March Readers Who Knit - Nancy Davis

This year we are featuring readers who enjoy knitting as well as books.  DestiKNITters, say hello to reader Nancy Davis!

Nancy, what’s on your needles right now?

I always have more than one project going at a time.  An early teacher told me an alternate project can be a good thing when a problem arises.  I am mostly working at making Chunky Knit Slipper Socks by Cynthia Miller. I have directed knitting friends to the pattern on Ravelry.  Everyone wants a pair.  I'm using Brava Bulky from KnitPicks now but also have some bulky wool that I may use for another pair.  I have also been teaching myself double knitting by making dishcloths from some stashed cotton.  My favorite though is the Double-Take Tee from Espace Tricot (also on Ravelry).  A gift of some beautiful Malabrigo Rastita is coming along nicely if slowly.

What feels like your favorite/greatest knitting accomplishment?

I love knitting with colors and making my own designs using bits from here and there.  My Lusekoftesque Mitts were from a pattern and they pleased me about as much as anything I've done.

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

I have sweaters still on needles that I know won't fit or I just won't finish and their little voices call to me in the early dark of morning.  "Do SOMETHING with me!"

Straight or circular needles?  

Circular

Metal or wood needles?  

Both.  It depends on what is free in the size and length I have and what kind of yarn and project I'll be working on.

White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate?

Yes!  Dark, milk and white in that order.

Coffee or tea?  

Hot coffee, ice tea.  No sugar.

What’s your favorite Allie novel?  

A Heart to Heal

What are you reading now?  

Saved by the Fireman; Independence Day by Richard Ford; and Slant Six by Erin Belieu.

Do you have a favorite knitting character from a book, movie, or television show?  

Mme LeFarge in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is so deliciously evil and that is documented in her knitting.

Give a shout out to your favorite local yarn store:  

String Theory

477 N. Main St.

Glen Ellyn, Illinois  60137
stringtheoryyarncompany.com

Nancy's prize package includes a copy of The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart for herself, a copy of Family Lessons for her friend, a ten-skein pack of Cascade 220 in Atlantic Blue, and a clear Cascade tote bag to hold it all!

July Authors Who Knit: Marsha A. Moore

It's time to meet this month's author who knits. DestiKNITters, say hello to Marsha A. Moore!

Marsha, what’s on your needles right now? 

I’m currently finishing up a small shawl, Jig by Annie Claire, with a pretty scalloped shape. I have a large shawl, the November Ruffle Wrap I’m doing in Madeline Tosh pashmina, waiting patiently for me from a few months ago. Also, I have the last humongous ruffle border rows to finish on a lovely Milk Run Shawl. That will be so welcome this fall. And I’m about to start a Gaia shrug that I need to go with a few dresses I’ll wear on vacation in late August.

I used to do one project at a time until I started publishing. Now, I find having numerous projects of different difficulties or sizes is better to meet whatever free time opens up. I’ve always had at least one active project going during the last thirty years, no matter what else life brings.

What feels like your favorite/greatest knitting accomplishment? 

When we lived in NW Ohio, I made many sweaters with intricate cables. They aren’t of much use here in Tampa other than for an occasional cold night, but I can’t part with them and keep them stored safely in two cedar chests.

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

I made a shrug that was double-stranded with mohair and viscose yarns. The viscose yarn snagged and misbehaved so much that I thought I’d never get the project finished. I did survive. But never again.

Straight or circular needles? 

Both. I like 14-inch straights because I can prop one needle against my thigh and work faster. Lately I’ve made a series of shawls and become quite attached to working with Addi-Turbo long lace tips circulars.

Metal or wood needles? 

Either.

White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate? 

Dark chocolate.

Coffee or tea? 

Definitely tea. I have at least fifty varieties.

Have you written a knitting character? 

No, but I have a character who knits planned for my new series called Coon Hollow Coven Tales. The first book, The Witch’s Moonstone Locket, will release in late autumn.

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

That a book about yoga could be scary.

Give a shout out to your favorite local yarn store: 

I’m sad to say that my favorite local yarn store, Knit n’ Knibble, in Tampa, is closing this month. I have yet to find a new favorite.

If you're on Ravelry, you can connect with Marsha at MarshaAMoore.  To learn more about Marsha and her books, visit her website.

Darjeeling Shawl from Yarning for Ewe - Day 4

"Who ya gonna call?"

