodies to share with you.  We’ll spend the next three posts getting to know some of what Kansas City has to offer the fiber fan.

If you’re driving into town like I was, chances are you don’t want to go too far afield on your first day.  This is what makes Briarcliff Village such a perfect first stop.  You could call it an open air mall, but it really feels like you’ve just stumbled upon a really great shopping neighborhood.  There’s even a farmer’s market every Thursday afternoon.  Start at perhaps the most famous retailer:

Nell Hill’s

4101 N. Mulberry Drive

Kansas City, MO 64116

816-746-4320

http://nellhills.com

Undoubtedly, anyone will advise this store to be your first stop.  Owner Mary Carol Garrity is pretty much a legend in the home decor field.  She’s able to achieve that casual elegant vibe that continually eludes me.  Walking through the place is a one-stop education in what a house could look like were I ever to actually give such pursuits the attention they deserve.  Me, I’m too busy buying yarn to find the perfect wall hanging for that bare spot over the couch, but chances are you’ll love something in here no matter what your taste.

If all that style has you wanting a little substance, head for my very favorite form of substance abuse--the cupcake.  You’ll find awesome ones at:

Sugar Mamma’s

4173 N Mulberry Dr 

Kansas City, MO 64116 

816-437-8044 

SugarMammasBakery.com

I was well-coached to select the “Hostess with the Mostess” and German Chocolate flavors, and they did not disappoint.  Cupcakes tread a thin line--they have to feel like a sugar rush without taking it over the edge to making you feel just a little bit queasy by the time you reach the end of your second (yes, that’s right, I heartily believe in eating more than one per sitting). The Hostess, as its name implies, nods to the iconic Hostess Cupcake.  If I were a factory-produced Hostess Cupcake (and I enjoy them from time to time, I do), I would want to grow up to become the Sugar Mamma’s version.  Perfection.  Still, my favorite was the German Chocolate.  It was a flat-out splendid combination of tastes and textures; exquisitely moist and with just the right amount of everything.  Truly one of the best cupcakes I’ve had this year.

Luckily for you, you only have steps to go to reach our fiber find for today:

Urban Arts + Crafts

4165 North Mulberry Drive

Kansas City, MO 64116

816-234-1004

Urbanartsandcrafts.com

I particularly admire yarn shops that can make it work in high retail locations.  It takes no small feat of business prowess, and I feel like knitting gets all kinds of new enthusiasts from stores that can hold their own next to mall shops and boutiques in spots like this.  

Urban Arts + Crafts manages to spread the idea of handcrafts to every consumer--just walking through the store inspires you to try something new.  Owner Karen Roark infuses the store with her own vibrant, energetic attitude, offering a little bit of everything to feed “the universal creative impulse” in all of us.  Jewelry making, sewing, quilting, paper crafts, just about any artistic pursuit can find an outlet here, in projects that range from quality basics to high-skill boutique endeavors.  Karen likes to guide new enthusiasts to smaller projects like accessories, knowing they offer a lot of “bang for the buck.”  Smart gal.

Like lots of great yarn shops, Urban Arts + Crafts hosts a mascot, “Annie” the cat, who showed up as a fluffy kitten clinging to a wall on the store’s first anniversary to earn her name.  Here are a few projects Annie and her owners endorse:

Knit wire bracelet or cuff

Given all those crafts to mix, it’s no surprise that cross-discipline projects are a store specialty.  Our knit-along from Karen combines knitting and jewelry-making.  I’ve never knitted with wire and beads before, but Karen assures me if I’ll just stay with it through the awkward first inch (which I’ll probably have to ditch and start over--thanks for the warning), I’ll love the results.  I’m grateful she guided me through my choice of bead styles and colors, as I usually rot at that sort of thing and she loves to help customers get what they need for the best possible outcome.

Soap Scrubbies

I love artisan soap. I love knitting.  Once again, Karen weaves her cross-craft magic to create hemp accessories to enhance my soap experience.  Since I often give soap as a gift, knitting up a mitt or crocheting a scrubbie would make a perfect little set.  What’s not to love?

