Re-entry

As hard as re-entry to the regular world was after the first Sock Summit, it felt harder this time.  Maybe it's because I spent so much more time in the market and out amongst the knitters.  I know it's not possible, but what I really want to do is live there.  I'd be perfectly happy; living in a convention center full of knitters and spinners.  I bet I'm not the only one; I bet a you'd jump at the chance to do that, too!

Since we can't live there, let's fondle the stash enhancement acquired.  From the top clockwise:  The Sock Summit 2011 bag, a braid of Polwarth Rare Gems from Blue Moon, a self-striping no repeat cake of yarn from Sophie's Toes, a fiber sampler pack from Woolgatherings, a skein of sock yarn from Mountain Colors in Red Tailed Hawk; and a monster skein of over a pound of yarn from Newton's.

Details:  The bag is great; nice heavy canvas, sturdy straps, and front pockets.  I got one of these at SS09 and love it.  The braid from Blue Moon is one of Tina's "Rare Gems", meaning it's something that won't be repeated; at 9 ounces, it's definitely enough for a project.  The cake of yarn from Sophie's Toes is something I hadn't seen before: a self-striping, no repeat.  That's right: self-striping and NO REPEAT.  This colorway is "Cosmopolitan" and I think it might become a cowl for moi.  The fiber pack from Woolgatherings is 10 ounces; one ounce of 9 different breeds.  Since the colors are black to grey, browns, creams and white, I'm thinking this will become either a shaded shawl or the color work yoke on a sweater.  Hmm, I have that black merino top from OFFF last year; maybe I'll combine them for a sweater?  The Mountain Colors sock yarn is for ToolMan's socks; I thought he'd like the Red Tailed Hawk colorway and I wasn't wrong.

Remember when I had to pack up the wheel and all it's parts for Fleece to Foot?  One of the things I had to do was finish up the singles I had on my bobbins.  The fiber was a couple of buns from Barbara that had been lounging in my stash.  I spun them fine, plied them with a silk thread for a nice lace weight yarn.  Even though it looks brown, there is a lot of rose pink in this and just a touch of sparkle.  It should be a pretty cowl.

I didn't take any knitting with me to Sock Summit.  I know from experience that I don't get any knitting done, no matter how simple and straightforward the pattern is.  After working on the Big Blue Thing, I was in the mood for big yarn, big needles, and a fast project.  Harmonia's Rings to the rescue!

Sivia Harding is a genius with this pattern; it goes fast, it's just challenging enough to be interesting without being too difficult, and it knits up fast.  I finished this one in 4 days.  It's soaking in the sink right now.  But I have to decide whether to keep it or put it in the Christmas Present box.  Well, maybe I could wear it just once or twice.