May 14, 2008

Sheep to Shawl, Gogh Gogh Style

Yesterday in the comments Martha asked, "Wait, Sunday was even more exciting? How could that be?" I'll tell you how it could be more exciting - Sunday was the Sheep to Shawl competition and my good friends were competing.

Here we see Betsy, Vicki, Terry, Cheryl and Kelly each doing their part for the competition. Each team had 3 hours to start with a fleece and end with a shawl. They were required to have a theme and The Gogh Gogh's theme was "Starry Night" or something like that. They took their inspiration for the shawl from Van Gogh's painting and they ran with it.

They painted a gorgeous warp in advance of the competition.

They knitted sleeping caps and made pajamas to wear as costumes.

They won the blue ribbon!

And made a really gorgeous shawl to boot. It doesn't get any more exciting than that, Martha.

It was lots of fun to watch and I'm so proud of my friends. Next year, though, they'd better watch out. I think there will be a new team in town. Hee hee!

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (39)

May 13, 2008

New Hampshire Sheep & Wool 2008

This past weekend was my fourth time attending New Hampshire Sheep and Wool and I have to agree with Norma - this is my favorite fiber festival of them all. The setting is beautiful, the vendors are terrific, and (generally speaking) all my peeps are there.

Dale and I headed north on Friday after work. It was so wonderful to have an entire weekend away. While the festival was our main goal in going away, we also relished our time together in the hotel. We had a beautiful room with a jacuzzi, room service and very nice amenities. It was the perfect respite each evening.

I'm sure you're happy to hear about our romantic getaway but I know why you're really here - to hear about the festival. I wouldn't dream of disappointing you. Allow me to present Saturday:

Like any good fiber festival, it's all about the people.

People who goof on you.

People who hug.

People who wear shawls.

And people who wear boots.

People who buy a fleece.

And people who exclaim over the fleece. Truly, this is the picture of the day. As always, more pictures are available on my flickr page.

The best part about Saturday was that I really got a chance to visit with everyone. Because there are no lines cough, Maryland, cough there is lots more time for catching up, hanging out, shopping and even knitting. It was relaxing and I honestly felt like there was time for everything and that's certainly something that doesn't happen often at a fiber festival. Hooray for the laidbackness that is NH!

Come back tomorrow and I'll show you the excitement that was Sunday morning.

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (28)

May 8, 2008

May Day Socks & NH Picnic Plans

I received my May Day Socks from Katie of Daily Thread on Monday and boy are they terrific!

The green is a lovely shade of sage and the pattern is Artichoke Socks from Soxie. They are so very delicate and pretty.

Katie also included some heirloom petunia seeds from her mother-in-law's garden, a tube of Burt's Bee's Peppermint Foot Cream, and some dark chocolate covered cranberries. Mmmmm. Of course, I sure can use that foot cream this time of year!

Thanks for a beautiful pair of May Day socks, Katie! And thanks, Emily and Lynne, for organizing this sock swap!

Breaking News!

Okay, if you're going to New Hampshire Sheep & Wool this weekend this announcement is for YOU. We are gathering for a picnic potluck at Noon on Saturday in the picnic grove. Everyone is welcome - please pass the word along!

Be there or be square!

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (40)

May 6, 2008

Maryland Sheep & Wool

Just as you all predicted, I had a terrific time this past weekend. Hillary is loads of fun and we really enjoyed getting to know each other. We spent lots of time in Washington, DC and I'm going to tell you all about that tomorrow but today is all about Maryland Sheep & Wool.

We arrived around 9 am after sitting in a long line of traffic. Honestly, that line of traffic set the tone for the day because this festival, while terrific and satisfying, is all about the lines! For instance, look at this line:

This is the line for festival swag. We stood in it for over an hour and a half. And yes, that's a long time. But, it was worth it. For one thing, the sale of festival merchandise is what supports the festival financially. It allows for free admission and free parking and I'm all for keeping that sentiment going. And for another thing, this may be the only time I ever get to attend Maryland Sheep & Wool and I wanted stuff to prove I was there. I loaded myself down with a t-shirt for me, a baseball cap for Dale, a bunch of note cards and some festival pins.

There were also lines for buying yarn and roving, lines for the restrooms, lines for the food. You get the idea, I'm sure. Thankfully, Hillary's friend Felicia had the wherewithal to suggest that we bring lunch. As much as I wanted a corn dog, I wasn't willing to wait in a long line to get one!

Now, don't think those lines stopped me from having a good time. Honestly, I love a fiber festival for one very special reason: the PEOPLE. I bumped into old friends and made a few new ones.

Here is Risa and Jessica. Risa was a huge enabler help when I was first learning to spin and Jessica and I have emailed so many times throughout Summer of Socks that it was great to meet each other in person.