As predicted, things got a bit more complicated with the lace panel.  I’ve never worked with a magazine pattern before, so this was a new process for me.  Luckily, knitters today have many resources to find support when knitting a popular item like a magazine pattern.  I’ve learned to always read the Ravelry comments on any project before I start—it’s free advice and always useful.

I read the instructions and am no stranger to chart knitting.  Only I couldn't decipher the nature of the repeat on the chart—was it repeated all the way across the shawl?  Or was I just supposed to repeat the section once and duplicate the whole chart panel all the way across?  Rather than sit there and do the math of stitch count (what my engineer husband would have done, I’m sure), I dove in, repeating the full panel across my needles.  Guess what?  The stitches didn’t match up.  150 or so stitches is a lot of TINKing to do—good thing I was on a long car drive at the time.  

Once I got home, the friendly folks at Yarning for Ewe were more than ready to answer my questions and walk me through the chart.  While in the car, I used my beloved smartphone to access Ravelry and reach out to designer Joan Forgione.  In a flash, I had more detailed instructions direct from the pattern creator.  Ah, the wonders of technology!  I’d never realized magazines sometimes must edit for space and sometimes need to make instructions as succinct as possible.  Me, I like an avalanche of instructions.   Now I had them—that’s the beauty of knitting in the digital world.

With the new instructions in hand, the lace panel fit into place perfectly.  I even got to the point where I could read the stitches and not keep my eyes fixed on the print-out.  That’s always the most fun—where I’ve internalized the pattern and the artistry can come out.

There’s one more switch to go—the lace edging now turns to run perpendicular of the previous panel.  I predict great fun—especially now that I have lots of coaches to turn to for support.

February Authors Who Knit: Lisa Jordan

It's the third Wednesday of the month, so that means it's time to meet another knitting author.  Today we meet award-winning fellow Love-Inspired author Lisa Jordan.

What’s on your needles right now?

Currently I’m knitting ruffle scarves using Sashay or Starbella yarn. On another set of needles, I started a baby afghan for our local pregnancy support center.

What feels like your favorite/greatest knitting accomplishment?

Teaching myself to knit via videos at www.knittinghelp.com. Then I started a knitting ministry at my church. We call ourselves Sisters in Stitches because laughter and stitching—crocheting, knitting, embroidery, sewing—all take place while we’re together. We craft items for our local pregnancy support center, lapghans for local vets, laprobes for local nursing home patients, etc. 

Straight or circular needles?

Circular needles. My husband bought me a set of Denise Interchangeable needles for my birthday after I learned to knit. LOVE them. 

Metal or wood needles?

My Denise needles are plastic, but my double-pointed needles are bamboo. I find wood easier to work with. 

White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate?

All three? I love dark chocolate with almonds, milk chocolate with caramel, and over Christmas, I became addicted to Hershey’s candy cane Kisses.

Coffee or tea?

Tea, all the way. I love the scent of brewing coffee, but I hate the taste. 

Have you written a knitting character? 

I haven’t written a main character yet, but one is residing in my muse. I’ve written a secondary knitting character. 

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

My most recent book, Lakeside Family published in August 2012, dealt with a young girl dying from leukemia. Both of my boys are healthy young men, so I haven’t had to face a terminally ill child who faced death. So I had to do some research, then pull from a place of pain so I could kind of feel what Josie, my main character, was feeling regarding her daughter’s illness. While revising Lakeside Family, my mother had open-heart surgery. The weekend following her surgery, we almost lost her. Channeling those emotions enabled me to write Josie’s emotions in a realistic manner. My first reader letter was from a woman who lost her child, and she said what Josie felt equaled how she felt. 

Give a shout out to your favorite local yarn store:

My favorite yarn store closed last year. It was housed in a home in our historical district that used to be owned by a local poet. Adorable shop with quality yarn, classes, locally-made candy and handcrafted items sold on consignment.

If you’d like to be friends on Ravelry with Lisa, her Ravelry name is: ojidli

Catch up with Lisa on her website here.

Next up, we continue our adventures into the Smocked Slouch.

TENNESSEE Part 1: Nashville

Tennessee Yarn.

That’s not a instantly vibrant image, is it?  When someone says “Tennessee,” other iconic things come to mind...Elvis, fried things, gee-tars, a lady named Dolly, and a certain unmistakable twang.

