Chicago’s turning out to be a rather inspiring place. There’s some beautiful architecture, including this utterly perfect storybook turret. I’ve had some time to wander around (if 12 miles in a day can be called wandering!) and managed to visit the zoo, free and spacious which is nice, but a little too crowded on a sunny day for my liking and the sunshine meant most of the animals were snoozing. Luckily there’s a great hothouse beside the zoo which has the bonus of bathrooms with no lines.
I took far too many photos of plants, but they are amazing and very inspiring. I’d love to go back to these pictures and pick up on their shapes in a lace design.
This is a big city, but it’s also very green and I love the often unexpected combination of urban and natural.
Of course I had to visit the bean, which despite being such a recognisable landmark was still surprising in person and so much fun to play with. Can you see me?
Loopy Yarns on Saturday was such a fun event, you certainly kept me busy signing books! Lots of Ishbels came along. Don’t you love the wall of colour? They had every single colour of cascade 220, I’d love to play with that.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
If you have the time, Shedd’s Aquarium is worth a visit!
Glad to see that you’re enjoying your travels/work!
A slightly odd question but are you finding Chiacgo to be safe? I’ve always wanted to visit but am a bit nervous as the guide book I recently bought seems to highlight a million unsafe areas to avoid! Just thought I’d ask what you think.
Thanks!
I love Chicago. Did you get to head over to Navy Pier? The last time I was there I even ran through one of the big fountains since it was such a hot day. :) (Okay and it was about 10 years ago…)
I’m so glad you enjoyed Chicago — it’s my hometown — and there is nothing like a visit there in the nice weather. Enjoy all your summer travels.
I’m glad you’re liking it here. :) I’ve lived here all my life, and I’m still in love with the architecture. Sorry the weather hasn’t been better, though. Ha!
As for safety, I think that if you’re aware of your surroundings, almost any city is safe. Plus, it isn’t like anyone who comes to Chicago as a tourist is going to frequent any “shady” areas of the city. *shrugs* Chicago’s a big place, but you’ll probably end up in the more traditionally “touristy” areas. :)
To answer Flossie…Chicago is amazingly safe! I visit there frequently and walk the streets by myself. The police presence there is excellent as well.
Great photos! I am glad that you are having a great time visiting Chicago!
I love that last photo! I (almost) wish I still lived in the Midwest so I could add my Ishbel to the mix!
Ysolda I hope you don’t mind me using your comments as a place to thank fellow commenters for answering my question! Thank you! I have travelled in the US before (New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Portland, Boston) on my own and had no trouble. I blame this particular guide book for scaring me!
As an Architectural Assistant (I should be an Architect by October…hopefully) I’ve always dreamed of visiting Chicago, and I promised myself I’d go if I qualify this Autumn. Fingers crossed…
I love your blog! It’s really cool to see you documenting your trip through the USA. It’s making me very jealous!
I am glad you enjoyed Chicago! I stopped in at Loopy Yarns but was too shy to say hello. Your pictures are gorgeous!
Every single colour of Cascade 220? That’s pretty amazing. And dangerous. I’m always much more likely to buy stuff when it’s arranged by colour!
I was only in Chicago once (chaperoning my students), but I too was struck by the beautiful architecture. And by the way, your photos are lovely, especially the flora ones.
I seldom knit shawls because I don’t know how to use it properly. Now I see you guys wrap shawls ,which gives me idea to wrap it properly.
You visited the Garfield Park Conservatory? I’ve lived in Chicago my entire life and have never been there. I hear it’s amazing!
Glad to see you enjoyed Chicago! I live in the suburbs west of downtown and still find something new to see everytime I head downtown! By the way, just LOVE all your creations!