And here is Dave. Like his new outfit? I think he's stylin'. He has promised to be sporting this same get up look at New Hampshire Sheep & Wool this coming weekend so many of you will actually get to witness this for yourself.

Then there was this guy, whose name I do not know but I just had to take a picture of him because of this shirt. I think I know what Dale is getting for his birthday. Hee.

Finally, I got to meet Lolly! She and I have corresponded through our blogs for a few years now and I was so happy to get to hug her and chat for a few minutes. Lolly, you need to come up here and visit one of our festivals!

I am proud of myself for not just wearing my camera around my neck but for actually remembering to take photos. I knew you'd want to see some yarn

And sheep.

And what I bought.


This is all that came home with me. The thought of packing fiber into a suitcase and lugging it on the plane kept my spending to a limit. Not to mention that most of my favorite vendors at this festival will also be in NH next weekend (potluck picnic plans are underway - stay tuned for details!) and then I'll have Dale with me to carry around all my stuff. Ahem.

We did not make it to the Ravelry meet up or the Ravelry party, which was definitely a bummer. But you can only fit so much into a day and we crammed in a lot!

So, Maryland in a nutshell: long lines, great people, good fun.

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (47)

February 26, 2008

SPA 2008

I can sum up SPA 2008 in one word: perfect. See, the great thing about SPA is that it's all about doing whatever I want. And last weekend I wanted to hang out with my friends, spin, eat, and drink.

I did 'em all last weekend - some of them simultaneously! And I have photographic proof.

Cheryl and Diane spinning on their Rick Reeves' wheels. I think Diane's wheel is the cutest wheel I've ever seen.

I just love this picture of Julia. I took it at The Jameson Tavern on Saturday night. Twenty of us had dinner there and it was terrific. I'm not doing a link fest but I can tell you that it was a case of rounding up the usual suspects. I'm grateful for every person that was part of this dinner.

I brought my Reeves wheel, too, and spun up a Crosspatch Creations Paint Pot and this "kaleidoscope" roving from Dave. I love how colorful it is. Don't get all excited - Dave wasn't there - but spinning his roving made it seem like he was. You know?

It was Lucia's birthday. We got her a slice of blueberry pie with a candle and we sang. More good times.

It wouldn't be any fun for me without Blogless Sharon. That's her on the right, spinning with Martha.

There were wheels everywhere. It's so great to be among my people.

Does that give you an idea of how perfect it was? I may not have a lot of pictures but they are certainly representative of the good times I had. Next year seems like a long time away!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (36)

October 23, 2007

Rhinebeck 2007

There are lots of wonderful things about the New York Sheep & Wool Festival.

The fairgrounds are lovely.

The fiber is plentiful.

And the food is delicious. I ate my spring rolls and artichokes before I even thought of taking a photo but at least I got a picture of the all-important beer booth.

You know what I'm going to say next, don't you? The truly wonderful thing about this festival is the friends I see there. There were many, many at the Blogger Meet Up but I only have one picture to show of that.

Rachael and I. I was so thrilled to finally meet her. We hugged and laughed and then I pointed her in the direction of the beer both.

And there were friends at the booths, too. Like Dave who was getting help in his booth from Judy.

I feel really lucky to have had so many of my friends gathered in my hotel room -- shared with Blogless Sharon and Susan, the worlds most perfect roommates -- on Saturday night.

Cheryl did some modeling for us. We are her posse, you know.

And Laurie and Lorrie were all smiles.

There was laughter. Lots and lots of laughter, as demonstrated here by Manise, Cheryl and Susan.

And hugging. Happily demonstrated by Manise (boy, she got in every photo!), Di and Kathy.

There were many other wonderful friends in my room that night who didn't get photographed. Lucia and Ruth, Chris, and Martha were there, as was Kellee and Kate Gilbert and Julia and Michelle with her entourage of New Yorkers. Kim and Terry, Stitchy and Maryse, Judy with her sister Linda, and Cindy, just to mention a few. There was also pizza and beer, and the Red Sox and we all got to try Kim's new wheel. It was a really fabulous night.

Now I am home and it's over for another year. It just makes me wonder, how long 'til SPA?

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (47)

October 22, 2007

Wait 'Til Tomorrow

Rhinebeck was wonderful but I need today to unpack and catch up a bit. Come back tomorrow (please) and I'll tell you all about it.

Posted by Carole at 7:15 AM

September 25, 2007

Cool Waulkings

I got to do some really cool things while I was in Salt Lake City. I had sushi. I had Chateaubriand. And fry sauce. I had huevos rancheros. And I even had a martini or two. But surprisingly, the coolest thing I did had nothing to do with food. Those of you who know me may need a moment or two to absorb that statement. It's true, though. The coolest thing I did was to participate in a waulking.

