Stitches Midwest Recap

So what if Stitches Midwest was almost a month ago – I didn’t have a blog back then. And I have pictures.

Stitches was great fun and a little overwhelming. The sheer volume of vendors, yarn, and people can put one into sensory overload. I planned on walking the area and then going back through to actually shop. I did so well at the start -- that was because the first few booths were companies rather than vendors. I did manage to get the cutest little sample of Malabrigo Laceweight.

But then, I got to Deanna's Vintage Styles. She has the nicest beaded scarf pattern and kits that had either wool or ribbon and beads all together. She was kind enough to demonstrate several little "tricks" for knitting up the design. I was hooked and all good intentions when out the window. I bought a kit - no picture. (I guess I forgot to take one and then it was packed away with the rest of the stash.)

That one little purchase just opened up a flood of stash enhancement that I don't think I'll ever be able to repeat.

Moonrise had the cheapest Addi lace circulars (according to their sign) so I got a set of #4 to try, and then a lace book that was going OOP (Barbara Abbey's Knitting Lace) and as long as I was there I got a Lace Sampler Scarf Kit.

A quick stop at Esther's Place -- got some gorgeous brown roving with little copper flecks mixed in and a skein of beautiful bulky yarn.

I then started working my way back up the row, just to make sure I didn’t' miss anything. Lots of lovely yarn to touch and ooh and ahh over. I turned the corner and came to Black Water Abbey Yarns. The colors are just so lovely. I grabbed a pattern and two skeins of worsted in Seafoam and a skein of Dark Jacob fingering. While I was standing there, the Pippin color just begged to go home with me. How could I refuse?

Seafoam


Dark Jacob Fingering


Pippen (could you leave it behind???)

Some more meandering and touching and pricing, led me to Jojoland and the beautiful colors. I first read about Jojoland Melody at Little Knits and wanted to see these colors in person. The patterns for this yarn have the most incredible self-striping. Look here: Pretty things. I'll wait.

Are you surprised that I picked-up the pattern for the Traveling Leaf Shawl and Ripple Shawl? I bought a bag of 10 skeins because I have to make the Traveling Leaf Shawl shawl. (In the Y06 color way -- that really needs a better name.)

(No, I wasn't going to take it out the bag just for a picture! I want to keep it safe and sound until I'm ready for it!)

After that little purchase, I checked my watch and ran to the “dining area” to for a KnittyHead meet-up. I didn’t see anybody wearing yarn at first and started to worry that I would have put some my new roving on my head and see if anybody approach me. Luckily, I spotted them before I had to get too drastic. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting several lovely KnittyHeads, Celtic Coyote, Plum Fan, Big Wild Onion, Darx, Chanell, Seiding and Kathrows (hey, I’m famous!)

I think that I’ve said enough about Stitches Midwest and the amount of stuff I bought. It is really embarrassing ‘cause I’m realizing just how much I bought If you want to see it all, you can click on my flickr badge (sidebar) or check it out on Ravelry.

etsy Friday

It's etsy Friday and today's focus is on Piddleloop Sewing Team. You can see their stuff through etsy, and their blog.

I bought this box bag with a matching zippered notions pouch.

I love how the interior color matches the swirls on the outside

I love how the handle loops co-ordinate with the fabric. (as does the zipper and the zip pull stitch marker...)


And if that wasn't enough also included in my package was some fun little bits enclosed in this adorable Hello Kitty ziploc. (Somebody makes these? Who knew????)

Look at all this cute stuff!!!




(I made my husband take two pictures, because I totally didn't realize that there were an E and a W stitch marker -- my initials. Sometimes, I'm not the brightest bulb.)

These are the cutest cards... I don't know how I'd be able to actually write on them and give them to somebody. (Oh wait -- I can always buy more from their store!!! Duh -- that bulb thing again.)

And then there were some samples from other etsy stores in gorgeous fibers and awesome colors. I'm kinda on a stash diet, but I'm hanging onto these cards...

I so totally love etsy... the husband so totally doesn't. LOL

Introducing the "Fur Kids"

Everybody I meet is always curious about my dogs. The Husband and I share our lives with three Mastiffs and one Eurasier.

Our Mastiffs generally lay around in a clump.

From left to right -- Lizzie, Bruce and Morganna

Bruce is the oldest at 3 years and 5 months old. We used to show him in conformation, but stopped for two reasons. One, he's physically immature (we're hoping he'll fill out soon) and two, he's a big scaredy cat. We started doing Rally-O to build his confidence. This summer, we began competing in AKC Rally -- he has two legs towards his Rally Novice title. Isn't he handsome:


Lizzie is my blessing. She is the sweetest things on four legs. Lizzie is a TDI Therapy dog and has her CGC. She's also got two points towards her conformation title. We hope that one day in the next year, she will become the foundation of Pantheon Acres kennels. She just turned two and will go for her health tests next month. Her cutest quirk is that she loves to carry a toy in her mouth -- I keep saying she's really a lab in a Mastiff costume. (Bruce is Lizzie's Uncle -- his litter mate is Lizzie's sire.)


Morganna is the baby of the family at 11 months old. She is most definitely daddy's girl but you've got to wonder if she's got him wrapped around her paw or if he's got her wrapped around her finger. I keep trying to convince him to take her into the show ring, because she shows nicely for me, but I think she'd be amazing showing off with her daddy. Ain't she the cutest? (Bruce is her half-Uncle. He and her mom have the same dad, but different mothers.)


Last but definitely not leas is our Eurasier -- Tyler. Eurasiers are a rare breed. You can get more information here: USEC. Tyler is doesn't compete because he's neutered. We neutered him because of his conformation faults. Also, at 2 years old, Tyler was diagnosed with a thyroid problem. It seems to affect his memory and his attention span, but he's still a happy and fun puppy to have around. He's three weeks younger than Bruce. Here's Mr. Fuzzy Pants:


These dogs have brought so much joy into our lives. We've traveled around the US and into Canada. We've met wonderful people in person and via the Internet. Every day I'm so thankful for each and every one of them.

WIPs - 90% complete

Here's what I worked on for most of July. Stuff currently on the needles will be blogged tomorrow...

Puff the Merino Dragon Scarf KnitKit -- I actually made the "Huff" version in red.

My So-Called Scarf:

Yarn: Brooks Farm Four Play
Needles: Size 11
Pattern: My So-Called Scarf

A Mini-Clapotis:

Yarn: Brooks Farm Solana
Needles: 9
Pattern: Drop Scarf

Sproingy Scarf

Yarn: Brooks Farm Four Play
Needles: US 9
Pattern: Sproingy Scarf


I've also a Diagonal Lace Scarf, but no pictures. :(



Here's a gratuitous puppy shot instead. :D



This is my favorite picture of Bruce & Lizzie. She was less than 4 months old in the picture.

I Found a Contest

Hey, Schrodinger Knits is having a contest... Look here: linky

Tell her I sent you. ;)

So Much Going On

I got an etsy delivery from Piddleloop yesterday and convo'd them to let them know it arrived safe and sound. Jen graciously put a link to my blog on her blog, so I guess I better put up some new stuff...you'll have to wait for etsy Friday to see what I got. :D

I got some knitting done this week. Specifically, the Matisse Mittens & Hat KnitKit from Morehouse Farm. This was my first project using DPN's. It was really interesting trying to juggle all the needles, but I finally got the hang of it.

The finished product:


Jen promised you guys dogs right? Okay -- here's a clump of Mastiffs