The Pause

Lanae linumque nodo
It's said the classic place to begin an epic cycle is in medias res [in the middle of things]. Having just returned from an epic cycle – a bike tour from Syracuse, NY to Grand Rapids, MI and a train journey from Grand Rapids to Chicago to NYC to Exit 151, I would hazard the middle of things would be the pause in between, la paz, that refreshes. For me, that would be this vision of paradise terrestrial. Ah!



Put another way, while in Grand Rapids I hopped on the #6 Eastown bus (which has bike racks!) to City Knitting, a friendly, full-service LYS full of all that's good and fibery. The helpful staff [hi, Lorilee!] made a weary out-of-town knitter feel like a cherished regular. I can think of no higher praise.



There's a knitted U.S. flag adorning the interior hallway leading to the shop. I neglected to ask after its story, but I'm sure it's a good one.



Inside, the yarn is sensibly organized by weight, with an entire room devoted to sock and lace yarn (!!!). I was very restrained and contented myself with a skein of locally dyed Yarn Hollow Elemental (63% Superwash Merino, 20% silk, 15% nylon, 2% silver) for a prayer shawl, some Yarn Hollow 80/20 Merino Tussah roving for the Tour de Fleece, Addi circulars with the new, blue cable, and Summer 2009 Spin-Off.



I immediately cast on for the shawl. I can't decide if the new, blue is all that much better than the old, tan. But I am very certain that knitting kept me peaceable through some inane spectacles that involved adults buzzing like 'skeeters. Then there was the theological claim that made me briefly channel Jonathan Edwards, it made me so angry. Yikes. I must be getting good at this knitting thing – my gauge didn't tighten up. Or maybe new, blue really is all that.

Jumping forward from remembrances past, Designs by Romi is having a sale, see Rosemary's happy bluebird post for details and a chance to win (!) one of her beauteous shawl pins.