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.

Chicago Itinerary - Day 1 and Day 2

My Kind of Town

We're going to experiment with dividing up the travel days into two blogs to cut down on the large amount of information delivered in these installments. So, with no further ado, here's your first two days in the Windy City, my hometown.

DAY ONE - THURSDAY:

First Stop - Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600
http://www.artic.edu/


There’s probably two things you should never visit Chicago without doing, so let’s get those done right off the bat. No matter where you’re staying (more on that later), spend your first afternoon in Chicago taking in the city’s visual and culinary masterpieces: The Art Institute of Chicago and deep dish pizza. What order you indulge your senses in is entirely up to you, depending on your arrival time and your ability to digest high-density foods. Me? I’d do the museum first, because no way are you going to be able to finish your pizza and the take-home bag just won’t sit nicely in the baggage check at the museum. Be warned, they are rather severe about the size and scope of bags you can take into the museum, so be ready to fork over some time and money ($1 per item) to check your accessories. Sadly, one of the vital galleries to us fiber fanatics is currently closed. Admission is $12, and you can purchase your tickets on line by visiting the museum’s website at www.artic.edu. If you’re visiting in May, you’ll have access to the museum’s outstanding Textile gallery, when it reopens in an expanded space. Until then, we’ll have to cool our heels in the other world-class galleries and perhaps with a few inspirations from the museum bookstore. The point here is to saturate your imagination in color and pattern. Take notes (but not photos) of what appeals to you; colors, combinations, shades, textures. Chicago is a tapestry of neighborhoods, and your fiber finds from this trip should be no less diverse. Lucky for you, the museum is open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, so you can get a full day’s visual gluttony in despite travel.

Next stop: Dinner at Pizzeria Uno
29 E Ohio St
Chicago, IL 60611
312-321-1000

Speaking of gluttony, no city on the planet does pizza like Chicago does pizza, and it’d be a crime to leave the city without tasting the real deal. While locals may debate endlessly on personal preferences, for sheer first-guy-to-invent-the-thing-superiority, Uno is the place to go. I’m a fan of the Spinnoccoli (a spinach, broccoli and cheese extravaganza), which according to the restaurant’s website Pizzanality preference test says my “outlook on life is all about happiness and fun.” Pretty accurate. But seriously, there’s no bad choice on the deep dish menu--they’re all great. The closest location is less than a mile away on Ohio Street. They’re open until 1 a.m., for crying out loud, but I can’t imagine what kind of nightmares you’d risk going to sleep with a gut-full of that stuff.

Waddle on back to your lodgings and complete the knitting you didn’t finish off in the car or on the plane, and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

DAY TWO - FRIDAY:

They don’t call it the Magnificent Mile for nothing. Today we’ll take Michigan Avenue from top to bottom, with a yarn-based finale because that’s why we’re here, right?

First Stop – Watertower Place
835 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 255-0693
http://www.shopwatertower.com/

From wherever you’ve decided to stay, get yourself to Chicago’s shopping epicenter, Watertower Place. Spend your morning wandering the seven floors of retail splendor. If you have any 9-12 year-old girls in your life, the American Girl Place is not to be missed. Lindt has a chocolate shop here on the top floor, and my personal favorite, WaoBao steamed dumplings in the lobby. You don’t need my help here—this place has everything.

Next Stop: Cheesecake Factory for lunch
875 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-1101
http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/

Chicagoans take their cheesecake very seriously. Eli’s Cheesecake, the quintessential local brand, is available in a variety of retail stores but doesn’t have its own restaurant, so be Windy City-ish in spirit by lunching in this restaurant in the bottom of the Hancock Center just across the street. They have a gazillion varieties of the desert in addition to good food.

Next Stop:
Millennium Park and “The Bean”
http://www.millenniumpark.org/

Granted, it’s winter, but this spectacular 24-acre park could make anyone love cold weather. It’s even got an ice skating rink. The park really shines in the summer with its outdoor cafes, fountains designed for even grown-ups to play in, and outdoor free concerts; but it’s pleasant enough in any season. You owe it to yourself to stop and admire Anish Kapoor’s hugely popular Cloud Gate sculpture—what locals call “The Bean.” On paper, it sounds uninviting, but the interaction of people with their curvy reflections is just plain mesmerizing—you won’t be able to explain it, but you won’t care.

