SALT LAKE CITY UT -- Day One

Day 1: Purls, Peaks, and Pudding

Mention that you’re traveling to Salt Lake City, and you are likely to get one of two topics mentioned in response:  Mormons and skiing.  Both are correct, but hardly the whole picture.  As your intrepid host DestiKNITter, this non-skiing Presbyterian spent a handful of days in the city for the first time recently.  I certainly enjoyed myself, and expect you’ll do the same.  This post and the next two will cover my travels between five of the city’s yarn shops—and lots of other delightful eating and shopping establishments—to guide you should you find yourself in Utah’s high elevation capital.

Any DestiKNITions adventure starts with an excellent cup of coffee.  Find yours at:

Beans & Brews

8619 Sandy Pkwy

Sandy, UT 84070

801-561-5241

http://www.beansandbrews.com/

Bigger than in independent, smaller than a national chain, this multi-location coffeehouse gives off an indie vibe while still providing you with a wide range of places to get your caffeine on.  It’s clearly a local favorite with friendly service, wifi, comfy chairs as well as nice booths, and high-quality drinks.  Chai lattes can be an inconsistent breed, but I found mine to be just perfect. There are dozens of locations throughout Utah and a few surrounding states.

Once your brain is awake and ready for stitching, it’s time to head to today’s fiber fix:

Unraveled Sheep

9316 S 700 E

Sandy, UT 84070

801-255-6833

facebook.com/UnraveledSheep

 You know you’re in a community-rich shop when the circle of knitters in the back is having a spirited discussion as you walk in.  The kind of place where sending you somewhere for lunch comes close to an argument because everyone’s got a strong opinion.  A shop where you could sit down and feel at home even before you finished a single row.  

That's Verla on the left

That’s the atmosphere at Unraveled Sheep.  The storefront windows frame a stunning view of local mountains while the ceilings literally drip with enticing project samples.  Owner Verla Younker has become a tireless advocate for local designers and vendors since she “hit her head against the glass ceiling” 13 years ago and bought the business.  Friendly, big-hearted, supportive, and direct, Verla not only runs the shop but a pair of sought-after “Hideaway Retreats” we were told are “not to be missed.”

The knit- and crochet-friendly shop has an extensive collection of local fibers, weaving supplies like Greensleeves drop spindles, and patterns from local designers.  You’d be hard-pressed to find a shop boasting more baby blankets.  “I stock with lots of basics, but a deep selection of those basics.  We’ll have enough of what you need for just about anything.”

Be advised that this shop, like many Salt Lake City establishments, is closed on Sundays.

Need some inspiration?  Check out these projects:

Manzanilla Cowl

Designer Katy Carroll (“Katinka” on Ravelry) takes 200 yds of Cascade's soft Venezia worsted and transforms it into a delicate, cable-ish confection.  The edges are especially pretty—something I value in a cowl.  Verla says it’s particularly lovely in a tonal hand-dyed yarn.  Just the right balance of snuggly and feminine, wouldn’t you agree?

Bronze Maple Shawl

Crocheters will drool over this stunner from Ryan Hollist, aka Joe d'Arc Crochet. Stitched up with 600 yards of Marianated Yarns’ Scrumptious high twist merino cashmere, this draped delight is one I don’t think I could bring myself to give to someone else.  Were I ever to attempt crochet, this would be the project.

Turn Turn Turn Shawl

At last, a bottom-up shawl I can love!  The pattern by designer Mary Triplett (JustKnits on Ravelry), works from the bottom up in short rows, then turns to add the lacy trim.  Verla suggests local fiber Sublime merino cashmere-nylon blend from Greenwood Fiberworks.  You’ll need one skein each of a tonal and complementing solid.

Knit Along: Fili Top-down Convertible Mitts

These mitt/mitten combos sport a uniquely clever construction I can’t wait to try as our Knit Along from Unraveled Sheep.  Designer Sheila Toy Stromberg works them from the middle down and then back up again.  I’ll be using Elsebeth Lavold’s Silky Wool—a fiber I came to love when I used it in the Celtic Princes Braided Scarf—but Verla also suggests Cascade's Roslyn. Eye-catching cables give these smart-phone friendly hand-warmers an extra dab of style.

