One of us

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Once I was free of the airport yesterday (I did not find Scarlett Road. The evil paved and looping paths of confusion at Pearson decided that I was going to take the 427. I swear that they are changing the roads in and out of there in between my visits.) I brought my guest back to my house (we may have stopped at the liquor store and the beer store on the way home) and we set ourselves up in the backyard where we played yarn and fibre games for a good long time, upsetting the neighbours and making the table look just the way it should.

Junoishere1408

I love it when Juno visits.

Today we yarn crawl, bead crawl and see Toronto.

Where should I take her? (Forget the CN tower. Apparently she’s a big chicken. We have also ruled out Hanlan’s point because I am a big chicken.) We’ll see Skydome tomorrow for Stitch ‘n Pitch (The whole McPhee clan is attending en masse…) and I think I have to show her the island. Assuming all fibre destinations are covered… Where to go?

If you’re a local, offer up your best. If not local, but you’ve always wondered about something, we can go see it for you if you want…

Don’t forget good beer stops. Tally ho!

150 thoughts on “One of us”

  2. Dang, I wanna play too! I am definitely going to emigrate one of these days – does Canada need another obsessed knitter? No? Really? Are you sure? Well, tough, I’ll come anyhow. I’ve got enough stash to qualify as a Canadian.

  4. You know I used to live there so am partial to it, but take her down to the beaches, fer shure! Troll the discount clothing places, snag a brew at the Lion and maybe and ice cream at Licks and just take in the lake down by Kew Gardens park. It’s always fun and sometimes there are itinerant buskers or tarot card readers down by the boardwalk. Have fun and give Juno a big hug from me…

  5. Obviously you have to hang out in Kensington Market, but this will inevitably happen during the yarn crawl. I’m also a big fan of the Roncesvalles neighbourhood, which is especially good for food, but there are no yarn stores there (yet).

  7. Yonge and Davisville – the Bow and Arrow is a GREAT pub that has a tonne of the Ontario Craft Brews on tap.
    On Yonge, 100 – 200 metres north of Davisville, west side — across from the LCBO

  10. You must show the squirrels! If the fiber stealing squirrls decide to move in search of more fiber, the knitters have to be ready for them.

  11. We always visit the Science Centre when we’re there, but that’s because of the age of one member of the family. I love visiting the St. Lawrence Market, particularly on the way to a picnic somewhere.

  14. Little Italy – Duff’s Wings, then authenic Gelato. Next the UofT campus – especially right around Hart House Circle and right beside Queen’s Park for then south along University to Queen’s Quay driving west to east to see the array of housing down there and then for a walk on the boardwalk – three diverse views of our city of neighbourhoods. It would be great to finish at the real Beach – I don’t need to fill the in the blanks on LYS’s that roughly line that route as well!

  15. The Distillery District is always worth looking at. And depending on what days June is here, she should really see the St. Lawrence Market

  16. Go highbrow and visit the Royal Ontario Museum (the new crystal is a conversation piece, you either love it or hate it) and the Shoe Museum. Then go walk down the street and gawk at the fancy clothes and the prices they want for them! I always come back with some new ideas after doing these activities. Of course, pub crawling (before, after and during) just adds to the… um.. creativity!

  17. Yeah, I was going to recommend St. Lawrence market. After yarn tours, I really really like food tours. And I believe you mentioned before that you and Joe like to visit the sandwich shop there at the market. Definitely worth stopping in for. And, although the neighbourhood isn’t much to see it might be worth passing by Bloor and Spadina to go to Greg’s. My only non-food suggestion might be a walk in High Park on Saturday afternoon to see how many brides you could convince to hold the sock in their wedding photos. 🙂

  21. Stephanie! Sounds like you’re having a grand time! I love to sightsee in my own home town!
    Speaking of my home town, Los Angeles, I’m the one who will be introducing you at the LA Public Library! I’m good friends with the organizers of the event. Will you e-mail me so we can talk about your introduction?
    Looking forward to your visit!!
    Ellen Bloom
    ellblo@aol.com

  22. Awh! I knew it was Juno! I hope you guys have a great time!! Did she bring all that yarn to you? Or were you having a swap?