You can read all about waulking wool at House of Scotland. And yes, that's the same site Margene linked to last week. Honestly, it's the most information I found about waulking on the internets. And I love all those photos.

My photos are perhaps a bit less serious but I think they are remarkably similar in feel to the ones at House of Scotland. Wanna see?

We laughed and laughed - it was just so much fun and also so cool to participate in such an ancient ritual for finishing woven fabric. Should you ever be invited to a help at a waulking, I strongly suggest that you participate. You might get a little wet and soapy but you'll have a blast, I promise.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (27)

September 24, 2007

Utah '07

As I'm sure you've figured out, my trip to Utah was wonderful. There was time for everything, it seemed. Eating and drinking, knitting and spinning, talking and laughing. It seemed to go on for days. And then, all too soon, it was over and I was headed home. But I took a lot of pictures and I'd like to share a handful of them with you.

A wonderful group shot of us at the fiber fair.

The setting for the fair was beautiful. The weather was perfect and the days were warm and sunny. And everywhere you looked there were the mountains.

I just love this photo of Kim up at Silver Lake.

I got to meet Kim! And had more time with Susan than the last time I visited. Of course, I'm going to have even more time with Susan next month. Yay.

Temple Square is not to be missed.

And, of course, no trip to Salt Lake City is complete without the Margene Treatment - a meal at Silver Fork Lodge and a walk around Silver Lake.

The scenery is gorgeous, the friends are genuine, the Stitch 'n Bitch group is terrific, and I can't wait to go back.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (37)

May 21, 2007

A Day of Play

On Saturday, Blogless Sharon and Martha and I headed to Coggeshall Farm in Bristol, RI for their first ever Wool Fair. It was a gray and drizzly day but our moods were bright and sunny -- we were off in search of fiber and we were together - that's what really makes days like this worth while.

The event was quite small but I think it has marvelous potential. We saw Lisa and Cindy and Donna was there as a vendor. My purchases were meager but I did manage to find a spindle, some cheery lime green roving, and a "rambo" bump. Good stuff, truly.

After the festival we headed into Bristol center for lunch. We found a nice pub and had burgers and beer and then wandered around Bristol for a bit. It was relaxing and fun to explore some place new to all of us. But then we went somewhere that wasn't new to me, only new to Sharon and Martha. Those of you familiar with the area will be able to guess where we went - Sakonnet Purls.

Sakonnet Purls is a wonderful yarn shop in charming Tiverton, RI. And it's huge, as yarn shops go. It's not huge like WEBS but it's pretty darn big. They've got lots and lots of Rowan, including a whole wall of kidsilk crack - and there's Noro and Malabrigo and Claudia's Handpaint and and and. It's a bit overwhelming, just ask Martha. There's also a "sale shed" full of yarn, all for $4/ball. I actually pulled out the camera while we were in there.

Only a sale on Debbie Bliss can cause smiles like those.

We had spied a coffee shop on our way to the yarn store so after we left we headed there for lattes and a bit of knitting. It was the perfect way to end our day, I'll tell you. Chatting, sipping coffee and knitting with friends, it just doesn't get any better than that.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (45)

May 15, 2007

New Hampshire Sheep & Wolf

The title of today's post is brought to you by Pastor Olson at my church. You see, on Friday when I told him that I was heading to a Sheep & Wool festival, he thought I said it was a sheep and wolf festival. I explained what I really said, told him a festival with wolves wouldn't be much fun for the sheep, and we had a good laugh. I'm happy to report that there were no wolves at the New Hampshire Sheep & Wool festival - only good friends. And perhaps some fiber and yarn.

The weather was absolutely perfect - blue skies and warm sunshine with just enough of a breeze to bring the temps down to a comfortable level. This weather was all the sweeter when compared with last year's horrific rain and flooding. I even took a picture in the same spot just so you could see the difference in the water level.

The blogger meet up was great fun. It wasn't as huge (or overwhelming) as Rhinebeck and I got to catch up with quite a few friends while meeting some new ones, too. We had lunch in the picnic grove and spent even more time visiting and laughing. I did remember to pull out the camera for a couple of photos.

Manise is whacking Dale. I think he criticized her spindling technique or something. Whatever the case, he had it coming. Heh.

Laurie is probably contemplating the best way to enable my non-wool purchases while Maryse makes what I call her "French" face. You know the one, "zee I am better zan you becawse I am French" look. Love you, guys.

And that's it for photos of the festival, I'm afraid. You'll just have to trust me that we ate lobster rolls and shopped and laughed and had a generally wonderful time.

Oh, wait. I can provide photographic proof of the shopping.

you can click this one to make it bigger

Two Grafton Fiber batts, one Foxfire ribbon batt, some merino from a place I don't remember but I couldn't resist the color, yarn and a free pattern to make a couple of baby hats, Judy's sock yarn and a wristaff, silk hankies and a silk brick from Carolina Homespun, and a t-shirt that says "Spin Free or Dye."