Ready for lunch? The opinionated crowd at Unraveled Sheep gave us two fine options:

Olympus Burger

9326 S 700 E

Sandy, UT 84070

801-571-6868

olympusburgers.com

Don’t let the fast-food exterior fool you—this was a highly touted and super-close lunch spot for the Unraveled Sheep crowd.  The namesake burgers and Greek classics are on the menu, but our sources praised the lemon rice soup. Everything is made to order, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you opt for the drive-through, but it’s worth it.

Tin Roof Grill

9284 S 700th E

Sandy, UT 84070

801-566-5226

tinroofgrill.net

Only slightly farther away than Olympus Burger, this eatery offers Italian, tapas small plates, and  a wide variety of other meals.  They’re also famous for their cheesecakes, so there’s lots to love.  I was there in January, but in warmer weather the patio is a great choice as well.  Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this is a family friendly spot and also a good choice for Sunday Brunch.

After lunch, it’s time to take in a bit of the mountains.  Even if you don’t ski, a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road should not be missed.  I tried in vain to capture the grandeur of the scenery in photos, but it simply can’t be done.  The whole majestic mountain thing will make sense as you ascend.  If there are two of you, switch drivers at the top so each of you can have a chance to press your face against the window and be awed.  I ended up in plaster last time I donned skis, and it still was almost enough to tempt me back.  Almost.

Now it’s time to spend the afternoon at a charming shopping village complete with its own fiber fix—Gardner Village in West Jordan.  Priorities being what they are, the yarn shop is our first stop:

Willow Hill Yarn Company

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088
(801)282-0477

willowhillyarncompany.com

Emily on the right

Nothing cheers the spirit like a brand-spanking new yarn shop!  Young new owner Emily Dern took over the establishment (known as Kamille’s for many years) on January 3.  

“I want to create the kind of shop where you can sit and knit and talk to people” says Emily—exactly what a DestiKNITter wants to hear.  There will be a full-blown open house in March, but the store is definitely up and running now.  She wants "all knitters and crocheters to feel welcome--whether your yarn stash is huge or just starting out."  

Offering free beginner classes, Emily is out to lure new enthusiasts to the craft with fun events like movie nights in the homey upstairs gathering space. You can’t help but feel cozy in the historic log cabin packed with yummy yarn.  Alpaca is quite popular, but she has a healthy selection of many fibers for a small-sized shop.

Some projects that caught my eye:

Crazy Cowl

Double knitting makes this one seriously warm accessory.  While any self-striping yarn will work, Emily recommends Shepherd’s Wool Crazy—hence the name.  A perfect gift to show the teen or millennial in your life that knitting is most definitely cool—or, in this case, warm.

The Man Hat

That's the Man Hat on the left

I could not get over how soft and “non-acrylic” feeling this hat was when stitched up in Berroco Comfort Chunky.  I’d never guess this to be a synthetic.  One-by-one ribbing ensures a snug fit and good shaping, and it only takes one skein.  Plymouth’s Chunky Alpaca works well for this one, too.

Lisa Knits Stockings

What’s a log cabin without hand-knit stockings by the fire (or in this case, in the window)? One skein of Berroco Comfort Chunky knits up for a holiday heirloom with this Ravelry pattern by Lisa Knits.  Worsted weight or chunky yarn will yield different sizes and textures, but you can’t  go wrong with these cheery designs.

Knit A Long:  Little Cotton Rabbit Doll and Dress

Way up there on the “aww” scale, this adorable stuffed bunny gets her own hand-knit jumper and matching striped tights with Julie Williams’s pattern.  Willow Hill will offer a Little Cotton Rabbits club, with classes and monthly selection of outfits!  Constructed from HiKoo's SimpliCria Super Baby Alpaca and Simplicity cotton (both from Skacel-HiKoo), this is a irresistible project for advanced-beginner to intermediate knitters.

Now that you’ve scored your requisite yarn, spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the many shops of Gardner Village.  Here were a few of my favorites:

Aunt Elsie’s Trinkets & Treasures

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-561-5557

auntelsiestreasures.com

The sachet scents that surround you upon entering evoke a more refined place and time as you wander this shop filled with antiques, consignments, specialty linens, and other vintage finds.