  23. No idea where you should go. But I’m not sure it matters. It looks like you’ll have a blast even if you stay planted right in that spot. Booze, yarn…why leave?

  24. My vote’s for the St. Lawrence market too. Hockey Hall of Fame? Toronto Zoo (baby Snow Leopards)? Casa Loma (enjoy the gardens and knit)?

  27. Stephanie, Last night I was contentedly knitting on a sock watching the Food Network when I just about fell off the bed. It was Restaurant Makeover and suddenly you and your whole family walk onto the episode. With a lack of anyone around I had to resort to excitedly telling the cat that it was The Yarn Harlot on tv. There’s knitters everywhere. I absolutely did not make the connection that it was “your” Hank that they kept talking about until that moment. He is absolutely adorable and I love that they put an outtake of him at the end 🙂 I hope things are going well for your sister’s restaurant (and Hank’s education fund too!) and that she put that vegetarian dish on the menu for you like she said!

  28. I second the suggestion of the Bata Shoe Museum. You don’t even have to be a rabid shoe lover to enjoy it.

  29. I’m not a local, but I did visit Toronto a year ago Spring. Being a shoe afficianado (I don’t own as many pairs as Imelda Marcos…yet) I adored the Bata Shoe Museum:
    http://www.batashoemuseum.ca
    Who knows? It might inspire more socks!
    keep on purlin’

  30. If you’re really touristing for me, your first object is the Hockey Hall of Fame. (I’ll be wearing my “Hockey. Invented by Men. Perfect by Women.” t-shirt.)
    After that, I understand your fair city has many excellent bookstores.
    The yarn stores, of course, go without saying.
    I’m sure we’re now out of time, no matter how long her trip is. Have a safe return trip, Juno! Hope it was fun! Thanks for coming!

  32. Toronto Zoo, Canada’s Wonderland, High Park, Niagara on the Lake, Sunnyside, Trinity Bellwood Park, Ontario Place…

  33. While you’re out there having (what sounds like) a grand ole time, have one for me! (It’s my birthday) I’ll be celebrating tomorrow with non (gasp) knitters but some of the most wonderful women I’ve had the privlege (sp?) of knowing. Cheers to you–have a blast. Me? I’m going in search of fiber and some decent hard cider.

  34. Yarn games. Are those like reindeer games. I’m sure you both had red noses by then. Heh.
    And why were the neighbours bothered? Were you knitting too loudly again? Was the flash of light off your needles blinding them?
    We need details.

  35. How about the Design Exchange on Bay St., Harbourfront (one of the restaurants with patios over the lake at Queen’s Quay Terminal especially), Greektown, Yorkville, you could even do the real tourist thing & take the double-decker bus tour (they even do a combined bus/boat tour I believe), U of T does walking tours too.

  38. Tell the big chicken that she’s going on a surprise trip, earplug and blindfold her and stand her on the CN Tower floor before taking out the plugs and removing the blindfold. Once she gets screams three and six out, she’ll thank you in between hitting you and kicking you. The view is amazing.

  39. Save yourself the heartburn of the Toronto Airport drive and call John Daniel (Taxi Service 416-505-5428). He is fabulous, he drives me whenever I go to Toronto for business. He does what he says he going to do, he’s on time, he KNOWS Toronto traffic, and he’s a nice man. And if he can’t pick you up, his brother can. Much easier than doing it yourself!

  40. Maybe the roads near airports are like the moving staircases in Harry Potter. That might explain a lot.

  41. Alas, being an unlettered– Well, ok, I sure can use a lotta letters, but having little to no knowledge, comparatively, of our entire *continent’s* East Coast… I have no suggestions or anything I’m madly wondering about, alas. Unless you and Juno were both Due South fans and you could point out any locations that stood in for Chicago. (Or if PG is in residence – doesn’t he live in Toronto somewhere? – and you managed to Kinnear him. That could be interesting. Especially the explanations if he caught you. [eg])
    But really, just go and have a beer or three. Yeah. Yarn, beads, beer and a friend. Really, what more do you need? Enjoy! And good hunting.

  46. You’re blaming the CN Tower miss on JUNO being a big chicken, Ms. “I’m Five Feet Tall because that’s exactly how high I’m supposed to be from the ground” Pearl-McPhee?
    What about that silk market in Little India? If I remember correctly Juno was somewhat miffed that Flat Scout had been taken there and she hadn’t.

