Back to the Fair and step on it!

Another friend wanted to go to the fair and twisted (not) my arm. Weeee! This was a chance for me to pick up missed business cards, see things I missed during yesterday’s sensory overload and chat with more folks.

I followed along while today’s friend and fiber enthusiast wandered through the vending barns. We stopped at Just My Yarn to see the Turnstyles spindles a friend purchased yesterday. Dianne was just as great and patient with today’s friend and soon she was coming home with two Turnstyles spindles. I have my mind set on getting one as soon as I can afford to...I'm now a huge fan :)

In an attempt to get yesterday’s friend a few things she missed, I got into a conversation with the super friendly and helpful owner of Golden Oak Alpaca Farm. I believe her name was Barb Green. See yesterdays’ post to about needle felting we did at their booth. Fun! In chatting we came to find out we both know the same person. She promptly invited us to their open house in October and to participate in their “name the alpaca” contest. I’m SO there!

Also met the absolutely fabulous owner, Elizabeth McLelland of Yorkshire Meadows, a shop in Mansfield, PA. We chatted and she taught me a simple way to do I-cord. I thought it was this terrible thing that everyone hated and took forever.

And there was Dianna of Hand Crafted Heirlooms, also in PA, who had a gorgeous silk wool stole in mahogany tones that I wish, wish, wish I could have taken home with me. It wanted to, but the wallet was not willing. Some day...

One defining moment came when I took my friend into the smaller building to show her the silk worms. She wasn’t into it but when we turned around, something caught my eye. There were three spinners working on wheels and one woman had the exact same roving braid on her lap that I bought yesterday. Great! Now is my chance to see what this will look like spun up in the hands of someone more expert than I. The ladies were all helping at the fair and were part of the Genesee Valley Guild. They talked about their spinning and their experiences, preferences of wheels and even gave me a good place to search out a less expensive option. See, they knew that I was destined to spin. One of the ladies named pat let us pet her handspun, hand knit, cashmere capelet. I said cashmere...need i say more. It melted in my hand. She told me that we were destined to meet and I agree. I love the universe...*sigh*
It was a great weekend and I’m so glad that I had the chance to spend time with my friends and share the fair.

Fiber frolic! Finger Lakes Fiber Festival 2006

I have wanted to go for AGES. Studies now complete and it was time to have a bit of well-deserved fun so off a friend and I went to the Finger Lakes Fiber Festival in Hemlock, NY. It was an easy drive and only took a little over an hour. We both vowed that we would not enable each other (yeah right). But soon we were breaking into our stowed away money that the other did not realize we brought. It was officially on! This is photo intensive so hang in there!










First, we hit this lovely vendor who I can't recall the name of (have to let you know in another post. I would recommend them...so friendly! My friend bought a gorgeous fleece determined to learn to spin today. She's a knitting goddess so I'm confident she did not waste $$. Having never spun anything, I thought I would just head home with three little bags of very sheepy fleece in lovely variegated shades. I wonder if carding this with the cat's brush will work. Yes? We will see. I managed to not pick up any wool wash the entire day. Brilliant...I can still feel the lanolin on my fingertips.

We passed or more correctly this passed us on the way into one of the big tents to see the llama and the great folks who took the time to chat with us about llama wool, guard hair, etc. It's true, guard hair content is very much dependent on the animal. Some had almost none were others had more than I cared for. I tried to collect business cards and names along the way, but I think a few were misplaced. Sorry!



We made our way to the Oak Meadow Alpaca Farm and I bought this from owner Nancy... lovely puff of alpaca roving. SO soft! I had to go back and get a baggie of it to try. Spinning is starting to call to me, scream actually.




An then there was the lovely green scarf at Winterhaven Fiber Farm called a Nuno scarf. I'm not mush of a wrap person, but this I just could not ignore. (scarf on left) The owner, Jenny, was a just a fantastic gal. Chatted with us about spinning, felted flower making, etc. I had my heart set on making a few of the scarves so I cam away with the instructions plus some pretty rovings and some flashy stuff to add in to jazz it up a bit. All I have to get is the silk backing material which I have at home. I have to remember to email her to order the green fiber to make the green scarf. Must write a note....