Knit for the Girls

Longtime DestiKNITions readers will know our family is entirely too friendly with the nemesis of cancer.  Also a cancer survivor (as is my son), Karen wields yarn for good in a set of patterns she calls “Knit for the Girls.”  Three different hat patterns, as well as a clever scarf or mitts, not only let you show your support for those fighting breast cancer, but funds the battle by supporting the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation of Greater Kansas City.  Best use of worsted weight yarn ever!

Hugs and Kisses Baby Blanket and Hat

Aww.  What mom wouldn’t love a simple, sturdy, stylish blanket like this to wrap her bundle of joy inside?  Basic but with border pizazz, this blanket would let even a beginner knitter show her love for the little arrival in her life.  Knit up with 2nd Time Cotton from Knit1Crochet2, you can whip it up in whatever color suits your fancy.

Looking to whip up a small but clever gadget?  Look no further than Karen's ring pins, an easy to assemble helper for the sewing or quilting enthusiast in your life. Or yourself.

Once you’ve scored all your crafting treasures, wander around the rest of the mall as you see fit, but time it so that you hit right here for dinner:

Trezo Mare

4105 N. Mulberry Drive

Kansas City, MO  64116

816-505-3200

www.trezomare.com

I’ve said it before--I place a lot of stock in how a restaurant treats a lone diner like myself.  When  a friendly wait staff combines with great food for a terrific experience even if I’m on my own, I take notice.  Owner Michael Lee has done it right:  I had a wonderful meal.  The decor is warm and inviting, with just the right amount of music.  

Vintage Beef?  I’d never heard of it before this night, but while everyone seems to rave about the seafood here, my server steered (pun intended) me toward a steak salad that knocked my hand-knit socks off.  And the house specialty chocolate bars dessert?  Outstanding.

All these combined for a superb afternoon of feeding all of my appetites--yarn, shopping, sugar, and supper.  I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Kansas City.

Next, we head to Overland Park for more adventures.

July Authors Who Knit: Sally Goldenbaum

DestiKNITters, meet Sally Goldenbaum.  Crafts have played a key role in her mystery book series, and she's an avid knitter herself.  Give her a warm welcome!

Sally, what’s on your needles right now?

This very minute I am knitting Gabby’s purple cardigan, a pattern designed for a little girl in my most recent mystery, A FATAL FLEECE, by a reader and yarn shop owner. It’s lovely. And all I need now is a wonderful 8 year old to give it to (my grandchildren are not quite old enough!).

What feels like your favorite/greatest knitting accomplishment? 

I think it was an outfit I knit for Ruby, my granddaughter. It had bobbles on the hat and sweater, and although they are not difficult, I had never tried them before. It’s the small accomplishments that delight me!

What feels like the worst knitting mistake/foible/wrong choice you’ve ever made?

I used a very soft, silky yarn for a sweater. The colors were brilliant and I loved them. But the sweater seemed to sag and looked a bit like a wet rag when finished!

Straight or circular needles?

Circular, for sure. I use them for everything. It helps me keep my stitches form falling to the floor and being dragged across the room by my two-year-old grandson.

Metal or wood needles?

I like wood, but sometimes, depending on the yarn, the metal work better for me.

White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate?

How about all three? Okay, I guess not. Although I know dark is better for you, I will also be a lover of sweet, rich, creamy milk chocolate. We have a Swiss bakery/restaurant in Kansas City called Andres, and their chocolate can’t be beat.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee is my first choice. But in the summer, when I’m working on a Seaside Knitters mystery at Starbucks, I begin the day with an Americano, then switch to Tazo’s passion tea in the afternoon. It can keep me going for several chapters!

Have you written a knitting character? 

All my four main characters—Nell, Izzy, Cass, and Birdie—are knitters. Their expertise levels vary, but they all share the love of getting together to knit, and to deepen their friendship over lovely cashmere shawls, soft cotton baby sweaters, or thick woolen  hats to keep Cass warm on blustery winter days while out on her lobster boat.

What’s the last thing anyone would suspect about your most recent book?

The murderer….I hope!

Sally's Ravelry name if you'd like to seek her out: seasideknitters

Sally's favorite local yarn store:

The Studio

1121 W 47^th St

Kansas City, MO 64112

www.thestudiokc.com

Thanks for sharing your stories and your knitting with us.

Up next?  We finish the Multi-Textured Scarf!