  47. When I get to Toronto I’m having a drink at my namesake Elizabeth Dooley’s. And hanging out at Lettuce Knit the whole rest of the day.

  49. I add to the chorus suggesting a tour of the U of T campus. They have historical tours as well as those for prospective students – well worth a look-see. We visited last week and they were filming a new HULK movie around King’s College Circle. You might get a glimpse of Liv Tyler!

  50. What do you mean “we can go see it for you”???? Heck, I just want to come for a visit…beer, fibre AND sightseeing all in one grand trip. What on earth could be better I ask.

  51. I am definitely jealous.
    🙁
    If I promise to show the McPhee kids a good time in Pittsburgh (I have a 10 and 14 yr old…I can do kid-related stuff) — will you show me around Toronto??? 🙂

  52. Whenever I come home to TO, there’s a few places that I love to visit. Amongst the best (for me) are:
    Centre Island, the ROM & the planetarium, (and a lovely walk through the Philosopher’s Walkway behind it afterwards), the Science Centre, dim sum in Chinatown (make sure that you find a restaurant with several layers of plastic tablecloths on the table – those are the best ones), the antique market at Harbourfront, World’s Biggest Bookstore…
    Oh oh! I just remembered…Is Evil Dead the Musical still playing? If so, ’tis a must-see. Uh, that is…as long as you like fake blood. Hmm. Will shut up now before I scare you out of coming back to Halifax for a visit. You were terrific last week, btw. Many thanks again for coming out to play.

  53. I always like to take people to St. Lawrence Market – which has already been suggested many times. I’m still pretty new to the area, so I’ll get more out of the comments than I have to offer!

  54. The CN tower is also EXPENSIVE.
    Take her to the Textile Museum. Or have you done that before? And I got a real kick out of staring at the old city hall. All those cool bits of brick and carvings and whatnot. You look a bit of a dork standing on the sidewalk staring at walls, but they are nice walls.

  55. Ward’s Island. I love walking among the great, quirky houses, and looking for the great little carved stones along the pathways, along the wharf at the far east side of the island and through the fields. Like treasure hunting. Casa Loma.
    Roncesvalles…love the great little fruit stands and the shops. Little India!! The Shoe. And maybe see what festival Harbourfront has on for the weekend….

  56. Queen West. I used to love it there. The Glebe here in Ottawa almost rates (it’s quite good). I haven’t been home to TO in years! AND THE SCIENCE CENTRE! I used to go there lots as an adult with my friend’s kids because there was always something fun to do (I’m a big kid). And the Junction although I have to admit, I haven’t been back there since my Grannie passed away, but it used to have lots of old stores with “that wood smell”. Also, I don’t know if that Roti shack across from the Ossington Subway station is still there… if it is, take her there and have one for me.

  57. My vote is for Casa Loma…I haven’t been there in years and years (sang a concert in the conservatory in 1990) but I remember it as being just beautiful. I was there in late winter/early spring so I imagine the grounds would be very pretty right about now.

  58. Man, Rachel H. slays me! She’s got you nailed. And the silk market… I should really get down there. How long is Juno staying? Should I make extra quesadillas on Tuesday? Stock more beer?

  59. Was it safe to have all that yarn on the outdoor table with the squirrels around? And can I join Lynn in emigrating? I have enough stash for two — I’d gladly share with any Canadian knitter crazy enough to sponsor me!

  60. TEXTILE MUSEUM! I visited it last time I was in the city and it was small, but amazing! They also have a small shop, and I found some nifty knitting books there.
    A must for all fibre/textile junkies!

  62. Come to beautiful U of T for lunch tomorrow!
    I rather like the Beach boardwalk–good to chat and check out tan volleyballers.
    I also have hankering to see Casa Loma–we have a castle in this town!

  63. Rebel House at Yonge and Rosedale(good pub, GREAT food!), Casa Loma, St. Lawrence Market, the Red Tea Box on Queen West (good chairs for knitting and a lovely garden to sit in), Beaches, High Tea at the Windsor Arms (sounds snooty but OMG the BEST scones and jam this side of the Pond!!), Toronto Zoo, my house (kidding…sort of), Panorama (great view of the city but not as scary to go up there – also, serves booze). You know more yarn/fibre places than anyone so i won’t attempt to suggest anything new. Have a great visit!

