Happy Birthday and Fiber Revival

Saturday, August 16th, Katie and I went to the Fiber Revival. It was awesome. I love the NH Sheep and Wool Festival and the Wool Tour, but this was just to sit and spin and knit (or crochet, in my case--I've been doing a lot of that lately) and relax with cool people. Kate Gilbert was there (it doesn't get any cooler than that) and Julia and Alison, who all happen to be connected with the amazing Twist Collective, which I am kind of obsessed with. There were so many other cool people there but I'm forgetting names now.




There were a few vendors there, which is really nice because I fulfilled my need to buy yarn without feeling overwhelmed or spending the whole time shopping. I bought the Bird in Hand mittens from a vendor whose name I can't remember, and these two skeins of fabulous sock yarn from Spunky Eclectic:






The one on the left is "Dinah" and the one on the right is "Watery Melon." One is supposed to be a present (knitted into socks) for someone, and if they weren't so special I would be very tempted to keep the yarn for myself. I've long admired the offerings of Spunky Eclectic (the spinning thread on Craftster is full of her hand-dyed loveliness spun by others) on the web, but after seeing it in person it's impossible to resist.

I turned 23 a couple of weeks ago and my friends and family spoiled me with wonderful craft stuff. Katie got me Intertwined, which I cannot rave about enough. If you think your spinning isn't beautiful, this book will change your mind. It has great projects for chunky funky yarns as well as cool spinning ideas. My mom got me Uncommon Crochet, which I also am in love with...this crochet obsession is threatening to take over. Most of the ideas in this book are really unique. She also bought me the novel The Knitting Circle, which looks sad but really good. My brother gave me Son of Stitch'n'Bitch, and I have to say I want to make most of those things for myself! I love that it's got both knitting and crochet patterns.

Last but certainly not least, I met my friends Susan and Alice for dinner and Mamma Mia! (holy ABBA goodness!) and Susan gave me this beautiful skein of yarn from a farm in Plymouth, NH (where I went to college) from Plymouth's new yarn shop. Even better, Susan knows the woman who raises the sheep! I love getting yarn like this. It's so warm and personal. Also, Blue Garter's last post has made me think more about my yarn and where it comes from (notice the new button?), so I'm happy to use yarn from New Hampshire sheep that supports a New Hampshire farm.

So, a big thank-you to everyone who made my birthday wonderful!!!

Next up: the garments I've been making and haven't shown you because I have a hard time taking pictures of myself...