papergypsy

ESquared, you are just amazing! Thanks so much for the list.

Thanks for the tip.

I have had no problems working in the round on circular needles, or on double-points. My two raglan sweaters were knit using a combination of both (and I hate to seam, so the one-piece raglan is perfect for me).

I've been using a large circular needle instead of dpn's to make caps lately - I forget exactly what the method is called, but it involves leaving a loop or two of needle within the work.

I'm more concerned about the heel of the sock, as those look tricky.

Plus, gauge issues. My friends at KnitWits use these tiny little needles, and since I knit European style, I "knit big" and always have to bump down a few sizes to make gauge. I'd be concerned about snapping the really thin needles I'd need! :)

AHHHHH, a knitter after my own heart! Caps using the "magic loop" are the best. I also hate to seam, so I was really happy when someonone showed me how to do my sweaters on the circulars. And I knit European and "big" (I think the 2 go hand in hand, to be honest). If you are concerned about using small needles (I usually knit on size 2 or 3 for sport weight socks) you can always find a pattern for knitting a DK or 4-ply yarn on size 5, 6 or 7 needles. Lorna's Laces has great sock yarns in heavier weights - I buy them online at www.jimmybeanswool.com.

CruisingCarol,

You just made my day! I kept trying to figure out where I would stash my husband and daughter while I was shopping in Ketchikan. They can do e-mail at the Internet Cafe while I buy fabric!

Do you remember where the internet cafe is in Juneau, or do you know how I can find info on it before we get to Juneau? Juneau is our first stop, Ketchikan is our last, and DD is bringing her Mac. I really don't want to try to imagine what DH and DD will be like without access to the "outside world".

Any help you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated!

Cindy,

Socks are really easy, because you keep knitting 'round and 'round. I do them on 2 short circular needles instead of 4 needles because it is next to impossible to drop stitches off the ends of the circular needles. Also, they don't take a lot of yarn and you are not toting a lot of "stuff" around with you when you knit socks. They make great gifts when you find yourself drowning in them, too!

If you can get your hands on the book "Socks Soar on Two Needles", you will have a great reference with easy to follow directions and good pictures to follow.

Hope you enjoy the shop!

Tweedy,

As my daughter would say - you are the bomb!

Thanks for your assistance with the flyers and all. Urban Fare looks a lot like Whole Foods here at home. They are a great place to find that hard to find ingredient, and their take away is the best. But they are a bit pricey.

Thanks to you!

Putterdude,

There is a Shopper's Drug Mart (on Pender) near our hotel (Marriott). We were thinking of walking there to pick up water and last minute things we may have forgotten to pack.

Is this a fairly reasonable place to shop?

BTW, you have been an invaluable resource, and thanks for taking the time to respond to all of us!

Putterdude -

What is the Fernie Flash up to these days - boy that was a LONG time ago. He played for the Roadrunners in the late 60's - early 70's. I left Phoenix in 71, and I think he still played for them then.

I was really sad to hear that the Roadrunners have informed the ECHL that they have ceased operation as a hockey club. I believe they were the first professional sports organization in Phoenix, beating out the Suns by a year or so.

Urban trekker - It was the Phoenix Roadrunners!!!!! I used to work in their ticket office. Nothing like ice hockey in the middle of the desert.

Princess,

I have heard lots of good things about Changing Threads in Skagway - it is already on my list of places to shop. I understand that they have an amazing yarn spun from Alaskan Musk Ox. Here is a great link to their site.

They also have dyed roving, if you are a spinner or know someone who is.

I plan on taking a couple of pairs of socks to on the way up, then buy more yarn at this shop to knit more socks on the way back down.

Can anyone recommend a quilt shop in Juneau, Skagway or Ketchikan? I would like to purchase Alaska themed patterns or fabrics for my group of quilting buddys that I sew with every week. Any ideas for unique gifts would be greatly appreciated.