  64. Well now I know where to go that isn’t yarny when I finally get to TO! Christmas trip appears to be off – our TOans are not going to be there!

  65. All of that stuff is well and good but you must take her to Kensington Market. I even have a game plan for you.
    9:00 a.m. — Ride bikes to Ferry Terminal, take first ferry over to Ward’s Island. Show her where people live, the beaches etc. Take her across to Centre and Olympic Islands and then even top it off by showing her the nudie beach. On your way back to Ward’s stop at that canteen which makes yummy muffins for a snack.
    12:00 Take ferry back.
    12:30 Ride through business district and laugh at all the people working in pods, wearing Harry Rosen and looking really bothered.
    1:00 Chinatown — Park your bikes and go to Rol San or somewhere for dim sum (not sure where there is vegetarian dim sum). After you eat, wander the stores and check out all the neato things.
    3:00 Go to liquor store in Chinatown and get beer
    3:15 Find your bikes again and wander over to Lettuce Knit. Park your bikes near the store and leave your beer with Megan and co.
    3:40 onwards — go to every place in Kensington including the clothes street, the fish street, and Tom’s Place. Eat yummy vegan food at Urban Herbivore. Marvel.
    Lettuce has to be your last stop.
    Arrive, at Lettuce Knit and fondle the yarns. Grab yourself a beer and wait for the fun to arrive.
    Tomorrow, as you know, is Lettuce Knit’s SNB night.

  66. Chinatown, Casaloma, St. Lawrence Antique Market on Sunday (if she’s into flea markets – added benefit: many patios in the neighbourhood and I could swing by and say hi), Harbourfront on the weekend – there’s always some festival or other during the summer – BCE Place, the greenhouse by the bicycle courier park (you know the one I mean), the giant spiderweb, the Distillery (loads of fun, art galleries and beer – what more do you want?), Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake if you want to make a day of it…

  67. I can’t believe that only one person suggested the Textile Museum of Canada!! One of the best little museums anywhere; it’s walking distance to Kensington Market and Lettuce Knit, and John, the shop manager, has created the best gift shop that I have ever visited, at any museum, anywhere. It is impossible for me leave it empty-handed.
    It’s not a big museum, so you will have plenty of time to stop for a beer…
    55 Centre Avenue, one block west of University, just south of Dundas.
    Have fun!

  69. If you go to the toronto islands, go to the Rectory Cafe for lunch. (it’s on wards island) They have good beer, make wonderful ceasars, and the food is great. oh and the desserts are to die for!

  70. I wish I was there too!! I have only been to Toronto once and loved it-cleanest city I have ever seen-but didn’t get to do yarn shops.:(
    I had a beer the other night(well, and a glass of wine) and had to undo all that night’s knitting! How do you do it?? Maybe I didn’t have enough??
    My birthday wish(which is today and my Dr. called to say my sore finger is arthritis-it is always freaking something) is to spend a day in Lettuce Knit just buying yarn and soaking up atmosphere.
    I think anywhere you take her in Toronto will thrill her-especially if she is from the States. Love Canada-clean,good transportation,and lots of yarn. What a country!!!

  71. Another vote for Casa Loma. That terrific dumpling place (I don’t remember the name- it’s all dumplings all the time. Dumpling House on Spadina, maybe?
    It’s been too long since I last went to Toronto. Terrific city!

  72. This is probably already mentioned (I don’t have time to read all the comments thus far…) but we loved Second City for brews and laughs. Wish I could spend more time up there… Have fun!

  73. I used to love visiting TO when I lived in Buffalo, but haven’t been there in too long, since moving to the Washington DC area almost 13yrs ago. Favorite haunts were the Old Spaghetti Factory on the Esplanade, and Sam the Record Man at Yonge & Bloor. (Don’t know if they’re even still around!) Also enjoyed the Eaton Centre, Casa Loma, Science Centre, & China Town, plus just driving &/or walking around. (I miss listening to Canadian radio stations! Used to come in loud & clear in Bflo.) …Looking forward to seeing you at Borders in Baileys Crossroads (Virginia) on 9/20!! Several of us from our SNB group will be there, for sure! Will you be visiting any LYS before, and/or eating/drinking establishments after?

