Stitches Midwest 2012

The hotel service was "platinum," the classes were excellent everything was above what I expected. The market place was very exciting. As a registered attendee we had first peek on Thursday evening. When the doors opened it was like a "cattle drive," as my husband described it, as we poured through the doors.

That's me in the green jacket.

Friday was the session on designing skirts and the meet the teacher's luncheon.

omg there I am again!

Nicky Epstein at our table.

The Student Banquet was delicious and it was a treat to have Antje Gillingham at our table her ruffled skirt design was gorgeous.

Contrary to what many believe, as I talk a good fight, I find getting up in front of hundreds of people is very intimidating. The ladies at my table talked me into entering the Student Fashion show based on the number of knitter's who had commented on my shawl in the hall when we were waiting to enter the banquet room. My heart was pounding and my knees were shaking but I did it!! ... and loved it.. lol

MMario Knits, Queen Anne Lace, Misti alpaca lace weight yarn.

I went to the PJ party Sat evening but I was so pooped and there was no where to sit I gave up and went to bed.

Franklin Habit and bear.

merino and silk laceweight, couldn't resist the mug

You should have seen me trying to be nonchalant as I lugged my carry-on to the plane. "What, this bag? it is as light as a feather?" Did you know that yarn is duty free? Need I say more?

some linen + more linen ... ooooo

recycled blue jeans yarn ... ahhhhh

yarn bowl for stranded projects or for two on the go at once @.@

I waited 15 years to go to Stitches and it was everything I hoped it would be. To all the lovely knitters I met, thank you, it was wonderful spending time with all of you.
Four days surrounded by like minded fiber enthusiasts and praise given and received by ones peers was very gratifying. Strike that off my bucket list!

Next Up On The Needles

Lycaena Helloides

Primo Lace 1,000 yd skein

Butterfly Wings Shawl by Ray Whiting (Ruth Park for Knitivity) I want to use some beads just trying to decide where to incorporate them into the pattern.

detail of shawl knit by Linda Jo Park (mother of the designer)

Stitches Midwest countdown

♪ The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music!  ♪

Holiday Monday here in Canada. Not really a stat holiday but fortunately my employer has a family reunion this weekend so he gives us a paid day off. Lucky me.
The Maple Shawl is finished. The yarn "Muse," from Twisted Fiber Art, is a dream to knit. They call this an evolution dye. very clever. Not crazy about the original name of the pattern, however, I did add a scatter of beads to represent the spots that appear on the leaves at the end of summer.

"Blight" by Deborah Frank.

Stitches Midwest:
I have my class tools package ready. E ticket printed, insurance info printed, patterns printed and copied to my tablet. Still have some "homework" to do. Haven't packed my suitcase yet, but I do know what I am taking. My old tote bag is kitted out with all things "sheep." One hopes the airlines will not give me grief over my accoutrements.

Almost ruined Sandy's washing machine felting this puppy!

Plans have changed and I will be flying out on United Airlines this Wednesday and coming back on Sunday. I have been waiting 15 years to go to "Stitches." I first heard about these conventions when I had the Wool Shop. It has been on my "Bucket List" ever since.
I am pressing on with my "Games" challenge piece for Ravelry. This is the closest I will ever get to competing in anything athletic. Today I expect to pass 50%. There is no way I will finish before I leave for Stitches so, I will have to take it with me.
Not looking like too much yet but we do have an eye. More pictures to follow.

40%

I have 21 hours of classes booked at Stitches Midwest. Talk about sensory overload! Every one, from the Estonian Cowl to Franklin Habit's Edging class to reading a Japanese Crochet pattern, is going to be very exciting for me.
Stay tuned, if you are so inclined.