Celebrations by Modern Display

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-569-0323

moderndisplay.com

Sure, Christmas and Halloween take center stage at this shop, but there were other collectibles and gift items to be had.  My favorites were the enormous holiday villages as well as the Mark Roberts Santa Fairies.

Chocolate Covered Wagon

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-938-1963

chocolatecoveredwagon.com

Gourmet hot chocolate is a big deal in this city, and this is the place to get some of the best.  It was the salt water taffy and the to-die-for sea salt caramel fudge, however, that I’ll remember.  Our friendly clerk was kind enough to turn on the taffy pulling machine and give us a demo!

Upon the Shelf

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-256-9955

gardnervillage.com/upon-the-shelf

A wide, surprising variety of gifts, home decor, and handmade creations, this packed little store held all kinds of things I wished my suitcase was big enough to hold.

There’s also The Bead Farm, Layers Beautiful Bedding for luxurious linens and stunning quilts, the Naborhood Bakery Cafe with with killer tarts and an inventive kids “Cookie College” program, and dozens of other shops.  

When you’re shopped out and ready for dinner, look for the water wheel and head to: 

Archibald’s

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-566-6940

gardnervillage.com/archibalds-restaurant

I had very good chicken pot pie, but it was what I had before and after that marks this as a great eatery.  The fried green tomatoes appetizer is a house speciality, as is the scrumptious white chocolate bread pudding.  Both are big enough that you’ll definitely need to share (but be warned…you may not want to.)

A delicious end to your first day in Salt Lake City.  Kick back, knit a few rows, and rest up, because tomorrow holds even more adventures.

Great Prismatic Cowl from Spinnin' Yarns--Day 3

Stitch and sniff...

I’ve discovered something between this project and my last linen stitch project.

I’m not a big fan of the linen stitch.

The thing I like most about the majority of shawls, scarves, and cowls that I knit is the drape.  I rarely go for the chunky projects—I like the finer ones, the lacy but not fussy stuff.  While I’m a big fan of texture, linen stitch feels to me like all texture and no stitch.  All those bumps and nubs!  

And for whatever reason, linen stitch feels like too much work to me.  I can’t explain it; the quick-as-a-wink slipped stitch should make up for all that switching the yarn back and forth, and this isn’t that much different than a 1x1 or 2x2 rib, but it feels like more work.

In this cowl’s defense, I am coming down with a cold, and I’m cranky.  So there’s that.

Also in this cowl’s defense is it’s stunning color.  It really is a balm to my spirit to work a bright, clear color on a cloudy, wet, cold Chicago January day.  We do seem to specialize in especially dreary winters in Chicago, so this stunning teal-turquoise was an ideal therapeutic choice. The vibrant, almost tropical play of hues is just what I need right now.

Well, that and some NyQuil.  

November Reader Who Crochets: Anaida Morales

We don't just feature readers who knit, DestiKNITions also loves to hang out with readers who crochet!  This month we get to do just that--DestiKNITters, say hello to Anaida Morales.

Anaida, what's on your hook right now?
Right now I am crocheting a new scarf for the coming winter days.

What feels like your favorite/greatest crocheting accomplishment?

I am an intermediate crocheter. So, I feel that being able to crochet a nice looking doily has been my favorite. I've also made baby blankets that have turned out just like the picture. :)

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

My choice of yarn was not great at the very beginning. Later, I started reading about the different kinds of yarn in order to pick the best for a particular project.

Metal or wood needles?

I like the metal crochet needles best.

White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate?

Milk chocolate

Coffee or tea?

Coffee

What’s your favorite Allie novel?

The Doctor's Undoing

What are you reading now?

Amor Redentor (Spanish version of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers)

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

Agathy Christie's Miss Marple

Give a shout out to your favorite local yarn store:

It's a bit of a drive for me, but I really like  

Sheep's Clothing Knitting Supply

60 West Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

www.KnitDoctor.com

Anaida chose a copy of Masked by Moonlight for herself and Family Lessons for her friend.  Thanks to our sponsors at Cascade, she also gets a nice big batch of Cascade 220 and a nifty totebag, too!  If you'd like to be featured on Readers Who Knit and get similar spiffy prizes for yourself, send an email to me at allie@alliepleiter.com for instructions.

DALLAS, TX - Day One

Dallying in Dallas...