  74. Hanlan’s Beach! Now I really have a reason to visit Toronto. As a member of AANR I’m always looking for a new’d beach.

  75. Have fun! Take pictures and be sure to show us the knitting bag they are giving away at the game!

  77. For history buffs – Mackenzie House on Bond St and Colborne Lodge in High Park. Might find someone spinning!

  78. There are so many good suggestions above, so I’ll just throw in that if you’re heading to the St. Lawrence Market at any time (though of course Sat/Sun is best for the additional Farmers/Antiques markets), “C’est What” near Front St. and Church is an excellent pub, tucked into a cool basement and well-stocked with local brews. There are even some couches, well-suited for lounging and knitting.

  79. Please give her a huge hug from me, as it looks like I won’t get to hug her myself before we move. And then please ask her to give you a big hug from me. And then pretend that Thumper has bestowed you each with a big drooly kiss.
    And then explain to her that she’s moving to Portland.

  80. For a yummy and artistic latte check out Bull Dog cafe…it’s just a couple blocks north of Gerrard on Church, tucked in behind some little sandwich place. And I mean artistic…ask for a dragon in the foam of your latte! The barristas there are amazing!

  81. I loved visiting Toronto – we’ve been downtown for evens both times. I LOVED the underground; restaurants, stores, tile everywhere all clean and sparkly and the trains and metros down there were big and powerful. I LOVED the China towns (I’ve married into a big Chinese family) and we went from one to the other…about five different areas. The Skydome was a trip, those sculptures were awesome. We didn’t get out of town much and were stuck in conference room – but I really liked what I saw.

  82. How about Greg’s Ice Cream? I haven’t lived in TO for a few years now, and I miss my ice cream! Where else would they make Stout ice cream on St. Patrick’s Day?
    BTW, saw you trying to hide on Restaurant Makeover last night!

  84. If you go to Casa Loma, also check out Spadina House, a historical Period set house with great hisctorically set gardens!!

  86. The Leslie Spit is great. You can google it, to check when it’s open. You can bike it, or walk it.
    The Beaches is good – yarn shops, bead shops (Beadworks), ice cream (Baskin Robbins and a place that makes it from scratch!), boardwalk on the lake……
    McMichael Gallery, ROM (especially with that new architecture), the architecture around U of T on the old buildings….
    Definitely Toronto Islands – Wards in particular. After you go to that cafe, check out the beach and all the gardens of the homes there. Can’t beat it.
    Enjoy.
    (I hope the shawl and the sock are coming to Aurora?!! If it’s hot, you don’t have to wear the shawl, just drape it over the podium.)

  87. Oh, I recognize Juno’s fiber heaped in front there! I had the good fortune of being given a few samples of the orange llama blend as well as the brown one with hemp frosted highlights- fun stuff. If she brought up the raspberry one, do try it out! Very lovely. Tell her the Cormo/ Alpaca made it back from Morro- it’s alsolutely gorgeous! Have a great time!

  88. Well, I have to go for my old stomping ground and suggest a little bit of time in the cafes/pubs on the Danforth. Mocha Mocha salads. Yummmm.
    Ahhhh…this is the second time this blog has made me homesick. (Not helped by the miserable English summer we’re having. Rain. Rain. Oh and did I mention rain?)

  90. Yes, yes, the Textile Museum. Not boring!! And there is a great hands-on section that kept my daughter occupied the whole time. The museum shop is amazing. (Did you know you can get a pass for one museum, including the ROM, at some of the libraries? Free for a family, but limited supply. The Textile Museum is one of the ones they offer.) I always take my guests to Dufferin Grove park. Thursdays organic market–they make bread in the outdoor ovens–and Friday community dinner. The Pacific Mall is pretty memorable, too, if you can get out there. Oh, and here’s my tip for getting out of Pearson. Bring a compass. Really. Go east on Airport, becomes Dixon, turns south to become Scarlett. Very stress-free and surprisingly fast.

  91. I vote for St. Lawrence Market — love it! The Textile Museum is very interesting as well. Wish I were hanging out with you . . .

