Back from Taos, which is good (Mitch and the cats) and not (deadlines and demands).
Those of you who love Northern New Mexico understand its special allure, particularly this time of year: The low citrus-colored light, mornings touched by dew and winter’s approach, the smell of cedar, sage and fallen leaves. It’s not at all hard to imagine why all those claustrophobic New York artists decamped to this pretty valley in the early part of the last century—glorious dry air, architecture born of the earth, and the convergence of Native cultures, Spanish missionaries and restless wanderers. Hard to beat, really.
Fiber tourists from Denver to Taos can indulge in several yarn shops on the way—or the way back—depending on the road taken. There are the many southeast Denver suburban shops and Colorado Springs has its own attractions. On the way down, Mom, Kay and I stopped in Old Colorado City for a spot of lunch and a bit of pre-fest yarn fondling at Needleworks by Holly Berry and Green Valley Weavers and Knitters. Both are fine yarn shops and co-exist within a few blocks of each other. We managed to emerge relatively unscathed, except for Mom who bought a couple of patterns by a Springs’ designer.
We spent the night at the Rancho and were treated to a double rainbow that sprawled across the valley first thing Friday morning. We took this as a good omen.
Rainbow over El Rancho
Our first order of business in Taos was lunch: Michaels—good honest food and an easy in and out, not something that’s readily accomplished during high season with the long snake of traffic slithering along Paseo Del Pueblo Norte. We checked in at our B&B—”Taos Best Kept Secret” that’s booked solid from April through October.
Then the debate ensued: La Lana or Taos Sunflower?
Given that we could hit La Lana Wools after the festival—it’s literally right across the street from fest headquarters, Kit Carson Park—we opted for the short drive to Arroyo Seco and the ‘flower.
The “Sunflowers” were all still fresh as daisies at this point in the weekend and it was a good time to check out their handspun yarns, arty samples and amazing sale. I fell for some Malabrigo Lace in a Valentine-inspired colorway called “Amoroso”—like 10 bucks for almost 500 yards and Kay scored a deal on some Lamb’s Pride. We had to tear ourselves away from Holly EQQ’s yarn, which was so full of color and boucle and nubbins that it made me want to sit down at my wheel. And we all know, it takes a lot to make me want to sit down at my wheel.
On Saturday we entered the festival grounds early (more on that tomorrow) and then visited La Lana, where I decided maybe, just maybe I coud afford one skein of Streakers!, a yarn I think about constantly. I bagged a skein of “Bluey” and a small hank of Dark Indigo Bombyx Silk. They’re divine, but I must say, one doesn’t leave La Lana with huge bags of yarn for $30. I rationalized these purchases as “affordable indulgences”—like a great crusty bread or artisanal cheese—a lovely treat, but one can’t dine that way all the time.
There is more to say and show. So, to be continued…