Look What I Bought: Part 5

The only thing I had on an actual list to buy was dye. I needed some gray and some olive to complete the set I have been putting together a bottle at a time. When the time comes to torture more sock blanks, I will be ready.



Speaking of my dyeing skills in the same post as these masterpieces is shameful. What Fiber Optic knows about dyeing is what I hope to know someday.



I almost walked right past these beauties when I was elbowing my way into the Socks That Rock display at The Fold.
There was so much to choose from that my brain hurt from weighing the possibilities. I find it funny now that I chose 2 rather warmish colorways on a humid, 93 degree, spring morning.

Look What I Bought: Part 4

On Sunday morning, I ran into the main exhibit hall and snatched up a teeny, tiny .42 oz cherry Bosworth spindle. Then I ran over to Misty Mountain Farms and bought a bag of super soft Luxury Polworth in Forest Moss to pair with my new little friend. Earlier that morning I had heard a group oohing and aahing over bags of this unfamiliar (to me) fiber so of course, I had to have some too.



I have to say I am totally loving the combination of spindle and fiber. I don't want to put it down. I already know where I am heading next year and what I am planning on bringing home.

Look What I Bought: Part 3

I made a very quick dash into the booth where Jenny the Potter was selling her ceramic ware to pick up some more buttons in anticipation of a sesame colored cabled sweater that I have been planning for fall. I discovered the Jennie's wonderful buttons last year while stalking Heather Ordover from Craft Lit. She was supposed to be there helping out again this year but I was too hot and grouchy to be in stalking mode. I really just wanted more buttons, so I ran in and out without noticing who was where. If that was you, Heather, who took my $14, then I am very sorry that I didn't take the time to tell you how much I love your podcasts. When you are 56 and 1/2 and in the middle of a raging hot flash in 90 plus degree weather, you will understand.

Look What I Bought: Part 2

In spite of the misery on Saturday, I made an effort to go into one of the super heated exhibit halls in order to fetch a bag of my favorite brightly colored variegated Merino from Pucker Brush Farms. I was just about to pay when Daughter slapped down the money and said "Happy Mother's Day". How sweet.



I've already put it to good use with my new little Golding 2" Purpleheart Tsunami spindle. I almost passed out wading through the crowd in the Golding booth to pick out this little beauty. Much to Son #1's horror, I had to drop the ice from my iced tea into my bra to keep cool so I could stand in line to pay. It was that hot.

Look What I Bought: Part 1

My only 2010 Sheep and Wool mission was to bring home something I don't usually buy. I tend to go to the same booths and buy the same thing each year.
Somewhere deep in the back of my brain, I had the notion that this would be the year to get a fleece but since I am too shy to fight my way through the confusion of the fleece tables I never thought it could be possible. I have been a lurker for years, watching from a safe distance in admiration as people carried away their giant bags.



On Super Hot Saturday, before I had my meltdown, I was forced by The Mister and Son #1 to go take a look at this year's selection. I managed to not only walk myself up to the fleece tables but to actually pick one out and buy it. That is $153 of Cormo. Yes, I said $153. I had brought $200 with me and then plunked down almost the entire thing in one giant 9 pound purchase within minutes of arriving.



It's one big bag of wool. Certainly enough to keep me busy for the summer.



It's so pretty. I want to take a nap in it-as soon as it cools down.

A Few Festival Friends

It may have been a miserable day for shopping on Saturday but the animal barns were well ventilated and shady. This little cutie wasn't letting the crowds disturb its breakfast.



The unseasonable 90 degree weather did not seem to bother the adorable baby goats who were taking turns beating the hell out of each other and then beating up a red folding chair. The little black one was particularly naughty and then seemed to put itself in time out in the corner.



I was feeling sorry for myself because I was so miserable until I saw what this guy was wearing. I hope he was in line for shearing. Poor guy.

Back For More

While the household was asleep, I crept out at 6:30 am for another shot at the Sheep and Wool Festival. It is almost a 2 hour drive from here, but without the Saturday traffic I was there in a flash. I was better prepared for the heat today. I dressed sensibly, carried little and made sure my first stop was to get a snow cone.



In the Saturday crowds I had missed this unusual sock display that greeted you at the entry. You can only imagine how some people were posing with it for photos.




At 8 am I was surprised to find the place full of people who were there to watch the Sheep to Shawl competition. By 9 am the place was open for business and I was in and out in about an hour with a large bag full of goodies.



Here are this year's stash additions minus the biggest purchase of all. I will show you all of this in detail in the days to come. Right now I need a cold drink and cool bath.