  93. I also vote for the Textile Museum, which is very conveniently near Baldwin Street.
    The cafes are perfect for knitting in public, weather permitting.
    There is a fully vegetarian restaurant, plus Indian and pizza and many other food options.
    enjoy!

  94. Go to one of the Toronto Islands, no need to strip down but a great bike tour. Little India, the Beach ’cause I’m partial and I’m there, or is it here? Avoid Lick’s for ice-cream, the best is at Ed’s Real Scoop (at Beech) and stroll the Boardwalk, the olympic pool’s open if it get’s too hot.

  95. No suggestions, since it’s been years since I set foot in your fair city, but oh, I am vicariously enjoying the thought of two such Serious Knitters going out to play together there.
    I want Juno to come visit me, too (though I’ve never actually met her…). Have fun, ladies. Drink a brew (or two) for me (or three). Yes, yes, I am the Dr. Seuss of beer.

  96. PS. I just clicked on the link for Hanlon’s Pt., and now I have serious metropolis envy – NYC needs a clothing-optional beach. In the worst way.

  97. What fun! Someone mentioned the Hockey Hall of Fame. Funny story. My amateur league-playing American husband was in Toronto for a tournament, and he and his team buddies visited the H of F. Supposedly there’s some exhibit where you can shoot some pucks and have its speed measured (or something like that). They were all very high on themselves until they started to notice that every other middle aged and obviously not-in-game-shape Canadian man (heck, maybe even a few octogenarians, too) was outscoring them. *snicker*

  99. Sigh. I did not schedule my visit very well, did I…
    Junoooooooooooooooo. Man, I miss that girl. Best Hugger Ever.
    I do not recommend a visit to Darlington on the hillside section. We now know exactly how well my husband’s software that makes the trains run in synchronised fashion really works. Intimately.
    Hoist a cold on on my behalf, please. Love to you both.

  100. P.S. Spiff saw Rachel H’s comment and said, “HA! ZOMG! Stephanie’s the big chicken! LOL!”
    I didn’t understand it either, but I think it means you’ve been outed as a total wimp. Sorry, lovey.

  102. I second Second City – it’s somehow relieving to watch Canadians make fun of our country (in a “oh, I’m not crazy, our country really is ridiculous” sort of way). Oh, and she should – if she’s into that – have some of your unbelievably good lox/smoked salmon (there’s a well-known diner by Eaton Center that had some phenomenal lox that I can’t remember the name of). Sorry NYC-ers, it’s the best I’ve ever had.

  103. Some have said it, but for different reasons … drive/walk/bike past ROM, AGO and OCA. I love architecture that shocks and challenges.

  105. I agree with soo’s suggestion: Mocha Mocha on the Danforth, for great vegetarian treats. Just down the street is the Ould Spot for good draft and pub fare. And if you’re going to either of those places, you might as well bring the sock around the corner to my house for butter tarts (Canadian, eh?). The Leslie Street Spit is a delight on a hot day, and not that far from the Naked Sheep, since you’re yarn crawling anyway. And if I weren’t so biased, I’d go for the Baldwin Strret/Textile Museum route.
    Have fun at the game!

  107. Just got back to Connecticut from Toronto and loved it. Casa Loma was beautiful esp. the gardens. CN tower was a super long wait. Best to go close to dark or afterward. The ROM has a cool exhibit on Peruvian gold. We didn’t go but heard that the Rogers Chinese Lantern festival at Ontario Place was really great. We also enjoyed just riding around getting the tour on a double decker bus. We wanted to see a play for half price but didn’t get a chance. Just seeing the Path markets was fun. I also really enjoyed just walking up and down W. Queen and people watching. We didn’t get a chance to go but heard that the tour of the Rogers Centre is really good too.

  108. Hi – my sister (Lisa R-R above) was posting tourist tips for Toronto while she is in Turkey! Don’t you just love the innernet?! I think she sent that suggestion from Ankara. I’m in Toronto and I second Baldwin Street, Spadina House and maybe the music garden at Harbourfront. Have fun and many beers.

  109. This is perfect! My husband and I are planning to emigrate to Canada, and Toronto is first choice on the list (only because he won’t live on PEI…). Keep the suggestions coming everyone, because I’m going to need them too!!!