Next we moved on to the fabulous gals at Just Our Yarn, Diane and Cathie. They have amazing cashmere yarn spun so finely and in such defined colors. It made me wish I were a better knitter. Some day... they also sold the most beautiful drop spindles made by Bill Hardy of Turnstyles. These were by far my favorites of the show hands down. Diane was very patient and talked my friend and I threw all our questions and was a very patient and encouraging demonstrator/teacher. Here is my friend giving it a whorl...she bought one and couldn't peel the smile from her face. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Then across the way we went as the fine ladies at Gold Oak Farm waved us over to try out needle felting. I can't tell you how fun and cathartic it was to stab that little needle into the roving. And soon we had something, well, my friend did at least. Mine is on the right (laugh) Can I help it if the kids at the table used all the cool colors and imagination?


With out new found love of spinning and needle felting off we went in search of fiber and found Steam Valley Fiber Farm and it's amazing owner, Phylleri.. She had the most amazing display of fiber and sweet little goats (I think goats, at least) I asked her if she minded me taking a pic of her stuff and she gave a big smile and the okay so feast your eyes. Keep in mind that there is a second side to that yarn rack. The colors were amazing. The booth was beautiful.


Needing water badly, we headed to the food vendors and saw sheep shearing.


After water and a snack, we sidetracked and entered a smaller building. Inside we found a fantastic display of any and everything you ever wanted to know about silk and silk worms. Here you can see the owner keeping the water hot as the fine filaments from 10 silk cocoons were gently wound around a wheel. Look closely to see the fine filaments. She also had live worms munching on mulberry leaves. The worms were so soft to pet too. Then I tried my hand at bobbin weaving with the ladies of the Genesee Valley Guild. Fun! i love being exposed to new things.


Next and final was the main and largest barn. Here I got in a little more trouble because I found Joan Berner and Cloverleaf Farms. Her color sense and colorways were reasonably priced and WOW! They were my favorite of the show....I loved the combinations. I have been dreading the coming of winter because it lasts SO long here and the sky is persistently overcast. Doom and gloom. It is the price you pay for living here in the gorgeous lake region. But I seem to find my mood changing enough to welcome autumn and it palette of colors. With that in mind I bought these two colorways. The first is a merino superwash and the braid is a merino silk blend. I had to lighten the first pic to show the colors of the darker superwash. The second pic represents the truer colors of the silk merino blend.


Further in the main barn we found Golding. Their display of gold-ringed spindles, zodiac spindles, amazing looms and a spinning wheel and chair were so finely done. A true craftsman and a nice guy to chat with as well. I have my eye on a spindle from these folks for the future. Any picture that I could manage would not do his work justice. Thankfully he is easy to find on the web and I encourage you to go browse.

I also came across other lovely folks like Lisa Ann who owns The Spinners Hill Shop. Lisa was so nice and tried to locate some silk/wool blend roving. Fortunately for her she was practically cleaned out. Rats! She was so accommodating and told me to email her about colorways she be happy to make for me. *smile*

There were also the kind folks at Ancient Textiles. Their booth was chock full of ikat clothing and textiles. They allowed me to take a pic if a gorgeous sweater but the owner was quick to point out that it was the work of a well known designer whose name I promptly forgot. So, I feel bad about posting the pic until I can identify the talented designer.

Maggie's Farm was there too and we had a chance to chat with the friendly owner about spinning and other fiber loving things. The hook rug and wheels both displayed at a nearby booth were a great final thing to see as we exited the show. Yes, I want to learn about this too...and weaving as i found myself VERY drawn to woven scarves and such all day. That goes on my wish list. Now, if I could just find that rich Vet I can marry and help me take care if the herd I want! Yes, I like to dream...

