Arrr, Mateys

Yesterday my daughter and I went on the 7 Jewels Treasure Hunt. We had a great time. In addition to the door prize entries each shop had clues you had to solve in order to get a little charm.

We started at The Yarnery. We got there at 9:30 and there was on parking place within blocks of the store. We went and had pastry and coffee while we waited for the store to open. We bought two skeins of yarn.

Next on the list was The 3 Kittens yarn shop. We had several discoveries there. They have new owners. Yikes! they also had the best clue of all the shops. They had several cards that had questions about different yarns. We each got our own clues and went off in search of the answers which took us to different parts of the shop. A lot of work on their part and great fun for us.

We then headed of south to Zandy's Yarn and stuff. She had a Russian Punch work designer there showing off her designs and how to do the work. Her stuff was beautiful.

Fourth on our list was Needlework Unlimited. The place was packed with shoppers and my anxiety kept me from shopping much. My daughter was also hungry and we went off in search of lunch.

Fifth was the Coldwater Collaborative. Liz found the clue in this one first and she was soo excited she screeched. One of the clerks giggled about it. This place was also packed with people and cool yarn. I'd like to go back sometime and look so more. I also got to see Deb who we met at the Yarn Harlot book signing in Eau Claire. We bought little tool kits and a cat toy kit.

We went across the street to the Mill Cafe for lunch. It was a great lunch and I wanted more of the great Key Lime pie at afternoon coffee time.

We then headed north to Amazing Threads. I really like this store and I wish it was closer. The staff is always very friendly and helpful. It is a little hard to find and I missed the corner again. Once we got their we found the clue and hit the sales attic where my good intentions of not spending a lot of money went right out the door. I bought yarn to knit Eris and some Silky Wool and Book One of the Viking Knits Collection. But it was CHEAP.

Last on our list is the shop closest to home - the Sheepy Yarn shop. I always have a good experience at this shop. It is one of the first I ever found when we moved here. The staff and Marge have always been so nice to me. I broke down and bought a Strickwear shawl pattern. I wanted the gold one but Liz like the purple/pink one. If the pattern is nice to knit I might make two.

Here we learned that the treasure hunt was a great success. All but two of the shops ran out of charms by 1 (including the Sheepy Shop - but they are going to mail us charms). Their distributors were so excited about the idea that the Grand Prize value increased and some other prizes were added.

They might do it again. I hope so, with some new shops. It was fun to go to stores I like but don't get to very often and some new ones that I have never been to.

We left at 9:20 and got home at 4. It was a very long day.