Hub Mills Store, Lowell MA

A bonus in my visit to Western Avenue Artists' Studios in Lowell, Mass. is that the Hub Mills Store is located on the fourth floor of the same mill building. No longer a 'real' factory store (as no yarn is actually made here), the shop is nevertheless a treasure trove of discontinued and closeout yarns by Classic Elite.


They also carry a full range of fiber paraphernalia, including patterns, needles, stitch markers and felting supplies. Knowledgeable staff are friendly, yet not intrusive as you're left to explore the shelves and bins for bargain booty.

Knit and crochet freeformers can find one-of-a-kind skeins in many textures and fiber blends to enhance their collections. I found this silk & mohair blend to bring on our summer Mediterranean cruise with Prudence Mapstone...it has the watery/vibrant/soft look I'm dreaming about for cruise projects. Also scored some Beatrice wool blend for a pair of socks for the latest Afghans for Afghans appeal.

I've been searching for two years for a not-too-springy sportweight yarn in black that will substitute for Aunt Lydia's Shimmer (which doesn't come in black), to crochet a lacy skirt. Finally, I found this Classic Elite Silk at a great price and seized nine balls of it:

Eager to start on the skirt, it took me three tries to get the gauge adjusted, but since then it's gone fast! I'll post a final pic shortly, after it's fitted to it's owner's waist size.

Lowell, Massachusetts

Lowell, Massachusetts has a long industrial and social history associated with the textile trade, particularly concerning the nineteenth century Lowell Mill Girls and their struggle for decent working conditions and equitable pay. The soon-to-be-reopened American Textile History Museum has a comprehensive collection of letters, photos and educational events from the period that paint a grim but noble picture of the times and trials of Lowell mill workers.

Research can be pleasant!

Self-employment has its pitfalls - unpredictable revenue streams, the need to do EVERYTHING oneself, dealing with the IRS - the uncertainties surrounding owning a business are not for the faint of heart.

That's why we travel professionals need to regroup every now and then, travel someplace warm, and relax. Of course, we are working too, scouting future destinations and adventures for our clients. The staff of Textile Travel will soon be doing some intense research aboard the Celebrity Millennium sailing on February 3 from Fort Lauderdale to several Caribbean ports.
As it happens, we are also rabid New England Patriots fans, and as it's Super Bowl Sunday, we will be vociferous participants in the Brady cheering section as the ship sails away.


We can't wait to sample the many features of this upscale ship: Thalassotherapy
spa pool, library & media spaces, and the famous Olympic restaurant, with its 1912 wood panelling from the original ship Olympic:

We'll be sure to report on the cruise while at sea, particularly if we find some fiber nuts or yarn shops of interest!