All of these things can...and should...be part of your visit to The Volunteer State.  But this blog is devoted to the pursuit of a certain something that can definitely be part of your visit to Tennessee: great yarn shops and great yarn.

These episodes--one for Nashville and one for Chattanooga--are selected by a means no more scientific than my speaking schedule (as if often the case for DestiKNITions).  I will admit, however, to a long-time yearning to set a book at the elephant sanctuary I discovered there (stay tuned...both here and on your bookshelves!).  Be warned, this first episode is all about food and yarn...shopping and culture are up to you.

To start off, let’s grab some lovely breakfast.  Lucky for you, there’s the perfect spot very near our fiber find:

The Perch

117 Franklin Road

Brentwood TN  37027

615-661-9008

www.theperchtn.com

Coffee and crepes...there aren’t many better ways to start your day.  Being the big fan of desert-for-breakfast that I am, I went for the Nutella with Banana and wasn’t a bit sorry.  You can do food crepes in a variety of tasty flavors should you feel the need to be nutritious, but why would you?  And I dare you to turn down a latte entitled “The Best Chocolate Bar, EVER.”  Awesome, truly.

Once you’ve shown your tastebuds such bliss, it’s time to do the same for your knitting needles at:

Bliss Yarns

127 Franklin Road

Brentwood, TN 37027

615-370-8717

www.blissyarns.com

You can tell a lot by the chatter that meets your ears when you walk into a yarn store.  An energetic, friendly vibe always signals a welcoming shop, one where you are sure to feel that southern hospitality everyone always talks about.  I entered to a flurry of happy activity that no doubt is a result of owner Dana Nelm’s cheerful disposition.  I liked that someone on staff said “hello” to every person as they walked in the door, not to mention the rocking chairs out front that just begged you to “sit and knit a spell.”

The store hits the right balance between a spacious, well-lit energy and a cozy, comfy atmosphere.  You feel like you won’t have to hunt to find what you need--and that goes a long way with me.

My favorite detail?  The store has adopted “Liz,” an elephant from the fascinating Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.  I know I often say that an animal mascot is the sign of a great yarn store, but this takes that theory to delightful extremes.  I had a smile on my face the entire afternoon just thinking about Liz and her fiber fan club at Bliss.

Want in on the pachyderm pampering?  Click on over to Ravelry and purchase the “Lizzy Love Hat.”  Not only does your $5 get you a clever pattern that can be done up in any worsted weight yarn, but proceeds from your purchase buys Lizzy the tender care she deserves.

Our Knit Along from Bliss is none other than one of this year’s hottest projects:  the Color Affection Shawl.  To give this national obsession a local twist, I’ll be knitting it up in  “Yet” Lace yarn from Tennessee’s own Miss Babs Hand Dyed Yarns and Fibers.  If you are color-impaired like me, the staff will be happy to help you achieve the perfect color triad that makes this shawl the popular stunner so many knitters love.  Not only did I have to have the staff pick the colors for me, but I had to have them number the wound balls in the correct knitting order!  If you have someone in your life who thinks knitted shawl are for grannies, this will surely change their mind!

If you’re not the shawl type (give me an hour with you and I’ll change your mind), another popular Ravelry-sourced project is Larissa Brown’s “Shift Cowl.”  Again, color is the star here, so pick five colors of Classic Elite Vista, grab a hank of each, and you’re good to go.  As with the Color Affection shawl, the staff will help you should color selection be one of those places where you wander off the sensible path (I have a sweater that could make you ill just by looking at its supremely unfortunate color combination...).

Need something a bit more substantial?  Opt for the Hannah Fettig’s “Effortless Cardigan” in Berroco Vintage--again a Ravelry find or available in her book Knitbot Essentials.  Simple enough to feel doable even for just-above-novice knitters, this cardi has enough clever styling details to feel fashionable.

Fiber treasures in hand, spend the afternoon doing whatever classic Nashville tourism attractions appeal to you.  Since I write historical novels, Belle Meade Plantation is high on my list, but the music scene may be more your thing.  I’ve had even non-music friends rave about the fascinating stories told inside the Country Music Hall of Fame.  The city is thick with art galleries, or the Cheekwood Mansion and Botanical Gardens combine both arts and natural beauty to feast your eyes.

