To the Mall....

Anyone who knows me knows I am not a mall shopper. I don't like the cookie cutter sameness of malls and anyway I prefer to spend my hard earned money frugally but.....I needed to work on my business wardrobe so I headed out to the local mall in search of black pants. I've been scouting out the local thrift shops but I really can't get by on two pairs of pants working five days a week. I purchased three pairs of black pants in a polyester blend fabric that is machine washable and on sale - great! I have other clothing made by this same company and I find it washs well and is quite durable. So - a good day doing something I do only when necessary.


I popped into the A.C. Moore's to check out fabric only to find they don't carry any. The yarn selection is dismal and the store appeared to be more like a flea market - no reason for me to ever go back. I did find some beautiful, vintage inspired fabric at JoAnn's for an apron swap .....didn't ride my bike on the greenway but did ride my exercise bike for 30 minutes after I got home from this shopping excursion.

A Dorothy Parker Sunday

I walked 3.4 miles round trip on Sunday to see "Dorothy Parker's Laments" performed at the Star City Playhouse. Taken from the program - " The Star City Playhouse is a labor of love. Formerly, the Elizabeth Playhouse located 11 miles from Manhattan, owners Marlow and Karon Sue Semones Ferguson brought the ready made theater to the old Pete More Warehouse....

The purposes of this little theater will include the training of actors for professional careers, the creation of affordable art for the Valley and to encourage others to renovate old landmarks into useful spaces for the community. The Fergusons bring 45 years of NYC theatrical experience to the Valley and this is Karon Sue's gift back to the neighborhood and valley who raised her." What a treasure for Roanoke and how wonderful to be located in the blue collar, most ethnically diverse area of Roanoke ..... and only ten dollars a ticket with discounts for seniors and students.

Cookies and hot water for tea and instant coffee are available in the lobby for whatever gratuity you see fit.
I loved the vintage coffee maker filled with hot water.

Patrons are able to buy stars for the ceiling for a donation of $500.00. Chair plaques are available for a $200.00 donation.

These beautiful doors open into a small area with simple chairs and exposed ceiling pipes. The area is air-conditioned but hand fans are available for those who desire a little more air movement.

About a half block up from the theater I saw just the perfect partner for the Big Blonde. Along the three blocks I walked on Williamson Road I saw these signs and businesses. I can safely say no other area of Roanoke offers this diversity. I love my neighborhood....and the Star City Playhouse.

Rewards for working overtime...

Exercise out of the way first - I biked 30 minutes on the exercise bike before heading out to the yarn shop. Don't worry, you'll hear about that in a minute. I have five days off with the DH and we have outdoor fun planned as long as the weather cooperates!

OK - now the yarn shop. I've worked some overtime lately and decided some non-sock projects were in order. So....here goes! First, a beautifully simple cardigan in 2nd Time cotton. This yarn is made from new textile waste orginating in the apparel and textile industry. The women at the shop (Needle in the Square)raved about it and showed me a soft little sweater on display knitted in the 2nd Time cotton. Second, a mock cable pullover from Ann McCauley's The Pleasures of Knitting in a soft 100% bamboo by Stella. This bamboo is tightly woven and does not appear to easily split like other bamboo yarn I've used. The cardigan will be a quick knit; the pullover will be a challenging one.You know you've spent plenty at the yarn store when they put your purchases in a nice cloth bag imprinted with the shop's name. Virginia is planning her yarn attack....