This past Saturday was the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I made the most fantastic score. This year was all about fiber since my friend TinkrKnit taught me how to spin. But the bargain of the day was picking up 1lb. of 100% cashmere for $30!
- Cashmere Fiber
Yes, you read that right. Cashmere. $30. How could such a thing happen? I asked and was told that the vendor bought the remnants of a warehouse (said fiber being sold and purchased as 100% cashmere). They went to have the fiber certified and unfortunately they couldn’t it since the fiber had already been dyed.
Well…their loss is SERIOUSLY my gain. And I’m grateful for it. So Mama-san, I had just enough money left from your Christmas present to go buy this…
I also purchased a lace-weight spindle and have already started spinning up the luscious 50% yak-50% merino fiber. Again, I’m totally in love with the color and the texture is just a delight to have running thru my fingers.
- Lace-weight Yak/Merino
I’ve broken down and started spinning while commuting. After watching my friend TinkrKnits at knit night on Wednesday, I realized my spinning technique wasn’t quite right and followed her example. Since then the rate at which I’m spinning up fiber has increased 3-fold and I’m getting a more consistent thread.
Time to invest in a wheel…just not quite yet.
The Vintage Socks are simmering along. All the leaves are done and the toe portion to 1 sock is started.
- Vintage Sock-grape leaves
However, I’ve let this project marinate a while since I’m to a point where I really should inset the grape-leaf into the big toe area. I’ve read the instructions and looked at the pieces but still I’m kinda waiting until it all “clicks”.
- Vintage Socks-toe
For commuter knitting, the Bavarian Rockstar socks have made it into the rotation.
- Bavarian Rockstar socks
And finally, I’m starting to feel like the Clapotis scarf is coming to an end. Sometimes it’s not important knowing how much fiber or yarn is left. It’s important to just feel like progress is being made.
- Clapotis scarf
And now really last is the Hourglass Sweater. Progress. Gotta love it.
- Hourglass Sweater – 1 sleeve
There was much, much, much more happening at Maryland Sheep and Wool but not enough time and space here. I’ll share more photos as I upload them. The alpacas, angoras, bunnies, llamas, and sheepies were just adorable this year. But then again, when aren’t they?
So, to all the Mother’s out there…Happy Mother’s Day.