No one can deny, however, that Nashville is a fine, fine food town.  Folks will tell you never to leave Music City without dining at either: 

Puckett’s

Five different locations

www.puckettsgrocery.com

I felt like just reading the menu sent my cholesterol up a dozen points.  Plan ahead...this place is often packed but well worth the wait.  I’m a huge fan of sweet potato fries and oh, my, heaven sits on that plate.

or

The Loveless Cafe

8400 Tennessee Hwy 100

Nashville, TN 37221

615-646-9700

www.lovelesscafe.com

Biscuits. Big Momma’s Blackberry Jam Cake. Creole Shrimp and Grits.  Really, do I have to say any more?

Based on conversations with other locals and my own experience, I would add two other spots for your consideration:

The Catbird Seat

1711 Division Street

Nashville, TN 37203

www.thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com

A serious foodie’s paradise.  While no small feat to get in (reservations are accepted only online and on a rolling 30 day cycle), the idea of a fine dining experience with only 32 seats arranged around an open kitchen is highly intriguing.  Definitely not a last-minute impulse but at $100 for seven courses I can almost guarantee it’s a memorable night (I couldn’t manage a table during my visit but it was recommended many, many times to me).

Where I did manage to eat was a lovely spot called

The Tin Angel

3201 West End Avenue  Nashville, TN 37203

(615) 298-3444

www.tinangel.net

More accessible but no less delicious, I enjoyed my meal here as well as the attentive service to our large party.  I had an outstanding lobster and shrimp risotto and the very aptly named “Chocolate and Caramel Indulgence” desert.  A good spot if you’re in town for business or with not a lot of time to plan ahead.

I admit, my first Nashville visit several years ago didn’t go much beyond the stereotypes.  With this visit I’ve expanded my vistas and found more to love in the music city even though I’m not a fan of country music.  With a son looking at Vanderbilt, this won’t be my last trip, and I’m looking forward to discovering new facets in the future.

Up next, we cast on the latest craze:  The Color Affection Shawl.  Will I get the tricky top edge right?  Stay tuned.....

RALEIGH AND THE CAROLINA FIBER FEST

FIBER FESTivities...

One of the great benefits of writing a novel with lots of knitting in it is that you get to hang out with knitters in the name of book promotion.  So, no one had to twist my arm to visit Raleigh NC for the Carolina Fiber Fest earlier this year.  Go to a yarn show in the Carolinas to promote my Carolina-based WWI knitting novel?  In May, when the weather’s downright splendid?  What’s not to love?

I admit that while I love the grand scale, I find some of the larger shows like STITCHES a bit daunting.  The yarn equivalent of drinking from the firehose--in the very best sense of the word.  By the third aisle I’m drowning in a case of the “gimmies” and wondering how much yarn I can fit in the house before relatives call the staff of Hoarders.  

The Carolina Fiber Fest is a perfect size--large enough to have all kinds of goodies and a few surprises, but small enough not to overwhelm.  Add to this the fact that the staff--in this case my contact was the lovely Trishia McNeill, whose husband painted these lovely sheep that now grace my walls--is just plain charming.  It’s pretty much the perfect experience.  Coming to Raleigh was like hanging out with old friends--and actually, the trip afforded me the wonderful opportunity to meet a few longtime readers (Hi Julie! Hi Kimberly!) face to face.

My Friday daytime was taken up with introducing the Teen Male Offspring to Duke University.  You’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful campus in May, really.  I walked around with my mouth open, he shuffled around grunting mild approval-based phrases like “Yeah, I could go here,” and “Do you think they have good pizza?”

Actually, the pizza’s okay but there is awesome barbecue to be had in Raleigh...but I’m getting ahead of myself...

Friday night I was adopted by the Ol’ North State Knitting Guild.  This organization educates knitters as well as gathers them together for community and service.  They meet monthly, and also sponsored a booth and a contest at CFF.  This night, the ladies of the Guild swept me up into a meal of good mexican food and Friday Night Knitting at Downtown Knits in Apex.  That’s the magic of knitting’s community--you’re instant friends with other knitters.  What a wonderful store--artistic, adventurous, warm and friendly.  We occupied the couches and were talking like old friends within minutes.  

I’ve visited enough yarn shops to know that atmosphere is never just coincidence.  I know that owner Michele Riggs works hard to create that kind of welcoming community.  Her stock is full, deep, and inspiring, the store has that artsy vibe I need when considering new projects, and the staff is top notch.  It’s no surprise that she’s gained a loyal customer base--I saw many Downtown Knits t-shirts wandering the Fiber Fest.

