Sun 9 Mar 2008
(edited to add pictures)
I can not begin to describe the welcome that I have gotten here in Winston-Salem.
Last night, I arrived (slightly tired) to Knit Picky. I was greeted by Laura and promptly started to eye up the shop.
My word! I can not tell you how amazing this shop is! The shop is housed in a quaint one story cape cod style home with a screened in porch and a back yard. Hardwood floors, a huge (and very comfortable) red couch, a kitchen.. and a living room full of yarn. I threatened to move in and sat on the couch for quite some time.
In came Jo, the heart (and owner) of the shop. She is the sweetest, most loving person that I have met. (don’t get me started about how much I adore her husband). Jo’s mom and Susan (who resembles a very close family friend) came in with a big “hey y’all!” and I knew I was in a really special place.
Niki, my friend from SeaSocks ‘07 and introduction to the wonderful world of Knit Picky, met Jo, Laura, and for dinner in downtown Winston-Salem. Niki was seated with Kim, who also works at Knit Picky. Niki presented me with the most beautiful pair of hand knit socks!
I could not have been more tickled and grateful! They were my colors, garter stitch toes and heels, perfectly knitted and could not have fit me better. Thanks Nik!
Now, the restaurant we went to, 6th and Vine, was a great little place. It was my type of place. Great food, better wines, and good friends, old and new. After a night of “getting to know you”… I turned in to be ready for the next day.
I taught a full day of classes and headed back to the hotel to get in my PJ’s. Not to stay in my hotel. I left to go party with the girls at Knit Picky. That’s right. Jo arranged a party for me to get to know the local knitters.
Sidebar for a second. I feel, that it is very clear that I am a northern girl. The party started at 7pm. I left my room at 6:55 (PRIME GOING OUT ON THE TOWN HOUR) and got on the elevator with a group of appropriately dressed folks headed out for a night on the town. I was in my pajamas with the French poodles and Eiffel towers on them. I said “hey” to the folks on the elevator (pretending to be as fully dressed as they were) and acted like everyone wore pink pajama bottoms with poodles on them and Eiffel towers. Let me tell you, I rocked those pajamas as much as my flight attendant, Jonathan, rocked his safety demo.
I arrive at the PJ party to be greeted by the most amazing foods, wine, and two massage therapists that were giving seated massages. OMG! If you are ever on a business trip… get a massage. How amazing. We settled in for the night and chatted and knit and I really felt so welcome. I mean, I really felt like I got to know something about everyone. And everyone was ever so polite while I talked incessantly about the cowboy and D (I do miss them terribly!)
If you are ever here in Winston-Salem, you NEED TO GO TO KNIT PICKY. They were clients on Thursday and they have become friends this weekend. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have gained much, much more than I have given this weekend. And for that southern comfort, I am ever grateful!
and yes Ms. Louise … I shook a tail feather on the bed this evening!
March 9th, 2008 at 1:47 am
SOunds like a fantastic time!! I can’t wait to see pictures!
March 9th, 2008 at 8:18 am
yay! sounds amazing. i’m so glad you’re having such a good time!
March 9th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Erin - it was SO MUCH FUN to hang out with you this weekend. Dinner was great, after dinner was way fun (what I remember), and the workshop was awesome - I love my yarn! I can’t remember a better weekend in a long time. Thanks, girlfriend! Have a safe trip home, and we’ll see you next year for MSW if not sooner.
March 9th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
So glad you’re having fun! Can’t wait to see pictures.
March 10th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I had a great time meeting you and Knit Picky folks. I like my yarn and roving Very Much, can’t wait to see how they knit/spin up. Sounds like I missed a great PJ party!
March 10th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
E, do I detect a southern drawl in your blog entry? All those kind words were just as sugary sweet as pralines!
You yarn is amazingly beautiful. After my dying class I have a newfound respect for your talent. Oh…we’ve got to have more “Mama’s Pajamas”! I didn’t get one but I did snag a lovely pink “Sammie Jo”.
I had a ball with you, too! Glad you had a safe trip home. I’m sure everyone was glad to see you.
Thanks for a great workshop! Looking forward to staying in touch.
Hugs!!
Jo
March 10th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Girl you rock!!!!! I can see you now on that bed jumping around shaking the Tail Feather!!! makes you feel like well shall we say FREE AT HEART!!! I had such a great time at the PJ party and look forward to the next! I love my new yarn Sea Sick. Can’t wait to see the new yarn called Tail Feather It was like you have ( just a little hint) Seems like you’ve been a part of the group forever!!!! Mama yes you rock and we all love rocking with ya!!!
Dianne (alias-Louise)
March 11th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Whoo hoo! My Dh’s family is from NC and we love going there to visit. The only complaint I have is that I always gain weight from the bbq/slaw (not northern cole slaw, yuck, but rather a spicy concoction served on top of the smoked meat), Cheer Wine, etc. Mmmmm! Yesterday at work I overheard some office ladies discussing a knitting cruise to Alaska. Of course I jumped in and told them all about you. The “We Rock the Dye Pot” bag with me (holds my portable WIPs)was displayed, etc. I feel so proud to have a famous friend! Speaking of which, on Saturday some scrumptious yarn and darling stitch markers arrived in the mail from you with a note saying “Happy Spring” across the package. Of course I’m delighted, but I’m also befuddled and confused. I’m pretty sure that Crazy 8’s ended in February and I don’t remember ordering more yarn (that’s my story if my husband asks). Is this a pay-it-forward or some other generous offering? I’d be happy to pay something forward, but nobody… I repeat NOBODY is getting this yarn. Thank you for it, whatever the reason. It really is gorgeous. Hope the classes and the rest of your trip down south is delightful.