You will notice: no fleece. Of course, this could be because I have 3 processed fleeces at home that I haven't even touched yet. Or it could be because I brought two unprocessed fleeces with me to leave with the good people of Friend's Folly for processing. Whatever the case, I wasn't even tempted.

And that's my travelogue of New Hampshire Sheep & Wolf. It was a wonderful day!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (54)

February 21, 2007

SPA Fiber Enhancement

I'm so glad you all enjoyed the post about the Swingers. Let me just say to those of you who wish you had been there to see it in person: No. You don't. Let's move on, shall we? Let's talk about the normal aspects of spa weekend. You know, the spinning and the stash enhancing. For there was lots and lots of both.

I brought my Reeves wheel with me for a couple of reasons. One was purely sentimental. Since I had bought Rosie at SPA last year it just seemed right to bring her back. The other was purely practical. Rosie needed a new drive band and I wanted Marcy to help me put one on. I won't discuss the logistical difficulties of doing that without proper drive band material but I will say that I am very comfortable with replacing a drive band now because we did it about 3 times on Saturday. It was worth every moment, though, because I was able to spin this awesomely vibrant merino from Spunky Eclectic. Or, as Marcy called it, Funky Electric.

Four ounces of yummy singles, purchased on Friday night and spun on Saturday and Sunday. You gotta love instant gratification.

There was a bit of other fiber stash enhancing, too. I bought another hank of something gorgeous from Amy. What can I say except her color combinations are hard to resist.

You must remember the scarf I wore at Rhinebeck because I had it on in every photo taken of me that day. That scarf started out as an Indigo Moon brush stroke batt. And since I love that scarf so much, I decided another of those batts needed to come home with me.

Also irresistible was this orange merino/silk/alpaca blend. There's only 7 ounces but I grabbed it while I could because Indigo Moon is going out of business. Word on the street is that MaryLynn is going back to school. Good for her. Bad for spinners.

I also scooped up a bag of bunny crack fiber from Kim. This is some of the softest stuff I've ever touched. I may not even spin it, I may just fondle it forever.

I'm sure you're all sick of hearing about SPA by now so I'll stop. Except to say, once again, that it was a fabulous, relaxing and over-the-top-fun weekend. Bring it on for 2008!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (38)

February 19, 2007

SPA, The Second Time

Hello! I know I'm at little late posting today but I have a couple of good excuses. First of all, it's a holiday and I don't have to work so I slept a little later than I normally do. And second of all, I was away at SPA all weekend and I haven't prepared my post yet. So, I'm late.

But, I had a wonderful time at New England Textile Arts annual gathering that's affectionately known as SPA. I met up with old friends and made new ones, too. I spun a lot and bought some beautiful new fibers. I drank martinis and beer and ate Mexican food. Like any gathering of fibery friends, it was a fabulous experience and it sort of defies description. Most of you have done stuff like this, though, so you know what I'm saying.

I promise to regale you with stories as the week goes on but for now I'm going to have some coffee, catch up on some emails and blogs, and do a little more relaxing and spinning.

I'm just not ready to return to reality yet.

Posted by Carole at 7:27 AM | Comments (28)

October 25, 2006

The Rhinebeck Haul

Unlike some people, I did not prepare a list for Rhinebeck. I figured an open mind, along with an open wallet, was the way to approach my first big ass fiber festival. The only thing I publicly stated was that I was not going to buy a fleece. Did I or didn't I? You'll have to wait until the end of the post to find out.

In the meantime, I promised you the haul and the haul you shall see.

My first purchase of the day. Lovely Grafton Fiber batts. Never mind that I already have 4 batts from Linda Diak at home. Never mind that I'll most likely see her at SPA where there will be less of a frenzy to purchase. It just seemed like the right thing to purchase first.

Seafoam Cashmere and Silk from Foxfire Fiber. Of course, this is also available to me locally. But still. It's cashmere and silk and it's soft and lovely and I succumbed.

Brooks Farm Yarn. 2 skeins of the 2 ply kid mohair. I generally don't buy yarn at fiber festivals because you can get all the yarn you need online and it's a known commodity. But Brooks Farm isn't available online, at least not in all the fabulous colors they have in their booth. So, I stood in line and it was worth it. Obviously, since I cast on the muted neutrals skein almost immediately. It will be a nice Old Shale pattern scarf for me. The red will eventually be a shawl of some sort. I'm open to suggestions for an appropriate pattern for 500 yards of very soft mohair.

Icelandic mixed with Baby Alpaca from Frelsi Farm. The color was irresistible to me. And soft! Too bad we don't have touch-o-vision computer screens.