Michelle sent me home with two hanks of a gorgeous local fiber: Curly Ewe.  The Blue Faced Leicester (seen in my paintings, by the way) fleece is spun to a versatile DK weight and dyed to a heathered violet that reminds me of twilight on a summer evening.  I used this opportunity to use Ravelry’s search engine to find patterns made with the amount of yarn I had on hand (something I’ve never done before), and decided on designer Annie Lee’s Autumn asymmetrical scarf.  This is new twist for me:  usually at DestiKNITions I am given the pattern but get to choose the color.  This time I had the color chosen for me and I get to choose the pattern.  I’m giddy at the prospect.

Now, no good DestiKNITions episode would be complete without a nod to local noshing--and I’ve got a pair of lovely spots.  Time was a premium, so this had to be a one-shot adventure; I asked for a lot of advice on where to meet the Teen Male Offspring’s barbecue needs.  Everyone said the same thing:

The Pit

328 W. Davie Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919-890-4500

http://www.thepit-raleigh.com/

Oh my goodness, were they right.  I would fly back here tomorrow just for the warm pumpkin cornbread.  It’s that good.  It’s easy to see how owner Bob "Mr. Barbecue" Garner has earned his "Minister of Barbecue Culture" title.  The night we were there, he came to every table and asked how each diner enjoyed their food.  It can be a justifiably long wait, so you might want to use Open Table to make your reservation ahead of time.  I love this restaurant reservation app, especially when traveling.  My son and I received an education on North Carolina’s different types of barbecue sauce from our very friendly team of servers, then dug in to a plate of fabulous food.

Now, meat alone would have made the trip for the boy, but right across the street was one of the highlights for me:

Videri  Chocolate

327 W Davie St

Raleigh, NC 27601

(919) 967-9760

http://www.viderichocolatefactory.com/

The scent wafting out onto the street is sheer heaven.  And I loved that you could stand at the counter and taste every flavor they made.  It’s the perfect way to entertain yourself while waiting for your table--just wander across the street to the chocolate factory while waiting for your barbecue.  Really, it couldn’t have been more ideal for my son and I.  Everybody got what they wanted.  And everyone was insanely happy.

Will the boy spend his college years in Durham?  It’s still too early to say.  But I know this much--I won’t mind a bit if he does.  I’ve not even scratched the surface of the Raleigh-Durham area’s collection of yarn shops, so maybe next spring I’ll meet you at the Carolina Fiber Fest for yarn, chocolate, barbecue, and more adventures!

Follow along as I stitch up the Autumn Scarf to take me through Summer’s final days.  

Multi Textured Vest from Fiberwood Studio - Day 5

Bigger is better...

Adding those extra rows to the back was definitely the right thing to do.  Sometimes it's easy to forget that certain knitting projects are garments, not just art.  If they fit poorly, all the stitchwork and fiber in the world won’t redeem them.  And I am not among the “just knit it and find someone it will fit” school of knitters. If I like something, I want to like it on me when I’m done.

  

It’s why even if the yarn is the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen on  God’s green earth, if it’s orange or yellow, it’s a no.  I look ill in those colors, no matter what.  Coral, salmon, anything in that warm/bright category.  I’m a card-carying “winter”--cool, bright colors, pastels and neutrals only if used with care.

As I spread out this piece to photograph, I was reminded of knitting’s transformational qualities.  On a flat surface, this is essentially a large rectangle with two holes.  That doesn’t sound especially flattering.  That’s the thing about knitting with a drapey fiber, though, it doesn’t stay flat.  And Barbara at Fiberwood Studio is smart enough to knit this side-to-side to accentuate that quality.  As such, this piece curves when you put it on.  Straight lines become angles, edges become arcs, and the art of fiber art happens.  I never get tired of that, ever.

I never get tired of new things to do with yarn, and today I have a bonus for you!  A young friend of mine with a very clever eye for design has created this pattern called a What's It?.  A quirky little squiggly thing done up in a series of crochet spirals around a circular base, it can be anything from a cat toy to a baby toy to a package decoration or an embellishment. 

I’ve never, ever taken to crochet (despite numerous efforts), but even I had to smile when I made one of these.  Pop on over to Ravelry or click the name above to snag the pattern for yourself.  Show a young fiber friend how DestiKNITters can support!

