Thursday, April 25, 2013

Old Town Exploration and Yarny Finds

 I did some exploring on our little get-away last week.
I set out to look for antiques, take in the scenery, 
and visit the one and only yarn shop that I found in the area.

I started my morning with a hot cup of coffee and relaxed at a sidewalk table along Main Street
in the old town/downtown area of Visalia.  Shortly after 10, I headed over to 
Creekside Yarns for some yarny fun.  The store did not disappoint!  

They had rooms full of beautiful yarn, a room full of patterns, and lots of beautiful hand knitted, crocheted, and woven samples. It would have been very easy to buy bags full of beautiful yarn but I have a budget and a practical side that keeps me from doing crazy fun things like that.  But, their website was right about carrying unusual fibers and beautiful yarn from around the world.  The selection was incredible!  I wish I lived nearby to shop there again and again.

I did come home with some beautiful things.
I was inspired by knitted necklace/scarves they had on display.
So, I bought this beautiful, brown ball of Rowan Cotton Glace yarn.
I'm planning to pair it with turquoise, red coral, and silver beads for my knitted necklace
I just have to find the right beads so I can get started.


I also bought this skein of Aslan Trends Lecco cotton yarn.
I have something similar in mind for this but some I have some other ideas for it too.
I love the natural color, the texture and that it's cotton...my favorite!


Since I have so many shawls, I'm always on the lookout for nice and affordable shawl pins.
I found this beautiful Carnation wood shawl pin for only $10.
I love it and have already worn it twice.  The wood grain and color is so pretty.


After I left the yarn shop, I did some antique shopping and had lunch.
Then, I started heading toward Porterville, where I was going to pick up my husband at the end of the day.  I took back roads and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of acres and acres of nut groves, lemon groves and other farmland.  I stopped to explore small towns like Exeter and Lindsay.  I loved seeing the beautiful old homes, cute cottages, old downtown areas and history of the area.

In the old town area of Porterville, I stumbled across a yarn shop in the back corner of a gift shop.
It was small but a pleasant surprise because I hadn't seen any yarn shops in Porterville when I searched online.  The store was called Country Pleasures and it was on Main Street.
I couldn't resist the beautiful pink color of this Crystal Palace, Kid Merino yarn
or the price of 50% off!  I bought 480 yards of it for only $5.50!


It was a sun shiny, beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful, 
slow pace of the rural areas and small towns.  It was such a treat!
Bringing home some pretty yarn was like icing on the cake.

10 comments:

Kaisievic said...

Wow! Sounds like you had lots of fun on your road trip. Some beautiful yarns that you have acquired for your stash and the shawl pin is truly beautiful.

September Violets said...

Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a day on your own! You've picked up some beautiful yarns, and look forward to seeing what you transform them into. Wendy

kathyinozarks said...

I love discovering shops like that-how fun! love the white cotton yarn the best-and looking forward to seeing your knitted jewelry creations

thewovenspoke said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful day. I wish our local yarn shop is turning into a second hand store. Disappointing because it was filled with yarns and weaving stuff, now you have to hunt for the tiny space where the yarn etc is. New owners I think :(

Anonymous said...

Popped over to see what you've been up to lately. I haven't been over for a bit because I have been immersed in cleaning out my studio and selling loads of stuff to get ready for the arrival of my new spinning wheel and drum carder!!! Both have arrived... yeah!!!

I loved this post my friend... it sounded like such a relaxing and fun excursion! I also love that pink Crystal Palace yarn for only $5.50... that was a real find. I too am partial to cotton yarns and the one you chose is lovely.
Talk again soon!
Hugs,
Beth

Quinn said...

What a perfect day you had! Sometimes it's so nice to ramble and explore, and adding in yarn can only be a plus. Love the shawl pin, too...wood is one of my favorite materials :)

Art and Sand said...

I have never really explored that area of California.

It sounds like you are having a nice time on your husband's business trip.

Patty said...

Love your choices - you know how to pick the yarn. It's just beautiful. I hope you will show us your necklace when completed. I had to google the places you went - sounds wonderful...

Tootsie said...

sounds like a good time!
I used to knit and crochet and x stitch all the time....and then I had kids. Now I don't have time to just sit and play in the yarns ...one day I will...your post kind of made me feel homesick for it!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

That certainly sounds like a lovely, relaxing sort of day. Love that cotton yarn. Best wishes, Tammy