Ahh, fiber fest virgin no more. The day was good. Life is better :)

Goings on

I woke up early this morning (3AM) to a huge commotion. Seems that the hated neighborhood cat hopped up on the bay window bump out just below my AC and began hissing and growling. There was a scuffle and a crash which sounded like it was directly next to me in bed. My two cats were terrified/curious huddled next to me and peering out from under the sheets while wimpering. Next thing I hear is desperate scratching, clawing and a few thuds at the livingroom window just a few feet from the bedroom. I tend to leave the windows cracked open a bit at the top to let air in for the warmer weather. Naturally, this hated neighborhood cat was trying to get in! I ran to the window to shut it and he jumped right up at me. I thought he'd break right through the screen. I love all animals, but this cat is just mean. I had to warn my new neighbors not to leave their caged cockatiel outside on the porch unattended because of this tyrant. I won't be sad to see him go...vicious little fur ball *grumbles*


Well wfter that little adventure, I managed to wake up all stiff and achy with my glands swollen and painful. I sneezed a few times yesterday so I knew something was happening. So, what's a gal to do? Chicken soup! Brewing as we speak. Hope it works ;)

Today was another home day. I managed to snag a friend's laptop for a week and so here I sit surfing the web and finally getting things done. So much to do now that the degrees are finished. God and the paperwork for licensing, credentialing, blah, blah, blah. Seems endless and what a s-l-o-w process. And the search for where to live still carries on. I have another month or so of travelling and attending this meeting and that conference and the other seminars. I love it but I'd really like to be closer to being settled. Have to remember to be nice to myself and breath. Doesn't help when a certificate program I want to take will be $500. * eyes roll*

On a brighter note, I made these stitch markers for Karen (cooknknit) for a swap. The camera was less bratty this morning so the pic is blurry but decent. New camera? I wish. Not yet. Not for a while. So if you have gotten aby from me and can take a better pic, by all means go ahead and send it to me. I'd love it :)

More surfing... 

Back at it

Sooooooooo, I have been away for a while (and couldn't recall my password!) Not much knitting occurred in the last 10 months and I've been wanting to get back to it badly. But, there just was no time to be had.

I've been slowly getting back to favorite crafty things including making beaded stitch markers. I've made some for friends and made others for trade. So far, I've only received glowing compliments. Here are examples of previous sets. I'm toying with selling them so I'd love to hear what you think especially if you have received any...love for you to share what you think :)

My appologies for the spaces and picture formatting. I just couldn't fight with Blogger any longer. *sigh*

Previous sets: Yes, sadly this is the same camera :( It is SO fickle! Can't afford a new one :(

Lost but not forgotten...SP gushing

Serenity Garden

I had a perfectly lovely post about my non-Knitty SP and her final package and everything and poof, it's gone. What the heck? *sigh* I hate blogger some days.

Anyway, I have had a superfantastic non-Knitty SP from California. You'll have to peek back into the archieves and see the lovely things she (and the BF) found to send to me. Bucket loads of amazing things. I'm very fortunate to have had such lovely SPs :) This SP is a student like me and with the same time and deadline contraints that always seem to get in the way of knitting...imagine! Well, she is such a sweetie. She sent me my very first Addi Turbos! Yup, I love, love, love them. If that were not enough, she also sent along a buck of lovely dark chocolate....even organic! It was sinfully good. Thank you, Leina for all the very special and lovely things you picked out for me. I appreciate them all and especially your time and thoughts. :D

Yikers!

Just came back from long drive #2 in as many weeks and am e-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d. I got a message that I had a package in the mailroom and asked forit to be sent to our secuity office so I could get it after hours...so glad I did! There waiting for me after my 6 hours trip was dun-dun-daaaaaaaaaaaa...another hermetically sealed box. It could only be from my Canadian SP super duo of Strain & Strain (two aptly named individuals....see why under comments from package two). With quasi-fresh camera batteries and some changes to the settings *fingers crossed* I took this pictures of the goodies...while chewing on an Oh Henry!
Sandra and hubby are too sweet...look what they sent me...
1. Handmade spindle by the tape-tastic dude himself (at least I think so based on a comment my SP made in a previous communication). Who knew this guy was s otalented and handy? Yes, I have documented his triumps with the sticky-backed stuff but, but this is not even remotely adherent! LOL

2. Roving! Not sure of the type but ROVING! nonetheless. Wonderfully soft and mushy and I'm going to bring it to a friends who knows show to spin (I hope)....did I mentyion she sent along instructions AND more Udderly Smooth cream for my hands? She thinks of everything.

