Bookcase
Saturday was a picture perfect day. One of those 4 or 5 days each year with perfect temperatures (70-ish degrees) and bright blue skies.
My husband took advantage of the day by cleaning out flower beds. Me? I went on a road trip with my two nonblogging knitter friends to The Needlepoint Joint in Ogden.
Despite the name, the Needlepoint Joint is predominantly a yarn shop. Although, I’d describe it more as the “perfect” needle arts store. Seriously, I think it’s the best needle arts shop I’ve ever been to — anywhere. It’s a can’t miss place if you come to Utah. They have beads, roving, wheels, yarn, needlepoint canvases, dyes, tatting shuttles, bobbin lace supplies, and . . . books.
Aaaah, the books. Sadly, there was no copy of Principles of Knitting tucked in a corner (*damn*), but I did find these gems:
And I was particularly happy to find these back issues of Interweave Knits:
One of these issues has a pattern for a cute beaded purse made from one skein of Koigu. Laurie made one last year for our Stitch ‘n Bitch bag swap and I’ve developed an irrational fixation on the thought of making one since I saw hers. Now that I have the pattern I’m sure I’ll put the idea out of my mind.
Oh, and did I mention the knitting needles?? They have–quite literally–drawers filled with needles, including older, discontinued models like Addi gold-plated needles. I picked up a 12″ Addi:
Why? Because Anna says that’s what she uses for mittens. And if Anna uses a 12″ Addi, that’s what I’m using.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get gauge with the 3.75mm Addi I bought so I’m using some 3.25mm Clover double-points:
Come back tomorrow and I’ll tell you all about the new yarn I’m using.
View blog reactions
24 comments Susan | books, knitting, mittens, yarn shopping
Wow Susan, your 2 color knitting is perfection!
I am loving that yarn…tell me more!!!
Ooh, that’s a lovely mitten!
Sigh–it’s been ages since I’ve been to NJ. It IS an awesome shop.
I’d have let you borrow that IK (I have the other one, too). I might make another one of those little bags, if I can stand the idea of stringing 660 beads again. It’s great for one beautiful skein of Koigu.
Susan, which issue is it that has the beaded purse pattern? Sounds like a fun project. I don’t think I have either of those back issues. But I can’t tell which issues those are from the photo. Thx.
Was your gauge too tight or too loose with the addis? Just curious how they compare for you to the clover bamboo.
Debi’s right. Tension isn’t an issue with that mitten! Beautiful.
You scored!! I always look at the joint first for any old book needs. The prices on NPJs Addis are unbelievalbe. Do you think they’ve bought any since 1999?
OOOOH….
I love going to stores that have caches of old stuff tucked away!
Hi Susan
Which pattern are you using for the mittens. I love the scrolls. The yarn looks yummy.
Great score on the books! But oh! The irony of the needle size and gauge. LOL
That really is a fantastic shop. They carry an amazing selection. Glad you were able to pick up a few fun book additions.
I am in Ogden now and then so will try to find this shop. I am in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I had wondered, where you were in Utah, ever since I started reading your blog. Thanks.
§herry in Idaho
I think you just spread ‘irrational fixation-itis’ with the picture of that mitten. Beautiful.
Oh my word!!! You found Simply Mittens!! Did they have another copy? I’ve been looking for this for months. Have you seen the price of this book on eBay? Yowza!
I’m leaving to go to Ogden now.
Ah, Principles of Knitting. Keep looking, my friend. And dreaming. The sweater on the mag on the right looks SO appealing. May I request that you bring it tomorrow night?
The only place at which I’ve managed to score those 2 books is the library!!
Your Magnificent Mitten is going to be magnificent!!
D’oh! Mostly Mittens … that’s the one. I now have in my hands a brand new copy. Thank you, S.
Oh my – what a small world! One of my closest friends lives in Ogden! Hmmmm…. I may really need to take a trip out there – lol! Or… I might send her on a buying trip for me!
Great mittens!!! Your colors and your work are fabulous. I also have problems with gauge from that book. And, the books you found were priceless–now out of print as I recall.
What IS it with the acquisition that calms the passion? It happens often with patterns AND yarn.
The mittens are going to be beautiful.
Love those mittens! I can’t wait to hear about the yarn and the pattern. And the beaded bag project sounds very intriguing too! Which IK issue was it in?
Oh gorgeous and your tension is amazing.
Someday, I’m going to have to have an Anna Zilboorg book — fascinating.
Your mitten is lovely. ; )