May 8, 2006
Maryland Sheep and Wool!
This is Cindy and Steve. And Me. Steve is my best friend from college, and Cindy is his big sister. We attended the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival together on May 6, 2006, and had a blast! Steve and I attended last year and had so much fun, that we invited his sister, a relatively new knitter, to come all the way from Illinois for the experience. It was truly wonderful, but also overwhelming! The fabulous spring weather brought tens of thousands of people to the event. I don't think I've ever been in crowds like that before. I think that's why I don't have pictures... too many people and too much activity. It was hard to even think about the camera.
We barely got inside the gates when I ran into someone from the KnitTalk List. This is Erin, who I've exchanged e-mails with and she is a regular reader of the group. It was fun to meet someone in real space! I'm a "monitor" of the group and it's really a lot of fun! I had brought stickers for group members, should I happen to run into them. Unfortunately, the only sticker I parted with that day was Erin's. The crowds were so big that I didn't see too many other knit talkers; or maybe I did and I just didn't know it. I did run into list member Shelley, but she already had a sticker of her own!! It was great to see Shelley again; it's been far too long! Did I get a photo? No, drat! I've got to be a better correspondent.
We did eat yummy lamb kabobs for lunch while listening to part of a seminar on "Fleece Development" in the dining hall. Cindy snuck off to the bathroom during lunch and was gone a long time, and came back excited about some yarns she had seen on the way to the bathroom. Cindy had been looking for an easy tank top or shell pattern, and she was sure she found the perfect yarn for one. The booth was by Tess' Yarns, and I can't even begin to describe the absolute rainbow of colors and fibers. I guess they must do mostly shows for now, as the website isn't quite fully set up for e-commerce. The photo at the right shows some superwash merino in a purpley-blue with a splash of yellow. There were also silks and cashmere and vibrant ribbon yarns and wow. I don't think I've seen as much variety of fiber and color from one vendor ever before. I hope they come back next year!
I have to admit I was restrained and maybe a little boring with my purchases this year. I also bought four skeins of Lamb's Pride Worsted yarn to make another felted hat with. I purchased another copy of my favorite Fiber Trends AC-01 pattern, and also I got the lighter weight version, which I've never tried before. I also got the Ann Norling Basic Sock Pattern, which I think will be a good way to try socks. I guess we'll see how that goes!
One of my favorite parts of the day was when Cindy and I sat for a few minutes to knit. Steve had given Cindy a set of Denise Interchangeable Needles for Christmas (at my suggestion!) because she had mentioned to him that she wanted to learn to make hats. She hadn't yet, however, gotten the hang of knitting in the round. Cindy had been usnig the backward loop cast on method, which can be particularly hard to manage, so here I am showing her the knit on cast on method. She got the hang of it right away, of course, because it's just like knitting, of course! Then we dove right into circular knitting. I started off right away teaching her how to knit in the round using one long circular needle, and we knit a round or two before heading off to The Melting Pot for a heavenly, relaxed dinner.
All in all it was a great day and I want to thank Steve for making it possible for me! Also, it was great to meet Cindy and I hope she'll come back next year. Bye for now!
Knitting Resources
About Me - If you really GOTTA know who's writing this blog...
Got Feedback? Visit the Guestbook
Work in Progress: Aran Sampler Rainbow Blankie - Click this page to see all the cool designs that are going into this project!
Finished Object Gallery - This page doesn't have a lot on it! I'm notorious for not finishing projects. But check back from time to time as I just might surprise myself!
Trish's Knitting Library - This is an assortment of knitting books and related materials that I've enjoyed, so I thought I would share them with you.
Trish's Knitting Links - I surf a lot for knitting resources so I thought I'd start compiling my discoveries here. Check back often!
The KnitList - This is probably one of the oldest and most comprehensive knitting resources on the Web. There are literally thousands of members, and people are always ready to provide information and help.
KnitTalk - and if you're sick of the Knitlist and just want a warm fuzzy place to chat about knitting, try this group on for size.
KnitHatsNow - A mailing list devoted to people who love to knit hats! We maintain an always-growing list of free hat patterns available on the web.
KnittingScarves - A mailing list devoted to people who love to knit scarves! We maintain an always-growing list of scarf patterns available on the web. Crocheters are welcome, too.
Knitty - Very creative online knitting magazine. Great patterns and really great articles. Best of all, it's FREE.
Trish's Knitting Tips
Knitting Small Round Objects Without Double Pointed Needles (a.k.a., "The Magic Loop") - Learning this technique revolutionized the way I knit! The booklet which describes the technique in detail is published by Fiber Trends and is available through a huge variety of knitting retailers. I also found that I learned the technique on my own pretty well visiting this website: How to Knit Small Circumferences Using One Long Circular Needle.
Recently, I've found a website called Knitting Help.com where the Magic Loop technique is demonstrated. Click on the Advanced Techniques page to find the video.
My Own Patterns
Cables and Eyelets Scarf -- I put this pattern together and I'm enjoying it a lot so far! Of course, my sample is still in the UFO pile, but the pattern is a lot of fun to knit.
Fancy Cabled Braided Scarf -- My first pattern! I love cables, and I love this scarf. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Commercial Knitting Resources
The Yarn Market - My current favorite yarn store. A wide selection of beautiful and fun yarns.
Knitpicks - My other favorite yarn store. This one carries tons of accessories and doo-dads I can't live without! Recently, Knitpicks has begun carrying their own house-brand yarn. The reviews are good and the prices can't be beat! Be sure to check them out.
Denise Interchangeable Needles - I love these needles and I use them exclusively. I have two sets! The needle sizes range from 5-15, and the cables can be combined to make almost any length. I find these needles lightweight and easy to work with.
Favorite Knitting Blogs
WendyKnits - This one is a hoot to read and contains lots of info on really interesting projects! But, Kudos to Wendy's tip on Cabling Without a Cable Needle. I've read many directions before, but this one was the one that caused my "light bulb" to go off.
Archives
Visit My Other Sites!
Day Family on The Web - This is our family website; check often for updates on the kids and other news.
Parents with Disabilities Online - This is my project I manage for parents with disabilities. I really enjoy providing resources, information and support to families like ours, so that they know they're not alone.
Birtles Shorrock Goble - Founding members of the Little River Band, who have reunited and gave me the honor of doing their website!
Beeb Birtles' Official Website - The pleasure has been all mine to manage the web site for the life and times of Beeb Birtles, a founding member of the Little River Band.
DOT Disability Resource Center - This is where I work, and I also do the website for the office.
Powerscape, LLC - this is the website for my brother's business, which specializes in commercial power washing services.
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E-mail Trish: Trish@trishday.com