3. Now, I know that Canada is a fairly largish country but MY God! do they believe in hand soup....hand, the operative word. I recieved a GARGANTUAN bar of Scottish Violet and Sugar soap that I have to hold in two hands. You'd have to be a basketball player to be able to palm this thing. Guess the neighbors downstairs will have to get used to the crash! and resultant slippery slide of the slick soap as it ejects from my hand every morning at 6:30am. (Think if Julia Roberts and the snails at dinner in Pretty Woman) The soap is quite lovely, in fact. Thank you!

4. Byrspun US size 17 straight needles....awesome, I dont have this size! Woot!

5. Kroy sock yarn....2, one for each foot. Uncanny...I just commented that I liked the new Knitty sock patterns for the Winter 2005 edition. This comes in handy :)

6. Stitch markers! Happy pretty, colorful ones that make you just smile like this -----> :D

7. More free pattern flyers! Thanks, because I never have time to do this and now I have a bunch for my bindr I'm starting to put together.

8. Yarn kit of pretty purples! Interesting textured yarn, kind of a boucle but not. I'll have to think of something for this...hat and glovies for the baby niece (saw her this weekend againa dnshe's just a cutie...no, I am not biased....I swear!)

9. CANDY, CANDY, CANDY! Oh Henry, Reese's cups, lollipops, and tons for stuff. As usual, my fellow students thank you and my PMS alter ego does too!

10. Hot apple cider! SHe must have known I like it and sent more in this package...yummy on a cold night like tonight.

11. Note from my SP (the most special part of the gift). Sandra (and her hubby) has been such a great and fun SP. Thank you for all your lovely gifts, Customs-proof boxes and smiles. ANd special thanks to MaryMac for a great paring! Off to contemplate knitting.... 

IOUs

 


I had a BUSY Thanksgiving. The drive back to the family Wednesday was a misery and I didn't get in until almost 4am. Drivers of the larger trucks were throwing themselves onto guardrails to decelerate in the hopes of not slamming into the stopped vehicles in front of them. Scary stuff especially since I was one of the stopped cars. Thankfully, I managed not to add myself to the 15 car pile up (thanks Dad for teaching me how to drive safely in bad weather when I was a teen). I kissed my mom hello when I finally got in and went straight to sleep. THe rest of the weekend was a blurr and I still need to recover from it. So much for a relaxing weekend. *sigh*

Never did get a chance to koolaid dye with the kiddies. Oh well, best laid plans and all that. I did only a small amount of knitting and managed to take a picture of the stitch markers I made in trade who are on their way to their new owners. Hope you all like them! :)

That's all for now. I have to rest tonight and plan the cleaning, reorganization and rearrangement of my little home. It's driving me a wee bit batty and it needs to fast become a little sanctuary...ahh sanctuary *sigh*

Off to the post office and errands before heading back to "work". Knitting will be accomplished in the next few days and pictures will be included....just need to fiddle with this camera a bit to get it to focus correctly. 

Sunday KNIT IN!

Okay, this an open invite all day knitting day right from your own cozy chair. The point? Get those WIPs into FOs and enjoy knitting with others. Here is a little car clicker cozy I am making for a friend. Hope to see a few pictures of your WIPs and FOs posted to your blogs too. Be back later with more updates!

All quiet....

Well, it will be quiet here at the ranch for a bit while I dig my heels in for the sake of education. All my concentration and focus will be directed toward a singular goal that will occur this weekend. I have waited a long time and it is final "go" time. Keep any and all fingers, appendages, etc., crossed and send good thoughts and vibes this Friday and Saturday.

