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air france, amsterdam, antwerp, antwerpen, belgium, brussels, dutch airlines, Europe, holland, klm, netherlands, rotterdam, schroder, stephen and penelope, Stitching, travel, yarn, yarns, Yarnstash
I have not been around here for a bit, and the good news is that I was travelling to Europe for a vacation.
It was very hot, and I got a lovely tan to show off now. 🙂 I only visited Belgium and Holland, and tried to see as much as is possible. I absolutely loved every moment of it, and I think I left a little piece of myself behind in Rotterdam. I fell in love with this city the moment I arrived. Everywhere we went was stunning and gorgeous, and I did everything I could to see it all. But in Rotterdam I had the best time. I definitely plan to go back and spend time there again.
The first stop was Belgium, and we stayed in Brussels. I did not have any idea of where the woolshops or such was. I did however discover these gorgeously soft yarns in the back of a huge store, and also got the sweetest little kit for a doggie to stitch.
European Vacation Shopping
European Vacation Shopping
In Rotterdam I took some time one morning and visited the store Schroder. It was a quick walk there, and I had such a lovely time. I spent time with the lovely ladies assisting me, and we had lots of good chats and laughs. The choice was difficult. 🙂 I wanted it all, but had to keep in mind going home with it all. So I settled for some Scheepjes knitting yarn, and Scheepjes crochet cottons, and of course, I could not resist a few stunning pieces of pretty blue dutch themed fabric. I did not get around to Jawol in Rotterdam, as it was summer holidays and most stores were enjoying the holidays too. I did go to the Markthal and was overwhelmed. 🙂 A must see to all. And if you are not afraid of heights, Euromast!! I went all the way to the top, and we even had lunch in the restaurant there, way up in the sky.
European Vacation Shopping
Amsterdam had to include a stop at De Bejinkorf, of course. I checked out the routes there the evening we arrived already, so I knew where to go the next day. 🙂 And the lovely Stephen and Penelope is walking distance from there. I am so happy I finally got around to the store, and loved the visit. Such a lot of yarns, notions, pins, bags, needles and hooks. I loved the yarn I got, “the Night Watch” as inspired by the famous painting. And how cute are those little house needle size gauges.
🙂 yes I did see all the paintings and visited the museums too.
European Vacation Shopping
So worth the trip, and so worth the long haul home. It was 37 hours from getting up the morning, last few hours before travelling later in the afternoon, layover in Paris, overnight flight, and getting back to Johannesburg the next day. Collecting Miekie and finally home again. I will do it again anytime.
Going home again
Thank you Air France and KLM for taking such good care of us.
littleblackdogsa 
Everything looks wonderful but that doggie kit is super cute!
🙂 Thank you. It was just wonderful, and I look forward to a quiet afternoon some time to stitch my little doggie.
It sounds like a lovely trip and your souvenirs are the best! You’ll remember your trip as you craft:)
🙂 It was an absolute lovely trip and time. I wished I could have stayed so much longer. I will definitely remember the trip, and I hope I can go again. It was just fantastic.
wow – what fun! I love it all, but especially the Dutch themed fabrics. SO adorable!
🙂 Lots of fun indeed. I just could not resist the pretty fabric. It is not something I will find here. 🙂
I have never seen anything like it!
🙂
Green with envy here. Places I’ve always wanted to visit. At least you took us along on your trip. I love finding things in shops in other areas that can’t be found in our own. So exciting and you almost don’t want it to come to an end.
🙂 My pleasure to share the adventure. It was most amazing. I am so glad I got the opportunity to go. It is a beautiful part of the world. It loved seeing it all, and shopping there as well. 🙂 lol. I did not want to come home, but eventually one has to. I will be trying to go again, I miss the places already.
Glad you had a fabulous time (and shopping!). I did visit Holland (only Amsterdam) but have not yet been to Belgium.
You took a lot of lovely yarn & notions back with you… and sweet memories, of course!
Thank you. It was absolutely fantastic. I am so glad I had the chance, it was definitely worth it.
What wonderful places to visit. I miss it immensely! At least you have some lovely yarn to remember your trip!
I loved the places we visited. We tried to see and do as much as possible, but I think we need a lot more time. I will definitely be going again. 🙂 Yes the yarns will let me remember all the fun we had indeed.
Still love that fabric and that little puppy is going to be so cute
Thank you. Still not sure what to do with my pretty fabric. But an idea will come. Looking forward to stitching the little puppy.
