The Rose City Yarn Crawl is a four-day event for fiber enthusiasts (knitters, crocheters, spinners, and felters) to explore the many shops in and around Portland, Oregon.
I set out with a budget and a time limit. I brought only cash, to ensure I didn’t exceed my budget. Fortunately, I approached my limit of money and time almost simultaneously.
I actually started the crawl Friday night on my way home from work, stopping at the shop closest to home. That evening, after I got home, I planned my route for the next day. Although I finished the crawl last year, I knew I wasn’t up for a full day of shopping – and I had errands I needed attention this weekend.
Saturday, I rose early and puttered about as I looked over my master plan and packed my bag. I arrived early to my first stop, Dublin Bay Yarn Shop. I listened to an audiobook in the car, while I waited for the doors to open. As soon as they did, I was out of the car.
There was browsing and a lot of touching. Fibre people love to touch. Surrounded by so many beautiful colors and textures, it can be hard to make a decision, but I finally made my purchase.
I had paid for a 30 minute ticket to park, but decided to walk to the next shop, a mere 8 blocks away. I bought another ticket but accidentally pushed the 2 hour button. Well, better too much time than too little.
It was a beautiful brisk morning. The sun was making an effort to peek through the clouds and there was no rain. I wore a hand-knit hat and gloves and had a spring in my step.
At the second shop, Pearl Fiber Arts, I had the chance to talk with two local yarn dyers before deciding on my purchases. I had an equally enjoyable walk back to the car. As I arrived, I saw another car parking across the street. More yarn crawlers, I said to myself as I dashed over to offer them my parking receipt, which still had an hour on it.
Two more stops followed, and, by the end, I had quite a stash.
I bought yarn for a sweater I will knit for myself (the yarn on the left). The photo on the right is yarn for some Christmas gifts – you can’t start holiday knitting too early- and for some other as yet undetermined projects.
Maybe next year, I will have time to finish the Yarn Crawl and fill my passport, but I arrived home very satisfied with my experience this year.
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