Eight ounces of this gorgeous green/blue blend from Spinner's Hill. I picked this up on Sunday. There were better colors and larger amounts available on Saturday but the feeding frenzy was just a little too intense and I walked away. Margene got some gorgeous red from them, though. Wait until you see that.

Three batts of Lincoln Cross from Barneswallow Farm. I had the two green ones in my hand and then Kim threw the rose one at me. She made me buy these. Really, she did.

Spirit Trail Fiberworks CVM on the left. I didn't make it to the fleece sale in time to score a CVM fleece so I went the easy route and bought some roving instead. The color is like melted chocolate and I know it will spin like a dream. This and That Farm's Cormo pin drafted roving on the right. Because while bright colors are nice, natural is even nicer. And it smells yummy and all lanolin-y. Mmmmmm.

So, the fleece. Did I or didn't I?

Yup. I did. But it's a Shetland and it only weighs 2.5 pounds. That hardly even counts. And the guy that was selling it was such a hottie, I was powerless to resist.

And that's all, folks. I came home with a smile in my heart and money in my pocket. And I think this is enough fiber to hold me until SPA, don't you?

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (60)

October 24, 2006

The Rhinebeck Post

Of course, the downside of not posting about Rhinebeck immediately following the event is that so many other bloggers beat you to all the good stuff. Nevertheless, I have stuff to say, even if you have heard it all before.

There are loads of things I could tell you about why the weekend was so special. Here are just a few:

Most important, it was FUN. Frankly, I have a hangover from all the fun. Shut up. It's not from the wine.

Blogless Sharon is a wonderful traveling companion. She drives through rain without complaint. She stops for coffee at a moment's notice. And she doesn't even get mad when the co-pilot screws up the directions. I wouldn't want to travel to a fiber festival without her!

I also want to say that Manise makes a great roommate. She sleeps on a sofa bed and doesn't whine about it. She cleans up after a mega-party and still manages to crack jokes and smile. And she's always ready to hold your bags or give you a hug. Or both.

I got to meet my "ring sister" Vicki. See, Vicki hooked me up with Dixie so I could get one of these oh-so-special-cable-knit-rings as a birthday present from Dale. I was so excited to simply sit at Vicki's feet on Friday night in the hotel lobby. We chatted and gabbed like old friends. Must be the power of the ring.

There was hanging with my peeps - all Rhinebeck first-timers like me. Despite our lack of knowledge about the festival we still managed to find our way around.

We visited Norm Hall's booth. No, Cheryl didn't buy this wheel. Touching it had to be enough.

The blogger meet up was out-of-control! There were bloggers everywhere. Cara organized and Stitchy facilitated with the ingenious Blogger Bingo. I was a bit of a Blogger Bingo Slacker as I left my bingo card in the hotel room. But I wore my "I'm A Square" button proudly and did have a few people check me off on their cards.

I got a picture of Margene with Kate Gilbert and Tadpole. Too bad Tadpole looked down just as I snapped because she has the sweetest face - she looks just like her mama.

We also had a mini-Estes-Park-reunion while at the Blogger Meet Up. This is a lousy picture of me but I had to post it just because it's cool to see Bakerina and Ann and Margene and me all together in New York instead of Colorado.

Manise is holding just some of the haul. And that's Linda, sister of Judy, hiding behind her. Linda is just as fun and charming and smart as her sister and really needs to get a blog. Just sayin'.

Kathy and Martha bought this, their first fleece, together. Of course a first fleece has to be documented. I hope it's the first of many, ladies.

After the close of the festival, there was a bit of a, errrr, gathering in my room. Laurie and I hosted this and we affectionately termed it "Winebeck" because there was a bit of wine.

And quite a few guests, as well. And cheese and crackers and snacks. Eventually there was even pizza, thanks to the organizational skills of Beth. We talked and laughed and knit and spun until quite late. I was completely flattered that so many people took time out to hang with us. And I was over-the-moon to meet Lee Ann and her family and the darling Julia of Vesper Sock Yarn fame as well as the eternally clever Anne, designer of Wing of the Moth. Of course I can't list everyone but I am really glad all of you were there.

Had enough for today? Tomorrow I'll show you the haul.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (64)

October 23, 2006

Rhinebeck Mini Post

Rhinebeck was just as wonderful as I thought it would be. I hung out with friends, I shopped for fiber, and I ate terrific food.

I have stories to tell you and pictures to show you but right now I need to catch up a bit. And perhaps do some spinning. I promise a full report tomorrow.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (22)

June 23, 2006

Estes Park: Day 3

Are you ready to finally relive my Estes Park Wool Market experience with me? It was terrific! I wasn't kidding when I said that Margene was the first one through the door to the wool building. And she made a beeline for the Plain and Fancy yarn spun and dyed by her friend Grace. I also purchased some of this yarn - but for Martha, not for myself. Once done with that task, Stephanie and I started wandering around and looking at fiber.

