Rhinefantastibeck

The weather couldn’t have been nicer.  It was cool enough for all of the lovely handknits that I saw throughout the day.  Everyone I met seemed so happy, with good reason.  What could be wrong when there are cool people to meet, adorable animals to visit, and.  Fiber.  Googobs of fiber.

First the people.

Here’s Beth who won best in show for her shawl (did I get that right, Beth?).  She won a big impressive prize.  And I met her.  And she was fun to meet.

Here I am, living it up with Ann, who was my Sockapaloooza knitter–and you know how I love the socks she made me.  She had on her Cards shirt, as promised.  She’s also volunteered to be one of the ksks angels.  Isn’t she awesome?

This is one of my best friends, Sara.  We met when we were 14.  The first conversation I remember having with her was at the start of gym class our freshman year of high school.  She had purple Candies, and I told her I liked them.  And we’ve been getting into trouble together ever since.  She liked the bunnies.  If it weren’t for dogs in both our homes, I think one of us may have taken a bunny home.  The blog love has her thinking that she may start one of her own.  She reads mine, so leave a comment encouraging her to join us, ok?

You know how you feel like you know some of your blog friends for reals?  Isn’t it a thrill when you actually get to meet them?  It was for me!  Meeting Mama-E made me so. very. happy.  She introduced me to Amy, who I talked to later in the day about spinning silk hankies (everyone should spin these, she declared).

I ran into some difficulties hooking up with Flat Scout.  Really, though, with all that fiber around, no wonder she took off by herself for a bit.  In the end, though we had some time together before I passed her back to Stephanie to give to Margene. 

Before the pass off, Flat Scout got some love from Sarah.  That’s Rogue on Sarah.  I saw a couple of them yesterday, and I have to admit to a little bit of longing for one of my own.

I failed to get pictures of other bloggers I met, but they include: Adrian, Christine, Martha, Jessica (who has the prettiest hair evah), Deborah, Jenny (we fondled spindles together), and Kate, whom I saw buying her very special birthday present.  I also had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Michelle from The Sweet Sheep.  I’m just going to be honest.  She’s an enabler.  Really.

Now the loot.  Remember how I had that yard sale to get some disposable income?  Well, I went over budget by about $30, but I"m so pleased with what I got.  Next year, Sara and I agreed, we need to hold a bigger yard sale.

This is my new Bosworth spindle.  First, I have to say that the Bosworths are delightful folks.  Jonathan was sweet as could be to me and Sara.  There’s nothing like meeting the craftsman who has made something you just know you’re going to treasure.  After spinning on my cd spindle, this Midi is a dream.  She’s made from Mexican Cocobolo with a Bloodwood shaft.  There were a few others that caught my eye, but this one practically leapt into my hands.  Love at first sight.

That cloud of fiber that she’s nestled into?  That’s one pound of a merino, wool, and angora blend in Honeydew colorway from Twin Ponds Fiber Farm.  Their stuff was just fabu.  I tried to resist, but the enablers were with me, and it was the perfect color for a ver special secret project.  My photography skills are not good enough to let you see the color, but once it’s spun, I’ll try to make a better picture of the yarn.

From Shadey Side Farm, I got some Firestar, as well as a few ounces of chocolate alpaca/Tussah top (feels so very soft).  Aren’t the colors fantastic? I enjoyed myself yesterday.  Between meeting great people and seeing (and acquiring) truly beautiful fiber and tools, I can’t think of anything that would have made the day better.

Next year, I’m staying over!