I am really behind on my posting. Maryland has been flogged blogged nearly to death. Everyone knows who was there, what was bought and how much fun it was. So.. in a nutshell:
I arrived (after flying to Pittsburgh Wednesday and driving 3 1/2 hrs Friday, with my sister and the finished Vine Lace Cardi) at the festival in the afternoon to scope out purchases that should be made first thing Saturday and buy what I wanted and could Friday BEFORE the 75,000 +/- crowds descended. Here’s why.
Easy right? I knew from last year, that by this time this year, a certain Wensleydale breeder (in this country) would probably have a black fleece. That was my first buy. I’ve never processed Wensleydale so only bought a bit to try. I washed it before getting back on a flight with it and packed it still damp. Somehow I could NOT bring myself to pack that smelly thing in with my clothes and carry-on seemed out of the question. As soon as I get the carder free of while Montadale, I’ll test spin a bit. Next stop, the souvenir booth for a bag, a pin, and a set of note cards. This year’s logo knocked my socks off. Then, down to the Mannings. I didn’t buy anything really special here, some sock yarn and a 32" addi for a magic loop sock. I tried it out on a 24" I had and figured I’d enjoy the process more with a longer needle. Then… ah yes!!! Dinner with the exhibitors. It’s not the cold cut picnic food that I love, but the company (and the wagon filled with ice and beer). Everyone is excited, loads of expectations, and shepards busy getting their animals fair ready beautiful umm… cleaned up.
There have been so many pictures of the crowds and the fiber, that I’ll just post these three. The llama with the mostest:
and one of the prize winning entries in Felting. Absolutely fantastic!!
this should be good for a few new ideas..
Comments
9 responses to “back in time”
Love that Llama!
I saw a llama similar to that one at Estes Park last year. Gorgeous.
And looks like I am passing on Rhinebeck – the timing doesn’t look good what with CO weather and wanting to get to AZ about that time.
I have to agree: Friday evening was a great time to “pre-shop”, although I noticed that the vendors who were set up weren’t saying no to waving fifty dollar bills! Early Saturday morning was also quite civilized, but the rest of it? Glad I was in class! I still managed to do a ferocious amount of damage to the finances….
Ooo, I love that felted shawl. Gorgeous.
Oh I am sooo glad you posted that scarf photo. Though I was most impressed with the grand poohbah prize winner that scarf was the one I wanted to sneak off with.
Thanks so much.
I’m struck by the empty fairgrounds. That was the ONLY way to get a shot of that.
The llama is quite striking.
missed seeing you this year! hey, you look fantastic in the spin-off photo!
Oh, I love the nuno felted ruffle. A few ideas indeed!
That felt is stunning! Do you remember who made it?