How exciting! I love everything you bought, can’t wait to see what you make with that gorgeous yarn and fabric! I’m happy you liked the Stephen and Penelope’s shop, it was also one of my favourites when we went there 2 years ago 🙂
Thank you. 🙂 I loved the trip, and all the shopping I could do there. I simply could not resist the fabric.
Stephen and Penelope is worth a visit. 🙂 Great shop to be able to see for oneself.
Just look at the blue and white fabric , it is lovely. Glad you enjoyed Europe. The Netherlands are great.
🙂 Thank you, I had such a wonderful time. Gorgeous warm weather and friendly and fun people. I loved it so much, I am definitely visiting again.
What a lovely vacation! And what great finds! Thank you so much for sharing with us all about it! 😄💗 I’ve been wishing to travel in Europe, and one day I will. 😊 Your trip is very inspiring!
Thank you. It took a long time to save up for it. The exchange rate from SA to Europe is huge, but doable. I loved every moment, and just wish I could have spent more time there. 🙂 Definitely going to be visiting there again. I am sure you will enjoy it just as much as i did.
It sounds like you had a wonderful vacation! I love all of your new stash! All of those yarns look so luscious! I can’t wait to see what you create with all of them. Those little house are so cute! All of my circular needles are still in their original packages because I am so afraid I won’t know what size they are if I throw away the packages. I think I need something like those houses in my life ;). Then I can get rid of all the bulky packages. So glad you had a fun time on your vacation and were treated well. Have fun settling back in to normal and crafting 🙂
🙂 It was indeed a wonderful time. I miss Holland and especially Rotterdam very much. It was an amazing time. I hope to go back again some time.
I have not packed away the yarns I bought. They are all still sitting on my work desk, so I can see and pet them every day. Knitting is slow, but definitely ready for the winter next year. I am looking at a wrap of sorts with the yarns.
I did use some of the fabric to make small cloths for the kitchen, ideal to work on when cooking or baking. Like mini table cloths. They do cheer up the kitchen nicely.
I love the little houses, but must admit that I have my needles and cables in their packages, as it makes getting the right one just so much easier. When in use, I just leave the empty packet in the box so I know which ones are being knitted with. 🙂
Getting back to normal here, although work is pretty busy as we are on the way downhill now, towards the year end and holidays. Much to do, staff bonuses, holidays and vacation leave, systems closing for the year, and all the usual busyness.
Will be on summer break in 6 weeks time, this year has gone just so very very fast.
Maybe I will keep my needles in their packages so I can be sure of the right needle size. I like how you leave your yarn out for a while and “pet” it. LOL. Maybe if I did that I may be inspired to use up the yarn right away 😉 I am jealous that you are coming up on summer while I am just about to winter. It has been a cold fall so far. But the sun is shining today, so it makes it seem warmer. Enjoy your stitching and getting ready for summer.
🙂 I think I just love the new yarns to much when I buy them, and do not a pattern or idea to knit them yet, but also dont want to put them in a drawer, and not see them, so I tend to just keep them out on my desk and look at them and touch them when I am in the room. 🙂
Our summers are so hot, that I prefer winter. Our winter is mild and pleasant, cool with the odd chilly day. Mostly sunny too. And no snow. Summer is very hot, sunny, and dry too, since we have had little rains.
This coming weekend is promising to be another hot one, summer is settling in fast now.
You have a good time too and enjoy the crafting and stitching too.
Since a wonderful knit shop moved in locally (like about 10 minutes down the road) I have been getting patterns when I pick up some yarn there. The shop opened about a year ago, but I just found them in May. The owners are so wonderful and very helpful in helping me find the perfect pattern for the yarns I have chosen. So now I need to start working on all of the wonderful patterns I have. As much as I prefer summer to winter, I think this winter will be spent inside working on my projects and hoping to put a small dent in my stash 😉 Stay cool and happy stitching.
Your LYS sounds just awesome, and friendly and helpful people are always such a bonus. They make it feel like home. 🙂
As long as you stay warm in winter, the knitting will keep you cozy and comfy.
Have a wonderful week. 🙂
It’s not the quantity of blog posts, it’s the quality. And this post was great! I loved what you got on your trip, especially that little doggie kit–how cute! Looks like you had a lovely visit to Europe!
Thank you. I have been reading a lot of blogs still, but posting less. Hopefully it should pick up again this year.
I had the most wonderful trip to Europe, and hope to be able to do it again some time. It is such a beautiful place to visit and I think I still have a lot more to see and experience too.
It was great to get goodies and such we do not have here either, it is so much fun.
🙂