  110. Yes, go to the Textile Museum, tho Stephanie knows this quite well; Ward’s, of all the islands; to the Danforth, definitely, I will be home, hint, hint, 🙂 to escort you, Wednesday and Thursday; happy to show you the (sadly only one) yarn store up here (opportunity in the waiting? yes, I think so!!) the many wonderful beerful locations, share with you my poignant tale of “What I Knit in the Last Year and Why”…

  111. When my girls were in high school, they were involved in the band and choir. Every year, they went somewhere for a competition and as a “band parent”, I chaperoned many trips. One year, we went to Toronto. We went to Toronto, however, we didn’t actually SEE Toronto. We saw the bus, the hotel, the venue where the competition was held (I have no idea where it was) and Canada’s Wonderland. That was it. I didn’t even get to see the Hockey Hall of Fame (my son and husband did, on another trip with, I don’t know, his hockey team or something?), which means I didn’t see the Stanley Cup closeup. Sigh. Maybe someday, I’ll actually see Toronto.

  112. four words: Hockey. Hall. of. Fame.
    Count how many times the Detroit Red Wings are listed on the Stanley Cup. (Tell it we miss it and it needs to come home.)

  113. I am a new reader of the blog, but not a new knitter. I have searched high and low for the Kauni sweater pattern ( to add to my ‘nightmare’ projects I have going). Where can I find a copy?

  114. A non local here: I vote for Chinatown. Show me it really is worth it. I confess that every time I visit Toronto I go to Chinatown hoping for an amazing experience because everyone says its amazing. I think I must be going to the wrong Chinatown… Surely the coolest knitter on the planet must know where the good stuff is!

  117. After fiber anything, I’m into art supplies. Can’t get enough. So I recommnend two amazing places: Gwartzman’s Canvas & Art Supplies, 448 Spadina Avenue and Aboveground Art Supplies, 74 McCaul Street. Also, next to Aboveground is that super cool Ontario College of Art and Design on McCaul. That is a place that only seeing is believing. Name me another city in the world that has a building like that one! All this a stone’s throw from Chinatown, Baldwin Street, the Art Gallery of Ontario and Queen St. West.

  118. Have a great time…do make sure she gets a butter tart! I’m with Lynn, still thinking about emigrating, will think more after DD graduates from college.

  119. I love it when one favorite blogger visits another. It’s like the portraits visiting each other in Harry Potter.

  123. What a delicious spread of fiber! It’s getting on towards bedtime, but I don’t think that is entirely the reason that I wanted to dive into the fiber and curl up. What a fabulous orange!

  124. Ohhh, I want to stash swap too! I have llama down in several gorgeous natural colors. If you’ve never spun or knit with llama down you don’t know what your missing. It’s so soft it feels like cashmere. What a great picture. It’s so much fun to see what other people have in their stash! How about taking Juno to Casa Loma? That looks really neat. I have to admit that I’m with you about the clothing optional beach. That’s scary LOL! Hope you have a great time!

  125. Oh, THERE she is– and that’s why she hasn’t been blogging! Have a lovely time, you two.

  126. Hi,sooo excited, am coming to Toronto on holiday from the north of scotland (the real Mackay of wool!)(aug 27th-sept7th)but need to know where all the wool shops are around downtown. Staying in the Delta Chelsea and will be using public transport. Any advise would be much apreciated.Hope you have a great time. Thanks for the heads up on Hanlans Point.Could have been embarising for a rookie tourist!

  127. Boardwalk at the beach
    Go to Naked Sheep, go to ravine 1 block east Used to be called Glen Manor Ravine they’ve renamed it) follow it up to Kingston Rd (we’re a city of ravines anybody else know a good one?) Check out Kingston Rd. going east to Victoria Pk.
    Bike Trails I know you have a Bike
    Like birds? Leslie Street Spit, Blufffers Park (bottom of Brimley) walk thru the test site (pools to naturally clean water) admire Scarborough Bluffs
    Saturdays go to Timmies get coffee and donut, go to Rosetta McLain Gardens (Kingston Rd. west of Birchmount) sit back and watch the weddings go round. Pick any other park the weddings go to.
    Friday Take her to the CNE (yes I know you either love it or hate it)

  128. “Stitch ‘n’ Pitch”? That is just **too** cool! And you get a tote bag too! We don’t have big league baseball here (I don’t know about farm teams…we used to have one for Seattle), but perhaps we could persuade the Flames or Stampeders to have a Knit Hockey Socks or Knit ‘n’ Kick night at one of their games…Sigh…

  130. When I saw the table piled high with yarn I thought there was a chocolate covered donut on the right side. I am sure it is yarn, but knitting and chocolate at the same time!!! Too much to comprehend.

