Just a Little Stash Enhancement
We had a good adventure into Michigan for the Michigan Fiber Festival on Saturday. Zosia slept all the way there (and most of the way back), Mom got to do a little shopping, Dad got to catch a short nap, and Grandma and Grandpa got some high quality baby time. In fact, I didn't have the baby much at all except to nurse her. Zosia spent a lot of time in her Baby Bjorn with one of her grandparents while we strolled through the festival.
Which gave me the chance to take a look at the goods to be had. I was pretty reserved this festival. Really, I don't need any more yarn right now (at least not until I finish something I'm already working on) and I really don't need much fiber at the moment either. But I always get drawn into Tracy Bunkers booth. I guess last time I saw her, I must not have been spinning, because I didn't remember the spinning fiber. So I made up for that with a few spinning stash additions.
Both of the bits of fiber I got are dyed in her Limeola colorway. The bundle on the left is a Silk/Merino/Alpaca blend and the roving on the right is superwash merino. I think both are destined to be two ply yarns. The Silk/Merino/Alpaca I'm going to attempt to get into the lace/sport weight range, the superwash merino is going to be, you guessed it, sock yarn. The whole green thing is out of my usual range of color selections -- perhaps my eye is being influenced by someone I know who has a passion for greens in this range?
Speaking of Alpaca, alpaca seems to be the new black these days. Almost every booth I went into seemed to have a good deal of alpaca or alpaca blend fibers and yarns. Alpaca is not generally my thing, as fiber goes, (not enough elasticity for me, and I find it to be a little hairy) so while I admired a lot of things, not very much ended up in my shopping basket.
Two other things that I was happy to find were Addi Turbo lace needles and Cat Bordi's new sock book. I always like to see creative new approaches to sock knitting and New Pathways for Sock Knitters looks like the kind of book that helps get the creative juices flowing. I've only been able to go through it at a cursory level, but her illustrations are lovely, and there are a number of sock projects I can see myself tackling. And I love how she demonstrates most of the sock designs and techniques on small sized socks -- given the new addition to my world, I think it would be kind of fun to try out a new technique and add to Ms. Z's wardrobe at the same time.
And speaking of Ms. Z... I didn't get too many pictures of her because she was busy entertaining her grandparents (and doing a lot of sleeping). But I did get one picture that I really loved.
Of course, you can't tell in this picture, but my Dad and Z are sitting on top of my parents' Gold Wing Trike (a Gold Wing where the rear axle has two wheels instead of just one) -- so Z has now officially been on her first motorcycle!
Wow, that is a picture that should be framed and put in a prominent place!!! Your Dad looks so content being a Grampa...what will Z call her grandparents? I am a "Grammy" and there is a "Papa" also, ...guess it just depends on the family...no matter the name, there is love, love, love and it is certainly summed up in that great photo!!
What a wonderful picture! Have you had a chance to get a picture of you and Z in your dad's rocking chair yet?
I was tickled pink to see you, and meet your Dad and the Baby Biker - so wee and perfect! May all good things keep coming your way, Theresa.
LIMEOLA! Whaa?! I love Traci's stuff -- but I didn't even see her booth! Lovely roving indeed!
But if you think I escaped without some b.Lime or two under me arm, well, you know... ;p
Loved seeing your folks with their new precious girl!
I love that picture too.
Lovely picture. I can't believe your restraint at the fiber festival though. Have you always been so disciplined? I'd never have managed to come home with so small a haul. Lovely shades of green there. Nice and bright. Something for a little matching Mommy and baby set maybe? Color me envious of your self-control and then I'll match your fibers.
What a great photo! It'd make a nice t-shirt, mug, mouse pad, note paper....LOL.
You might be interested in the site http://www.continuum-concept.org/reading/spinalStress.html about the use of 'baby bucket' style carriers. There are some much better carriers out there than the Bjorn. Better for you, better for baby, and better for your wallet, LOL. And prettier, easier to use, and a much longer usage period. But hey, you said you weren't 'into' the ideals of attachment parenting and here you are practicing at least two of the seven! LOL! (I'm not sure that motorbike riding is one, but it is a wonderful way to travel. My husband wondered if a carseat could fit in a sidecar!).
I've noticed a big increase in alpaca availability the past few years too. It makes for lovely shawls; you don't have the elasticity issue. That green roving you got is hot! All you spinners are really tempting me to try!! Is it possible to use a drop spindle and get enough yarn to actually make things? And once you start with a drop spindle, can you just keep using that, or is it like knitting machines--once you use one, they start following you home, more and more complicated and advanced versions, LOL! I have room for a drop spindle, but NO room for a wheel...
Oh, I think that pic of Z and Grandpa can easily go into 'the sweetest thing' pile!
Kids (no matter what age) and their grandparents are the sweetest thing. My favorite thing is when my daughter gets to see her grandparents.
Start 'em young at the fiber festivals!
You do realize you have the coolest Dad, don't you?
I love Bonkers fibers - the colors are intense, but blend beautifully. The fibers flow smoothly, especially with some pre-drafting. Adorable grandfather and baby.
Aww... that picture is absolutely precious! Glad to hear you had a good time at the festival ... I'm waiting for the big boys to go back to school so I can venture out of the house without the full herd to drive my blood pressure wacky. Question: Did your pressure go back spontaneously after delivery?
Isn't it endearing how aware they are, even when they are so tiny?
I was at the Fiber Festival, too, so retroactive Hi!
What a wonderful picture!