Getting ready

We're in the process of getting ready for our first show of the season; Madrona Fiber Arts. It is a fun show. For any of you who live in the Seattle area, please come by and see us. This show is held in Tacoma, and is definately worth attending.
One of the things I love about this show is the amazing classes - and I'm taking 5 of them this year (yes, perhaps I've gone a little around the bend, but we knew that anyway - right?) Klaus will be manning the booth, and I'll be off playing. Now doesn't that sound like a fabulous gift from him to me!
Here's the lineup of what I'm taking:

Lapland Hand Garments: The Mittens of Rovaniemi - by Susanna Hansson
This class suggests that we bring our patience, for it involves knitting mittens with 11 balls of yarn!

Morphing Cables by Fiona Ellis
I'm excited to meet her in person!

Modular Knitting by Ginger Luters
I have a couple of ideas about what I will do with this technique - but that's a surprise for the future.

Color Progression in Plying by Judith MacKenzie McCuin
I've taken spinning classes with Judith before, and they are without a doubt the absolute best. I would pretty much take any class that she's teaching. If you ever have the opportunity to take a class with her, just do it!

Two Colors, Two Hands by Sally Melville
I just bought myself the new Alice Starmore book and there are at least 4 sweaters in it that I want to knit. I'm hoping to learn an easier way to manage two colors at once while I'm in this class.

I've got all my supplies together, and done all my homework. I'm set (I think).. perhaps all except for the part where the "Mittens of Rovaniemi" calls for "expert" knitting ability ! I will be sure to bring along my humor.

We're taking along some wonderful new products to this show - many new fiber blends, and several items that have been hand made by local artists. For example... I was gifted with this cool handmade wristaff at Christmas time from my friend Beki (sadly blogless).
What's a wristaff, you ask?



It is a spinning tool used by drop spindlers. It hangs from your wrist, and holds the fiber out of your way when you spin on a drop spindle.
This particular one is very clever. Beki has made a bracelet of silver and spectacular glass beads, and then hand felted the bottom part that holds the fiber. like this.. see?






Now here's the cool part: the bracelet is detachable! So not only do you have a marvelous tool, you have a lovely piece of jewlery as well.
Beki makes these in sterling silver, brass and copper. The silver one sells for $35 and the brass and copper ones sell for $25. I'd be delighted to take orders if any of you would like one - just give me a shout at:
teyani AT crownmountainfarms DOT com







On the knitting front, after my epic shawl project (which I will be proudly wearing at the fair) I have been finishing up my sock "mates" from all the single socks I made last year out of the Sock Hop Yarn. (and yes, I'll be wearing all of those as well- cozy toes!) Two pairs complete, and a third 'second sock' is on the needles.
See you in a week or so! Tally ho!