Anyone my age gets a mental image of J.R. Ewing when you mention the word Dallas.  Certainly, there are no shortage of stereotypes attached to this Texan city.  But we DestiKNITters, we go beyond the stereotypes to have unique adventures of the yarny (and yes, the sugary) kind.

I was in Dallas for the most fun of professional reasons, to accept the Reviewers Choice Love Inspired Book of the Year from Romantic Times Magazine.  Any reason to don an evening gown and give a speech is a good thing for this former theater major.  But you know me—I couldn’t let it go at that.  I had to go find out what some of Dallas’s yarn shops had to offer.  I was not disappointed.  Let’s get started on this first of two days:

Panini Bakery & Cakes

6063 Sherry Lane 

Dallas, TX 75225

(214) 363-1225

www.paninicakes.com

You probably already know I believe in bakery goods for breakfast.  When you start you day with dessert, life just goes better.  Here, thanks to a tip from my sources, I indulged in their signature white chocolate mousse cake with raspberry filling.  Outstanding.  All the joy of a sugar rush without the ick-too-much feeling that comes when the frosting overtakes the cake.  They make a dark chocolate and a cappuccino version as well…I may need return visits! If you can’t stand the thought of so much sugar at breakfast, they do “Lunchboxes” from 11- 2.

Next, on to our fiber find:

Holley's Yarn Shoppe

5211 Forest Ln

Dallas, TX 75244

(972) 503-5648

holleysyarn.com

Tucked in at the northeast corner of Forest and Inwood you’ll find a friendly, inventive yarn shop eager to welcome you.  Owner Susan Holley Wellik is a bundle of energy.  A former marketing executive and stay at home mom, Susan “needed a clubhouse” to host her knitting passion, and she’s made a terrific hangout for the rest of us.  The congenial, encouraging atmosphere lets   you know you can bring your thorniest knitting problem here and get good help.  “Let’s find a pattern you will like and use” is Susan’s service model, and it keeps a loyal band of customers coming back again and again.  

Most classes are set up as “open help” rather than focused on specific projects, but there are some technique offerings to boost your skills.  Susan is a big believer in toe-up socks for teaching. ”All the skills come right up front with toe up socks.”  Her classes offer a “lifetime guarantee”—you can keep coming back until you get it right, no matter how long that takes.

Susan stocks the store by weight—a smart choice given the Texan climate.  She selects yarns by touch—“Here, it’s all about the tactile.  We don’t layer much in Dallas—whatever you knit is going to touch your skin, so it has to feel good.”  She’s right in that thinking, and right on target in her products—this whole store feels good!

Can’t decide?  Here are some projects to consider:

Cowgirl Shawl

Grab 2 skeins (or roughly 200g) or any long striping yarn plus another 50g of a complementary solid, and you can whip yourself up this sturdy yet flirty wrap.  This one is made from Cascade Casablanca with a ruffle of Borrocco Lustra.  Any worsted weight you’ve got hiding in your stash will work as well, but go for a long striping variety to give you the eye-catching vertical stripes that make this piece pop.  This is a good first shawl—there is a lot of basic stitching but with enough design treats to make a novice knitter feel accomplished.

Market Bag

Whether or not your city, like Dallas, has recently banned (and as of today un-banned) plastic bags, here’s a perfect project.  Lots of versions are meshy and open, but sometimes I want one a bit sturdier.  This one fits the bill, with a nice little touch of tassels.  It works up with two hanks of a nice cheery bright like Rowan’s Creative Linen—but be warned:  this one calls for a LOT of i-cord!

Silk Wrap

Sometimes a full shawl is too much, and you just want something light and cute to punch up an outfit or keep the air conditioning off your neck.  This wrap showcases the color and texture of Silk Jewel beaded mulberry silk to fabulous results. The beads mean you’ll get great eye appeal whether you choose a bright tone or a versatile neutral. Great gift or vacation knitting!

Dallas Top

Well, of course we’d need to include Tahki’s Dallas top done up in 6-11(depending on sizing) skeins of Aruba cotton linen blend.  Following Susan’s “it has to feel good against the skin” motto, this project is stitched up in reverse stockinette for a smooth and comfortable wear.  The soft tropical color combinations let the texture do the talking.