It was fun seeing new vendors and different yarns and fibers. Everyone was friendly and the booths were full of people but not so crowded that you couldn't browse. Honestly, though, I was pretty selective about purchases since I knew whatever I bought would have to come home in a suitcase with me. I did find some beautiful indigo dyed corriedale, which reminds me of the blue sky of Utah and some natural Suri alpaca, which reminds me of the brown of Wyoming.

Everything else, though, I was able to resist. And I thought I was done shopping. Then I stumbled over a Corriedale Bond X fleece. I had put it down and walked away and would have been okay with that if I hadn't bumped into Snow and Kristi right then. I dragged them back to the booth to show them this amazing fleece.

And as I stood there explaining what was so great about it (the color, the crimp, the cleanliness, the softness) I realized that I would be a fool if I left it behind. What?!? Look at this!

You would have bought it, too.

Next thing I knew it was time for lunch. And, while there were food booths available, the thought of a sit-down cafe out of the dust and wind was just too tempting to pass by. The car was a little crowded but, That Margene. She adapts to any situation.

Good thing the car ride didn't hurt her back. She needed to sit up straight when she tried out the wheels at the Bountiful booth. Yup.

Margene at a spinning wheel. Anyone want to start taking bets on how long it is before she makes a purchase? Speaking of purchases, that's Michaele looking on so intently. She succombed about an hour later. heh.

After spinning, it was time to visit the animals. Here's where the big difference in New England wool festivals and Western wool festivals became apparent.

The alpacas! They have a whole tent full of alpacas and alpaca fleeces.

It was amazing. I took this picture just for Laurie.

Those are all alpaca fleeces and there were at least 4 times more than what you see here. Swoon.

The sheep and goats were of the typical variety so after visiting with them we headed back to our condo for some beer relaxation. And the rest of Saturday was just that - relaxation!

And pictures with new friends.

That's me and Stephanie. We sort of bonded over the whole fleece purchasing experience.

Once the photo ops were over, I plunked myself on a couch between Snow and Miriam and we all chatted and swapped stories and shared our purchases. There were jokes told and advice given and the fellowship of that gathering was fantastic. Bakerina provided us with a fabulous dinner of Shepherd's Pie, salad and home made strawberry/peach pie. And I taught my Colorado and Utah friends what the term "packy run" means. It's a trip to the liquor store, in case you didn't know. I imagine the phrase is sweeping through the West even as you read this.

After so much talk and beer and food I couldn't keep my eyes open. We headed for bed to rest up for the long drive back to Utah on Sunday. And, rather than bore you with more descriptions of the brown-ness of Wyoming, I'll just say that the ride home to Utah was less eventful than the ride out to Colorado. We didn't even get lost. We did, however, see this magnificent creature.

I can't possibly top that with more words. You'll have to wait until Monday to hear about the final day of my trip. Have a wonderful weekend, everybody!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (44)

May 30, 2006

Cummington

So I've been composing in my head for two days, trying to come up with a way to explain the beauty of the Massachusetts Sheep & Wool Festival. I had a fabulous time with friends and fiber but the words just weren't coming.

Well. When I came in the house last night, after a very pleasant cook out on our deck with only my father-in-law for company, I read my dear friend Cate's post about this past weekend. You must go read it, too. Now, please.

Yeah. I'm done with the words for this because there's no way I could say it better than Cate did. My little knitting hobby has become such a huge part of my life and the friends I have made because of it, well, it just amazes me. For these are not just blogging acquaintances but real life friends. Even now, I feel like words are failing me. Just read Cate's post again if you want to know how I feel.

I do, however, have pictures.

The fairgrounds. Really, the whole festival wasn't much bigger than this. And yet the size was perfect. I know, I sound like Goldilocks, but this was just right.

Sheep in crazy, psychedelic coats. I'd be embarassed to wear either of these coats, were I a sheep.

Morris Dancers. Or, dance softly and carry a big stick.

A fleece. Half of this belongs to me and the other half belongs to Laurie. Because, when Laurie offers to split a Blue Ribbon winning Coopworth fleece with you, you just don't refuse.

Oh. Another fleece. This one is all mine and, while it only won a red ribbon, I fell in love with the crimp and just had to have it.

Assorted fiber purchases. I've decided that I buy fiber according to the weather. New Hampshire was grey and cold and rainy and everything I bought was either beige, grey or brown. Massachusetts was bright and hot and sunny and everything I bought was bright colored and fun. So, really, between the two festivals, I've got it covered.