Next Stop: Garrett’s Popcorn
4 E Madison St
Chicago, IL 60602-4401
http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/

Another Chicago must-have snack is this terrific-smelling, terrific-selling popcorn. It’s a brief walk off Michigan Avenue—you might just be able to follow your nose. Locals all have their favorite combos of the three flavors, but I’m a CaramelCrisp purist. Be warned: sticky fingers are unavoidable, no matter which flavor you choose.

Next Stop: State Street
Like the song says, “That Great Street” is arguably, and geographically the center of Chicago. All the N, S, E, and W, directions start here at the intersection of State and Madison. Again, loads of retail options abound, so wander down State street until you hit Jackson, then cut over to Wabash.

Next Stop: Canady Le Chocolatier
824 S Wabash Ave
(between 8th St & 9th St)
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 212-1270
http://www.canadylechocolatierchicago.com/
Walk down Wabash, with Chicago’s trademark elevated trains overhead, to today’s sugar fix recommended by our yarn store, Loopy Yarns: Canady Le Chocolatier. Immerse yourself in a world that speaks the language of “ganache” and “fondant.” Whether you’re indulging in chocolates, gelato, or any of the other outstanding goodies available, this place is top-notch foodie-quality sweets. According to locals, the “Death by Chocolate” gelato lives up to its name, as do many of the other unique gelato flavors. You’re quite likely to run into the shop’s personable owner, Michael Canady, who will happily steer you to your own personal chocoholic bliss. The express train to non-nutrition never tasted so good.

Next Stop: Loopy Yarns
47 West Polk Street
Chicago, IL 60605
312-583-YARN (9276)
http://www.loopyyarns.com/

Now, while the sugar high is still kicking in, is the time to head on over to Loopy Yarns. Downtown yarn stores aren’t always around in big cities, but this one’s a dream. Tourist friendly, Loopy Yarns gets a lot of convention-spouse and visitor traffic, so they’ll happily welcome you. It has one of the largest book selections I’ve seen in a long time. With several art-oriented colleges within walking distances, you might even see teachers bringing students in for lessons on color, texture, and fiber. The owner Vicki Sayre is generous with her time and passionate about her craft, flitting from customer to customer to make suggestions, answer questions, or go digging for that last ball of chunky weight navy you just have to have. If you’re into sock knitting, this place is for you. They also have a huge selection of Cascade Superwash.

Friday night is Knit Night here, so pick your project and settle in to stitch with the locals. If you still need dinner (you might not), you can pop next door to Bar Louie and come back for more. I was delighted to find a great mix of folks—master knitters, beginners, young, old, men and women, even a charming dog--gathered for this weekly twilight fiber fest that goes strong until 9 p.m. It’s the perfect way to end a very full day.

Here are some project suggestions from Vicki at Loopy Yarns:

The Little Can of Pain kit from Chicago-based Lorna’s Laces.
For just over $20 you can make yourself the most darling pair of socks from this delectable hand-died yarn made right here in Chicago. The colorways are sumptuous and with the addition of a pair of size 0 sock needles (and, funny enough, a screwdriver/paintkey/quarter to get the thing open), you are good to go. If you’re a beginner just itching to dip your toes into the hand-knit sock pool, this is an excellent diving board.



Cascade Superwash Hat
Let the staff guide you to a hat pattern of your choice while you pick any of the dozens of colors of this stash-staple yarn. No matter if you prefer a pattern that uses straight needles or circulars, you’ll come away with a quick, comfy hat to ward off that Chicago wind.





Urban Beats Scarf
From a pattern by Malabrigo Yarn, but you'll have to wait to see my version for an image. But trust me, this is a showstopper of an accessory, guaranteed to make you look uber-cool and a master of your craft. It’ll be our knit-long project, so watch for more in later installments.

Stay tuned for the next two days of your Chi-town Fiber Fest.