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Rose City Yarn Crawl

For the last few days I have been away.  Paul and I traveled to Portland, a trip we considered to be heading South not only in direction, but also in temperature.  The days there were sunny and about 70 degrees F or 21 C.  We walked around in short sleeves and took in as much sun as possible.  On this short trip we were able to spend ample time with Paul's son, take in two plays, one museum, a couple of discount stores and I didn't count the number of meals out.  Our ¨near-stay-cation¨ was an all around great time.





In addition I was able to take in 9 yarn shops within a five-mile radius of our lodging place in two half days.  My time away at these shops meant the guys could have time alone together.  We all got to spend time doing what we enjoy.

Here's a brief outline of some of the high points of the first four shops:

Northwest Wools - 3524 SW Troy Street  - This shop is located in the sleepy little suburb of Multnomah Village and has been there for years.  It is in a home and one can meander from one room to another.  At the back of the store there was a trunk show of a sheep-to-yarn maker.  She had goat yarn for sale and although I was tempted I didn't purchase it.  I have to look into goat yarn more fully before I buy.

Image result for northwest wools


Pearl Fiber Arts - 428 NW 11th Avenue -  Once called Urban Fiber Arts, this large shop seems rather out of place in the chic Pearl District which is adjacent to downtown Portland.  It is hard to imagine how this shop thrives there, but I am happy it does.  I did pick up a lovely curry coloured yarn there.  It has become one of my new favorite colours.

Pearl Fiber Arts logo

Dublin Bay Knit Company - 1227 NW 11th Avenue - This shop obviously takes on an Irish lilt in yarn.  I looked at Irish yarn brand names but want to hold on such purchases until I actually visit the country later this year.  This shop dyes some of its own yarn developing unique colour combinations.  If one is looking for UK yarns in the Pearl District, this is your shop.

Dublin Bay logo

Knit Purl - 1101 SW Alder Street - This bright shop carries a wide range of yarns.  Again it is located adjacent to downtown Portland although it is NOT in the Pearl District.  I found some small stitch markers to fit #3 or 3 mm or smaller.  It can be difficult to find markers this small and due to their wee size, they often decide to venture into the world without telling me where they are going.  I was thrilled to find them at an affordable price.




I will finish my adventure on the Rose City Yarn crawl tomorrow.  It should be known that if you want to visit several yarn shops each having its own special spin on yarn, visit Portland.  The density of yarn shops is impressive.  Little travel and time will accommodate lots of visits.


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