I have promised myself an entire day of just resting and knitting...and I have enlisted a few accomplices to make sure that's all I do. Ahhhh...wish it was Sunday already....

and these...

Borrowed a pair of pliers from a friend after mine went missing mysteriously from the hall closet. So off these go in trade to their new owner in trade for some mags. I hope she likes them....22 in all....that'll keep her going for a long while. Hope you like them, Barb!

My So Called Scarf....an FO!

I always liked this pattern and although I had the wrong needles (grabby bamboo) and only one ball of the yarn, I think it came out great. I love the Treandsetter Dune and would love to used more of it in the future if I ever see it on sale and I'm no longer grad school poor...I'm thinking in 3 plus years or so? lol Enjoy!

Safe SEX....a yarn story

Is it possible to love your Knitty SP and her husband? Answer is a resounding yes! This dynamic duo managed to send me an intriguing box in and out.

It all started when the wonderful mail lady handed me the box. I was SO excited because it was here and it was heavy! (insert greedy smile here). I no sooner get in the car with said box that I think to myself This must be what hell is like... You see, the box, much like the 1st was sealed very ummmm, completely! It kind of had the "vacuum-sealed" feeling to it, you know, dense like a brick of coffee and no prayer of getting it opened fast.

So I bit my lip for a moment and pulled the good ole car keys out of the ignition....yeah, you know what's coming...but wait, something is different about this box. Not only is it taped, it was first wrapped in plastic wrapping first! There was not a blessed place I could poke the key through. Seriously, drug dogs couldn't possibly deduce the contents....it was air tight, nay waterproof! (it was a rainy day)

By now I was completely resigned to getting this sucker open even if I had to resort to pinata busting methods...plenty of trees nearby, rope in the trunk and enough SP package angst that it would be a spectacle for sure! Needless to say I became rather deft at working the serrated edge of the car key until....ahhhhh, success!

WAIT! No, no, I take that back. Even though I managed to rip (read stretch the plastic wrap to beyond the manufacturer's recommendation) with a huff and a puff (and a few really bad words that would make a sailor blush) I finally birthed that box from its unyielding sheath.

And guess what? THE BOX WAS STILL TAPED! A silent scream escaped my throat...!#$@*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But then all was well...check out the loot!

1. A butt load of free patterns...lets say that again Free Patterns....sounds lovely together, yes?
2. A little woody dolly that I can either make into my board exam security dolly or a voodoo doll...especially handy if one of the test proctors tweaks me the wrong way on expensive test day (evil smile)
3. Tape measure...now this is so funny to me. each of my SPs has sent me one of these...what hint am I not getting, hmmm?
4. A fuzz buster sweater depiller thingy-do...excellent, excellent.
5. Unidentifiable pink do-dad-clippy thingies...I have no idea...what are they? lol
6. Stitch markers! Love the red ones, especially :)
7. Loofah/soap combo...now just this very morning I was having the toughest time getting up and going. I was in the middle of showering when I remembered my lovely Knitty SP sent me invigorating citrus bath stuff. I hoped out of the shower and rummaged around the gift box but no soap. Oh well, I'll just use the citrus lotion after I shower. But soap came today...and later I anm having my apartment (bath especially) swept for spying devices...that's uncanny! How did she know!
8. Yummy Hot Apple cider and Hot Chocolate...it dropped 30 degrees on friday so fall/winter has officially begun and I need warm drinks for my cockels (sp?...whatever).
9. Phantom chocolate...already devoured by classmates...they say thank you!
10. Cute postcard from my SP!
11. Mission falls cotton...yup, 5 count 'em. Lovely to make my niece something for Easter. She was not blessed with my uneven olive complexion thankfully *sigh*
11. Safe Sex yarn box....courtesy of her no-way-anyone's-getting-that-box-open-without-devine-intervention package wrapping fool of a hubby...we love him...lol