Sunday, February 20, 2011

A little bit of luxury (yarn, that is)

Stitches West 2011 was as fun and exhausting as it is every year. Usually within the first five minutes of entering the marketplace I retreat to a quiet corner to try and get acclimated to the noise and crowds, but this year I was surprised at my ability to jump right in and start shopping. After attending this event for so many years, I felt like an old pro at navigating the chaos ... for at least ten minutes. Then I scurried off to a corner.


But eventually I emerged. After all, you can't feel too uncomfortable in a place that offers a display of crocheted bacon and eggs.

I let myself indulge in several skeins of luxury yarn, buying whatever I felt drawn to without having a specific pattern in mind. This first one is 50% wool and 50% silk slub. The knit sample was gorgeous-- I love how it looks with the variations in the thickness of the yarn. The yarn is called Ellie and is from Brooks Farm Yarn.

This next one is hand-dyed, 100% silk. It's called Avalanche and is from The Village Spinning & Weaving Shop. The second year I attended stitches I bought a skein of white organic cotton from them and have such fond memories of it that I like to buy a little something from their booth each year.

This last skein is also 100% handpainted silk. It's fingering weight, so I will probably use it for a lace shawl. I wasn't sure if I liked the color until I held it next to my spotted, weather beaten hands and saw how nicely it compliments my skin tone. That doesn't happen very often. It is from Urban Fauna Studio.

The lace workshop I took was pretty interesting, but I will save that for another day.

Heather at Implausible Yarn is starting a new venture and kicking it off by giving away a retro design Big Ben clock from LL Bean. Stop by and check it out!

13 comments:

Theresa said...

Oh my GOSH, beautiful yarn... THAT FIRST ONE IS MY FAVORITE:) Enjoy your Sunday, can't wait to see what you create with these pretty yarns! HUGS!

Maiden Jane said...

Wow, I love the silks! I would love to make a silk shawl of some sort but haven't made the right purchase for that - mostly because I can't find what I'm looking for at the LYS!

Tracey ~ Clover said...

All of the yarn looks so beautiful. I know you will knit something with your spotted, weather beaten hands [you made me laugh] that is fabulous.
Warmly,
Tracey

Dogwood said...

Stacy dear...I am drooling!
Such beautiful yarns.
I love all the colors especially the light pink.
I am glad you had fun and treated yourself to some new luxury yarn.
Have a wonderful day enjoying the sunshine.
I am sewing dolls. I guess you would say that I am in my doll phase of life. I am making 26 and nameing them from A-Z names! Today I am working on Clara. Yes, I do have a
l o n g way to go. I will keep you posted. Hoping for a "show" in 2012.
Hugs, Cory~Dogwood

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Stacy,
The yarn you picked out is very pretty! What are you going to make with them?!!
I'll be mailing the ATC out tomorrow...Sure LOVE the one you made.
Warmly,
deb

Kim's Treasures said...

Such gorgeous yarn, wow! I bet that it is overwhelming being in a crowd like that! Can't wait to see what you make with these beauties!

Rachel said...

Beautiful! Don't you find it hard to buy without knowing what you'll make? I was in TWO fabric shops yesterday and bought bobbins, no fabric, because I didn't know what I'd do with it...

I have absolutely no doubt that you will create something stunning and I can't wait to see!

GerryART said...

Oh,what lovely yarn to slip through your fingers.

Hugs,
Gerry

Thimbleanna said...

Your yarns are just gorgeous! I'm not a good enough knitter to be able to just buy yarn for a stash -- I have to know what I plan to make with it first. (Wish I had that problem with fabric LOL.) Glad you had a good time!

Louise said...

Wow, great finds!!

Susan Gallacher-Turner said...

OOOOOHHHHHH.....what loverly yarn Stacy....the handpainted silk is just delicious!

:) Yarn craving :)

Joyce Stale said...

I like your yarn collection! The first one is my favorite too. Please post some of your knitted clothing design.

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engagement rings said...

I hope you can post what you did with the yarn. Thanks for sharing this.