I would be remiss in this whole fiber story if I didn't recognize and thank my husband. Dale is a trooper. He not only visits and socializes with my friends but he also lugs around 12.5 pounds of fleece, assorted fiber and bottles of water. He's willing to sit and talk with virtual strangers until 10 pm at night, even while facing a 2.5 hour ride home, just so I can spin on Marcy's new gossip wheel. And he only mildly makes fun of me when I try to spindle spin the day after the event. Despite being taught by a master and enoucouraged by the various members of the Spindicate, I still have issues with the spindle. I guess this means I need another get together for more lessons with my friends.

So, really, that about sums it up. Just one more thing, in case I haven't said it yet. I had a fantastic time.

Posted by Carole at 7:15 AM | Comments (37)

May 16, 2006

New Hampshire Soggy & Wool

Are you ready for the second installment in the continuing fiber festival adventures of Carole and Dale? Well.

I knew it was time to leave the fairgrounds when the legs of my jeans were completely soaked - they had wicked up from the hem and my jacket had dripped water down on my thighs and the two wet areas met at my knees. Yuck. I felt bad about missing some of the buildings but I knew I couldn't take anymore. So we left and headed to the hotel.

Can you say sublime? A king sized bed with an in-room jacuzzi couldn't have been more welcome after a day in the cold and wet. And yet, we had made promises to meet good friends for dinner and I didn't want to let my buddies down. I knew if we didn't get ready and leave that hotel room within 10 minutes that Dale would never get me out the door. So, I changed from wet to dry clothes, including my newly finished shapely shawlette, freshened up the hair and make up and we set out to find Margaritas.

We got there about 5 and didn't expect anyone else until after 6 so we sat in the bar. Rough, I'll tell you. The Negra Modelos kept coming and we had a great time. It seemed like minutes and suddenly there was Maryse and Joe. And then Kat. Finally in came Debby, Kellee, Wendy and Rob, and Elisa and Mike. My buddies. Dinner was fantastic, the conversations ranged from silly to serious but that jacuzzi was calling my name so we left the others at the restaurant and headed back to the room.

Dim the lights. This blog is rated G.

In the morning we had breakfast at the hotel and headed up to drive around Lake Winnipesaukee. Of course, Patternworks is right in the path of that particular scenic drive, so we stopped. Imagine my surprise when I heard Dale talking to people in a different room and there was Wendy and Elisa! It was really cool to bump into them and share more yarn-y pursuits. I might have slipped and made a few yarn purchases. Debbie Bliss Denim Aran was on sale, I couldn't help myself.

We finally headed home mid-afternoon. The rain had never let up and the sides of the road were flooded in many places. We made it down Route 1 South only to hear they closed it within minutes after our pass through. There is a state of emergency in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and some pretty serious flooding in areas. Send good dry thoughts that way, okay?

It was a great trip. I got to hang out and shop with good friends. I got to eat good food and drink good beer. I got a bit of romance with my hubbo. I got fleece and yarn and a bit of time away from home. I know we would have been more comfortable if we had been out in the sunshine. But I don't believe for a second that we would have had more fun!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (29)

May 15, 2006

New Hampshire Sheep & Wet

As you may have read by now, it rained at the New Hampshire Sheep & Wool festival this weekend. Rain of epic proportions, frankly. But rain doesn't stop a fiber enthusiast!

I bumped into Norma and Sandy in the doorway of the first building I entered and the day progressed wonderfully from that point! I saw good friends like Maggie, Monica, Chris, Cheryl & PumpkinMama and made new ones (Hi Dave! Hi Sean! Hi Dharia! Hi Manise!), I shopped and slogged my way from building to building, and I had a blast. I'm pretty sure Dale did, too!

With advice from Laurie and Kellee along with a nod of approval from Cate, I purchased my first fleece. Five and one half pounds of a dark grey coopworth named Starlet. Sadly, I didn't snap a picture of the glorious locks before I left her to be processed. I'll show you in 3-4 months when she comes home to me!

I also proceeded to snag more Grafton Fiber batts, a pound of Icelandic roving, eight ounces of Shetland roving and four ounces of Polworth. I may have been wet but it didn't slow me done. Much.

Despite the weather we pulled off our picnic. It was cold and wet but we managed to eat and laugh in spite of it all. As Kathy said to Julia, we could be facing Armageddon but we're bloggers so we'll have a potluck.

And as I stood there stuffing my face with Sean's fantastic pickled shrimp, I kept thinking what a difference a year makes. Last year, I headed to New Hampshire because I wanted to meet Stephanie. I didn't know any other bloggers and I didn't spin. This year I not only have truly great friends in the blogging community but I am also a spinner. The combination of those two things makes all the difference in going to a fiber event!

