My trip's almost over. . .

Posted on December 17, 2005 by knittingpatterns4you | 5 Comments

Typepad was down so I couldn't update before. . . Adam and I spent 3 days in Barcelona this week, and I'm coming back to the states tomorrow. I can't believe it's almost over already! This always happens.

We went into London on Monday and I hit every yarn place I meant to go to except Liberty's, because we got lost at one point and ate up over an hour of our time there. I went to Loop and to Patricia Roberts, and of course had to buy something at each one. Pictures after I get back, Adam's computer doesn't have a good photo editing program.

Everything here is so expensive, pretty much all the prices are in pounds what they would be in dollars (ie, a cup of coffe in the us is $2.50? Here, it's still 2.50, but that means it costs almost twice as much)

I did managed to find the ONE thing that is actually cheaper in the UK than in the US: Addi circulars! The packaging is different, they don't say "Addi Turbos" like the ones that Skacel imports into the US say, but the needle is exactly the same. It makes perfect sense that they're cheaper, since they're made in Germany, but I didn't expect them to be this much cheaper! I bought a set for 3.75 pounds! Suggested retail for this size/length in the US is $20.00. I almost lost my head and bought a whole bunch just cuz they were cheap, but then I remembered I already own like 50 pairs . . .

Oh, and while in Barcelona, Adam and I were wandering near the Plaza Catalunya and I saw a store that showed stockings and sewing stuff in the window, and I said to him, "I think they have yarn there." Sure enough, the 2nd floor had a yarn section! This store is called something like "Mercearia," and they sell everything from cross stitch to sewing to lace to beads to underwear to stockings.

When we went upstairs to the yarn section, we walked in on a bobbin lace class! There were about 5 women sitting around a counter, each with the pillow on their laps, learning how to make lace. THAT was impressive, I don't think I've ever seen anyone make bobbin lace before, much less learning how to do it now! The yarn selection was mostly Katia and Gedifra and I ended up not buying anything there, but I always insist on trying to find yarn suppliers when I can. Don't we all?

More after I get back home, I have lots of pictures to post!

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5 Responses

Tisra
Tisra

December 20, 2005

I’ve noticed that about prices, too. They treat the pound like a dollar, but with conversion it costs us so much more. Although, I think the food prices in less trendy areas reflect this. Food, in fact, seems to be the only thing that directly relates. To AmyP whose comment is above, what would you recommend within driving distance of London (day trip)? I’ll actually be out there in January and feel a bit tired of doing the same things we always do when visiting our family in Surrey.

Nancy
Nancy

December 18, 2005

You can never have enough Addi’s. I would have gone hog wild also.

AmyP
AmyP

December 18, 2005

You should get out and see something other than London next time. A cup of coffee doesn’t cost £2.50 where I’m from!
I’m glad you had a nice time, and importantly bought yarrrrn. :)

Lorna
Lorna

December 19, 2005

Umm: what do those needles say that look like Addis? I’ve never bought them here in the UK cos they’re just FAR too expensive.

Gina
Gina

December 19, 2005

Can’t wait to see the pictures.

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