MILWAUKEE, WI - Day 2: Around Wauwatosa

The locals call it "'Tosa," and today we're going to explore like a local.

Start your day with a caffein boost at the nearby location of Milwaukee’s spot-on small chain of coffee shops:

Alterra 

9125 W. North Avenue

Wauwatosa, WI  53226

414-259-7948

www.alterracoffee.com

As my contact puts it, “this is what a coffeeshop should be.”  Just the right funky, non-corporate vibe, an atmosphere that makes it fine to stay an hour and chat or work, and really good coffee.  I love that you order the sizes in simple numbers (“1,2,3,or 4”) rather than having to mouth off in a foreign language when your brain is already fuzzy. I gotta admit, however, I’m not sure even I could handle a three-shot extra large.  I had the minty-chocolate “Bull Frog,” and it was awesome.  Rumor has it the curried chicken salad is truly yummy, if you end up here for lunch instead of your morning kick-off.

Travel a few blocks north to this morning’s fiber fix:

Fiberwood Studio

2709 92nd Street

Milwaukee, WI  53222

414-302-1849

fiberwoodstudio.com

Designer/weaver Barbara Chappell has created a true arts studio for “fiber aficionados” in this clean-lined, full-of-style store.  One of those people just born to teach, Barbara utilizes her masters degree in textiles and clothing not only to serve on the faculty of a nearby college, but to inspire her customers.  “I want my customers to move beyond merely following a pattern to becoming fiber artists.”  Hearing her talk, you want to do just that.  

A first for DestiKNITions, this store clearly focuses on the weaving craft, but you’ll find fibers here you won’t anywhere else.  Barbara’s on a mission to help ball-and-hank-minded knitters to make friends with the “cone,” and you’ll see enough yarn on cones here to pull you in.  

“I buy what I like,” and I like her style, to be sure.  Machine knitters, this store has special goodies for you, as well as roving in yummy colors for the felters among us.  I found this to be a truly unique store that expanded my fiber horizons.  Here are a few projects to consider:

Knit Necklace

Stainless steel fine wire and beads create this stunning piece that reminded me of pussy willows.  Talk about work that demands a closer look!  If you want to wear a conversation starter, this is just the ticket, especially on days too hot for scarves or shawls.

Wet Felting pieces

I’m not a big fan of felting, but even I loved the lush artistry of these pieces.  You’d be best served by taking the class rather than tackling these on your own, but what results!  The mittens felt surprisingly soft and lush on, and the bowl is a unique piece that would make a most welcome gift.  Barbara has a set of slippers in her felting repertoire, too.

Knit Along:

The Feza Vest

This pattern, exclusive to Fiberwood Studio, knits up two hanks of Feza Alp Natural into a free-form yet drapey vest that’s just perfect for summer wear.  This is one of those brilliant patterns that lets the fiber do the talking--simple garter stitches combine into an artsy, versatile accessory.

One of the niftiest things I’ve seen yet is Barbara’s favorite gadget:

LeClerc Fringe Twister

Does exactly what it says it does.  How?  I'm not so sure but it's amazing to watch.  Ask her for a demonstration of this simple yet ingenious little machine.

Once you’ve scored your fiber finds for the day, travel back down 92nd Street to pick up the picturesque Menomenee River Parkway.  This scenic road winds along the river until it deposits you out in the charming town of Wauwatosa, known as “‘Tosa” to locals.  Straight out of a postcard and highly walkable, this town has everything I look for in an afternoon escape.  While http://villageofwauwatosa.com can list the dozens of choices to tempt you, here are the spots I most enjoyed:

I admit, too often I find that where boutiques are concerned, artsy and friendly don’t often combine.  Ah, so not the case here:

Salamander

7532 West State Street

Wauwatosa, WI  53213

414-259-0970

The staff here was as friendly as could be, making me feel like I could manage the artisan style showcased in the window.  The clothes--really unique stuff--were actually reasonable even before the great sale I found.  The top I bought here has become an instant favorite and garnered me many compliments.

The Little Read Book

7603 West State Street

Wauwatosa, WI 53213

414-774-2665

littlereadbook.com

“Dedicated to the fine art of browsing,” this little store is full of character on and off the page.  The staff made some very good recommendations, and a well-stocked children’s section pairs with just the right amount of giftware make for a pleasant shopping experience.  You know how I feel on this subject: independent bookstores deserve our business!