Tune in tomorrow for more details of our weekend away, including dinner with all my Boston Buddies. And, in the meantime, sing with me
Rain, rain go away
Come again another day

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (36)

February 21, 2006

More SPA Shopping

Thanks to everyone for the excited well wishes on my new wheel. For those that have been asking, it's a Rick Reeves. Not a Schacht-Reeves, but an actual Rick Reeves. I had seen this listed on the NETA Housecleaning pages but assumed it was already sold. Then on Saturday morning, Blogless Sharon came into the gallery and asked me if I had seen the wheel in the hallway. The one that was for sale. I said, nope. And she said, I think you ought to go take a look at this. I think it's like the one you want. The one you tried out in Pennsylvania last November.

So, I went and looked and fell in love. I spun the stuff that was sitting by the wheel and then I went and got my own stuff to spin and that was that. Sold. Her name is Rosie and we're going to have a very happy life together. If you want to see how totally excited I looked right after I bought her, take a look at this picture on Jackie's blog. It captures the moment perfectly!

There was other stuff to buy at SPA, too. There was fiber. And roving. And more fiber. See?

Grafton Fiber. Yummm.

Indigo Moon. Llama Silk and Merino. And some Romney top that spins like a dream.

Spunky Eclectic. How can you not buy roving that's called "Chocolate Covered Cherries"?

While it may sound like I was all about the shopping at SPA, there was so much more to it than that. Come back tomorrow and I'll tell you about the people at SPA because that's what made it really, really special.

Posted by Carole at 11:06 AM | Comments (26)

February 19, 2006

A Photo Essay

Posted by Carole at 6:51 PM | Comments (42)

February 17, 2006

What Would You Do?

If this is the note that you found by the coffee pot in the morning?

Yes, indeedy, it says "spend a lot"!

Sigh. I'll do my best to honor his wishes. After all, I wouldn't want to let him down.

Posted by Carole at 9:28 AM | Comments (36)

June 7, 2005

Back in the $addle Again

You know what always makes me feel better when I'm sick? $hopping! So, I spent some cash at Knit Pixie yesterday and it was hand-delivered to me 5 minutes ago - that's because I am so special live down the street from the Knit Pixie online store. Look at the lovely packaging - a beautiful "Peace Fleece" bow and awesome lime green and orange tissue paper. Eat your heart out all you Knit Pixie fans!

Anyway, a heads up from Wendy at Knit and Tonic alerted me to the fact that Vesper Sock Yarn by Knitterly Things is back in stock. That was all it took for me to buy a skein of Aqua Melon and a skein of Tartan. Each is 440 yards of self-striping goodness (as in 100% merino) in totally unique colorways! (their words, not mine) Lookee here.

While I was perusing I also snagged some of this. Karabella Yarns Lace Mohair in 540 yard skeins. Supposedly this works as an excellent substitute for Rowan Kid Silk Haze and it's a little easier on the pocketbook. Me being such a practical and thrifty shopper, I bought two and that's enough to make me a nice lace shawl. This is the summer of lace, after all. I will probably shoot myself for buying it in black - not to mention that the Leaf Lace Shawl and I aren't exactly flying along - but still, I couldn't resist.

And, isn't this the cutest double pointed needle case? The fabric is uniquely Knit Pixie's and it's made by Knitterly Things, too. I just had to have it for all those dpns I have hanging around. Organization is my middle name, after all. And having such a lovely needle case will inspire me so much to keep my needles organized. That and it's cool, okay?

Sigh. I love love love new yarn. And now, back to Leaf Lace. Maybe one of these days I'll actually have something worth showing you all. Then again, maybe not.
Oh, and those of you with inquiring minds, I am feeling much much better!

Posted by Carole at 8:29 PM | Comments (6)

May 17, 2005

Happy Day$ Are Here Again

Tuesday was a very exciting day. My library received a gift of $25,000 (yes, that's 5 digits!) from Eastern Bank. This gift has no conditions, no strings, and - best of all - I didn't even ask for it. You can read all about it here. My husband and one of the library trustees (Hi Ann-Marie!) and I went to the Coonamessett Inn in Falmouth for a cocktail reception. It was quite chi-chi with open bar and delicious hors d'oeuvres and they gave away $2.2 million with $650,000 going to area libraries. This bank is a-okay in my book. That's a little library humor. Get it?

When we got home I took a picture of the trophy and the sock, just to record the whole thing for you guys. I did have the sock with me at the event, but even I, with no shame of public knitting, couldn't picture knitting at this shindig!

I started a new scarf with the koigu I bought at NH Sheep &Wool. After some searching for something challenging different I settled on this pattern from Wendy Knits. It's pretty simple and I like the look of it so far. So does Mason.

Tomorrow I will try to have the strength to tell the sad story of the Charlotte Bronte Shawl. Heavy sigh.

Posted by Carole at 10:02 PM | Comments (1)