  132. Hi! Just wanted to say congratulations on being on the last page of Good Housekeeping’s Quick and Simple week of August 21st! Title = “Smile, 5 Ways that Knitting is Easier than the Real World.”
    E-mail me details and I will send you a copy….excerpted from “Cast-offs”.

  133. I must admit, now when I go to Toronto, its to shop. When I was younger (visiting my Grandparents) we did the Zoo, Science Center(I remember once they did a show on clothing thru the eras..loved it), we would go occaisionally to the waterfront and there is a place that had glass blowers you could watch, and the ROM. Now I like, Casa Loma, the McMicheal Center, Edwards Gardens, The Tall Ships, Fort York. And when I visit my sister, I like to just watch people walking by at the knit Cafe.

  134. Like several people already have done, I recommend the Bata Shoe Museum. My sister and I went there several years ago, and it is still memorable.

  136. Hi Juno! (wavewavewave)
    In case you are reading the comments — I grew up in Hopewell, so I recognized some of your shawl action photos “on location”. The Washington Crossing bridge was visible from my bedroom window (still is, I hope, only I don’t live there any more).

  138. Has the Queen’s Head pub reopened? It was this little funky pub in Cabbage Town. We stayed at the owner’s BandB across the street. What a great little local type place. They had excellent beers and the most amazing custard with whipped cream.

  140. Is the textile exibit at the ROM open yet? I remember hearing something about it re-opening in 2007…I really wanted to see it when I was working on my MA and kept asking the employees when it would re-open. Apparently some of the socks from the Nancy Bush Folk Socks book are housed there!

  141. What I love about Toronto (and I haven’t been there in way too long) are the fabulous little restaurants. So I vote that you take her out to eat!! Dim sum! Indian food! Danish! It doesn’t matter. It’s all good.

  142. The Gerrard India Bazaar is happening in Little India this weekend (Aug 18, 19). Lots of good food for veggie and non-veggie alike! (And it’s not too far from the Beaches and the Naked Sheep)
    Also on Gerrard just east of Broadview is the best vietnamese resturant ever, Hanoi 3 Seasons. They will make any of their entrees vegetarian if you request it.
    And, if she’s going to be around until next week, Wednesday nights at the Orbit Room, the LMT Connection plays. Awesome funky 3-piece band with a good mixed crowd of people dancing and having a great time. Totally worth the $5 cover.

  144. If you have a day, I would highly suggest going up to Waterloo and visiting St. Jacobs. Imagine homespun yarns…. mmmm…. and the quilts! So pretty!

  145. I’d recommend Dream in High Park – they’re showing a Midsummer’s Night Dream this year and it’s -awesome-! Just don’t forget to go early and bring a picnic dinner, pillows, and blankets. Have fun!

  146. If the taste of the Danforth is still on that would be a great place for lunch, I also like the Toronto Zoo, nice place to walk and just sit and relax

  149. Hi Stephenie,
    Just wanted to say thank you for the virtual tours. I am an easterner currently living in a western province and sometimes feeling a little home sick.
    Looking at the pictures and hearing about your adventures reminds me just how wonderful our province and the City of Toronto are.
    I truly do love all of my country, just some places will always be home.
    Laurie

  150. My copy of Knitting Rules is feeling decidedly inferior to my other Harlot books – it is the only one without your signature – so next month I’ll be driving up to Wichita, Kansas, USA, to see you again.
    I hope to bring some other Oklahoma City area knitters with me.
    When is your excellent travel guide going to tell us where in Wichita to look for you— or is this some kind of a puzzle quest? (Where’s Waldo? – I mean Stephanie?)

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