Once you’ve filled your project bags, head to:

Liberty Burger (right next door) or

Liberty Burger Lakewood

1904 Abrams Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75214

(214) 887-9999

givemelibertyburger.com

Yes, there’s a location right next to Holley’s if you’re tight on time, but you may want to consider this other one if you’re going on to the park (see below), or aren’t hungry enough to eat before you spend time knitting in the great outdoors.  Whichever location you choose, just don’t do takeout.  You want to dine-in so you can experience the “Adult Shakes”—spiked milkshakes! And you might want to check out the website first, because not all Adult Shakes are available at all locations (which might influence your choice).  Me?  I ended up choosing the Nutty Monk (yea Nutella!) but would have been just as happy with the Mudslide.  We don’t have these in Chicago, and boy-howdy that needs to change…

Ready to soak in some Texan sunshine?  Head to:

Klyde Warren Park

2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, 

Dallas, TX 75202

(214) 716-450

klydewarrenpark.org

Image from klydewarrenpark.org

This one you’ll have to take my source’s word for, because it was raining every single day of my visit to Dallas.  The 5-acre green space hosts hundreds of events and is a great place for a relaxing afternoon of alfresco knitting or just hanging out.  There’s a full service restaurant and a walk-up kiosk if you haven’t stuffed yourself earlier, as well as an enticing collection of food trucks (a Texas “gotta-do” in my opinion).  Fourteen different areas and features give you endless ways to spend your time. The Dallas Museum of Art is close by if the weather turns surly.  

End your adventures by ducking just a few minutes east to:

Kate Weiser Chocolate

3011 Gulden Ln 

Dallas, TX 75212

(214) 326-6419

http://kateweiserchocolate.com/

Art you can eat!  Like the Christopher Elbow chocolates I discovered in Kansas City, these confections are as much about how they look as how they taste.  Honestly, you could pick your next Color Affections Shawl combination from any of these “handpainted” chocolates.  Inventive shapes, wild colors, luscious flavors—these are so much more than a box of sweets!  Select a few that catch your fancy and eat them staring at the stunning new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.  I chose toasted coconut, sweet potato (yes, really!), and hazelnut latte.  A feast for the eyes and the tongue, and the perfect way to end my first day in Dallas.

Dinner—if you have room—can be anywhere you choose.  Just stay away from the barbecue, because that’s on tomorrow’s docket!

February READERS WHO KNIT: Meet Sherry Letchford

In the past months I've featured authors who knit--but now we're turning the tables and meeting readers who knit! DestiKNITters, meet our first reader feature, Sherry Letchford:

Sherry, What’s on your needles right now? 
I'm knitting a prayer shawl for the hospital. [DestiKNITters, Sherry tells me she has logged over 12,000 hours making prayer shawls and baby hats for a local hospital--that's some impressive charity knitting!]

What feels like your favorite/greatest knitting accomplishment?   

My son's baby afghan...I had to count each stitch and row but it was beautiful when it was done.

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

Some yarn I bought that was beautiful but kept tangling and knotting when I tried to knit with it.  I had to throw it away.

Straight or circular needles? 

Straight

Metal or wood needles? 

Both.  My smaller needles are metal and my larger ones are wood.

White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate?  

Definitely dark chocolate.

Coffee or tea? 

Neither

What’s your favorite Allie novel? 

The Fireman's Homecoming and 

Falling for the Fireman

What are you reading now?

A Midwinter's Tail: A Magical Cats Mystery by Sofie Kelly

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

The TGIF (Thank Goodness Its Fiber) group from Molly MacRae's Haunted Yarn Mysteries

Give a shout out to your favorite local yarn store:  

We don't have one anywhere close, but I love STITCHES MIDWEST each year in Schaumburg, Illinois. I believe that is where I first met Allie.

Sherry gets some lovely prizes for being a DestiKNITions featured reader!  First, she gets some Allie books: Sherry chose The Firefighter's Match for herself and Saved by the Fireman for her friend.  Thanks to the lovely folks at Cascade Yarns, Sherry also gets ten hanks of Cascade 220--she chose Stratosphere Blue--and a nifty tote bag to hold all those goodies!

If you'd like to be a featured reader, send an inquiry email to me at allie [at] alliepleiter [dot] com.