and just how should one feel after major Stash Enhancement?
Jackman Bear Fountain, Glenview, IL
Alrighty now – I’ve been on the quest for super work sweaters for awhile now, and the yarns to make them. One of the most elusive candidate fibers thus far has been something called Bluefaced Leicester. Lustrous. Strong. Hard-wearing.
British!
Do I let a little thing like the Atlantic get in the way of my Quest?
No need! All I need(ed) was a little help from my friend(s) – and Rachel, who’s fancy footwork unearthed a load of this fine fiber, joined me on the Metra Saturday for a field trip to Glenview, Il. home of The Village Knit Whiz yarn shop.
948 Harlem (Olympia Plaza) Glenview, IL
These fine folks had small stock of same and we had a fine day exploring their excellent collection of yarns.
Into my arms, leap-o Navy Divine! 15 balls of discontinued Berroco Connoisseur Collection Blue Faced Leicester destined to become an aran design this fall…
But in the meantime? A few balls of some denimy cotton blend DK by Zitron called POLO – on the needles before the BFL reaches the start point?
I’ll have to check out that shop sometime soon. Looking forward to seeing the sweater debut later this year. :)
Whew! I especially like the lighter blue! Very sophisticated!
Oooh pretty yarn! That will make a gorgeous aran. I do love BFL. It is one of my favorite, but harder to get, spinning fibers. Begs the question though why the yarn companies discontinue all the nice basic yarns.
I know! I think this was discontinued right before the Great Knitting Era (2002?) began…
Wonder what they think now?
I was just reading in Interweave yesterday about blue faced leicester. I’m all about finding some now!
Wow, connoisseur yarn indeed! Congrats on the find.
Excellent bear.
I am loving your little Green Day updates. How fun to celebrate the beautiful color in this way! :) Great photographs!
Best wishes, Bonne!
Lolly
The names of knit stores crack me up. Those and barbershops/beauty parlors. Must we go that route?
Fleece Artist has Bluefaced Leicester yarn in four weights and lovely colours. http://www.fleeceartist.com/
Me again… as does London-Wul Fibre Arts they have fleece too. http://www.thewoolworks.com/welcome.htm
Wow, what a score. The Berocco BFL has been long discontinued and is one of my faves. Good work snagging enough for a sweater!
OH My GOD!
I used to live in Glenview!! What a flashback with the “bear”. I am sure nothing else looks the same, but just to see the name in print. Used to live on Huber Lane… near Woodrow Wilson Elementary. sigh…what cute little memories.
I LOVE Polo–I just completed a tank top for my MIL in it, it’s a lovely yarn. Nice Blog!