Ready for lunch?  Head over to:

Pizzeria Piccola

7606 West State Street

Wauwatosa, WI  53213

414-443-0800

www.pizzeriapiccola.com

Since visiting Naples, Italy, the thin-crust Neopolitain pizza style has become my ‘za of choice.  Order up the Piccola (provolone, fennel sausage, red onions, mushrooms and black olives) or the classic Margherita (my fav with mozzarella and fresh basil) and you can’t go wrong.  All of their pizzas are available with traditional dough, wheat dough, or gluten free dough.  Dine outside if it’s a lovely day, but don’t get desert because we’ve got somewhere lined up for that.

Blue Lapin Home and Garden

7600 Harwood Avenue

Wauwatosa, WI

414-443-0977

Looking for a hummingbird feeder?  A whimsical tin pig?  Moss pots?  All those decorative touches and more can be found in this store.  I especially liked the candles and other bath products.

After you’re done shopping, it’s time to for a break at:

Le Reve

Patisserie & Cafe

7010 Harwood Avenue

Wauwatosa, WI  53213

414-778-3333

lerevecafe.com

Yes, the food is good here, but I confess I never got farther than the bakery counter.  A friend recently introduced me to macarons--the rich little French cookie--and I bought one of every flavor they had and sat down to pure bliss.  An inventive menu and a full bar give you a wide variety of options here, not to mention the oh-so-French atmosphere.  

Now that you’ve had your sugar fix, it’s time for another yarn fix.  A little bit of a drive takes you to:

Cream City Yarn

15565 W. North Avenue

Brookfield, WI 

262-923-7014

creamcityyarn.com

Lisa Ruesch and her partner Kristine Porrit opened this innovative store just over a year ago, but don’t let their yearling status fool you:  these two know their stuff.  

While you can easily see the building’s one-room-schoolhouse origins, this is what the world would look like if IKEA opened a yarn store.  Fine quality basics, an array of exclusive patterns, and a technology-friendly atmosphere caters to a young but adventurous customer base.  Ravelry comes out of cyberspace to be put into full action here.  Chock full of projects to inspire you, you’ll also find a friendly staff ready to help you expand your skills.  Here are some of the projects I found particularly inspiring:

Suzanne Vest

This pattern by Jennifer Donze vest uses a smart cable detail to take a basic piece up a notch.  If you follow the recommendation and knit this up in 4 hanks of Madelinetosh DK superwash merino wool, you’ll have just enough left over to make a matching cowl.

Pont Neuf Cowl

This Kollage Yarn pattern works fine in Madelinetosh DK, or the favored basic Cascade 220. I like the balance between cozy and lacy on this piece--its slightly airy nature could take you farther into spring than most cowls.

Celtic Flower Mittens

Designer Jennifer D works one skein of Madelinetosh Worsted Weight Vintage into these retro-feel mittens.  I’m especially fond of the cuff edge--not too fussy, but just enough tailoring to feel special.

Honey Cowl

Our knit-along from Cream City is this inventive basic that wields a simple slip stitch pattern to create a dense but drapey waffle-like texture.  One or two hanks of Madelinetosh superwash merino DK knits up into this excellent gift (or self-splurge).  Good in a neutral basic, or opt instead for bright splash of color to send winter’s bleary skies on the run.

Amy Miller’s LeFleur Clutch

A new customer favorite is this piece from Interweave’s Spring 2102 issue.  Who could resist the eye-catching graphic on this practical pouch?  The color combination options set my mind blooming with possibilities.

How do you end such an amazing day?  With an amazing iconic Wisconsin dish, that’s how.

Take yourself across the street to:

Parkside 23

2300 Pilgrim Square Drive  

Brookfield, WI 53005

262-784-7275

www.parkside23.com

Yes, they grow much of their own produce, but you’re here for one thing:  macaroni and cheese.  Leave the blue box behind forever and step into the world of mac n’ cheese like you’ve never had it before.  I was doubtful that a dish so basic could live up to the hype, but whoa, I was wrong:  this is superb.  Take my advice and do not leave the state without eating this dish.

I know I’ve only dipped my toes into the depths of the Wisconsin fiber world, but these two days were as richly satisfying as the best dark chocolate.  A true perfect adventure!

Up next, a “swiss cheese” of a scarf from Ruhama’s.