beebonnet report

Black Sheep Gathering

This weekend was the Black Sheep Gathering, one of the biggest west coast sheep and wool shows which happens to be right here in Eugene.  The Gathering is the reason I first visited Eugene and as we all know I fell in love with the city and found a new home here so I am thankful to the Gathering for many things.  But most importantly, Black Sheep is fun!  This year I taught a class on stranded colorwork for socks.  I had 12 lovely students and we all had a good time laughing and knitting.

After my class, I browsed the marketplace checking out what the vendors had to offer.  Since it was recently my birthday, I found a lot of rationalizations for little purchases at the marketplace in each booth I said "maybe I'll buy myself a birthday present..."  DANGER!  Luckily I didn't have a lot of time so I didn't completely burn up my wallet.  However, I did splurge on a fantastic spindle.  This is from Michael and Sheila Ernst's glassworks.  Isn't it handsome?

 

I love the flames spurting out from the sides.  I need to find the perfect name for this spindle - something fiery perhaps.

and these little niblets at the bottom are not only beautiful, but they provide a perfect lever for applying finger torque.

Ah, "but how does it spin?" you may ask...... perfectly

This beauty is a work of art and a functional tool all at the same time.  The best of all worlds.

There are lots of things to see at Black Sheep besides the vendors.  Unfortunately, due some airline hijinx I didn't make it in time to see the fleeces at the wool show.  I heard it was like a horde of locusts went through gobbling up all the fine, gorgeous fleece.  The wool show at Black Sheep is the best I've seen, and every year I usually end up with at least one fleece.  This year I didn't, but I might have some fiber lying around my workroom to tide me over until next year... haha.  As my friend Beth Smith likes to say, "don't worry, the sheep are growing more for you right now!"

I did go and visit the fleece growers though!  I love to look at the sheep at the show.  Look at this beautiful Wensleydale, so contendedly staring back at my camera.  Don't you wonder how he can see behind those ringlets in his eyes?  Ah, those kids with their long hair these days... hahahaha.  I love the way his ears stick out at right angles and I really want to feel those lustrous locks.

Right across the way from the Wensleydale, was Roosevelt the Romney.  Doesn't he look like he's saying "hey kid, ya wanna hit the big time someday?  you  need some of these blue ribbons like i've got hanging on my crib.  stick with me and I'll show you how it's done"  Don't you just want to pinch his cheek? (or pet his nose?)

Black Sheep Gathering was started by these folks.  This is the Black Sheep Newsletter and you can subscribe to it to find out more about the colored sheep and the gathering.  The show was started as a place for breeders of colored sheep to gather and show their sheep, discuss breeding and genetics and sell stock.  Eventually it evolved into a fiber festival as well, but the business of the Black Sheep Gathering still goes on today at the shows.

 

This year we had an honored visitor come and check out the Gathering.  Yep, on the right that's Amy Clarke Moore, the editor of Spin-Off chatting with Rolly Thompson of Fox Hollow farm at the show, and the littlest Moore, Sarah was learning all the important stuff - how to pick the good fiber and where to get the best spindles.

Speaking of the best spindles - Steve and Connie Paulsen of Spindlewood were there with all of their gorgeous spindles of course.  Even though I love them dearly, I stayed out of their booth this year because I already have more spindlewoods than any other spindle maker, (and really more than this girl deserves) and I already KNOW I can't resist their spindles.  Now, of course, I'm suffering a little pang of regret that I didn't come home with a new baby from them, but I'm saving my pennies for some book printing that has to happen.

I did get a few other things at the show, a bit of yarn, a bit of fiber - I'll show you those next time.  Although I didn't get to attend all 3 days, still I left the show on Sunday evening contented that I got enough sheepy goodness to see me through to next year's show when I plan to be in town and more involved.  Already I can't wait!

Encyclopedia Knitannica

Now that I'm home from TNNA, I thought I'd let you all in on my next book topic.... 

The Encyclopedia Knitannica is a 7 volume set of stitch dictionaries with a difference.  Each of these dictionaries contains over 100 new, original, stitch patterns.  Each volume focuses on a different type of stitch pattern, and contains a tutorial section about how to design your own stitch patterns.  The first two volumes, Rhythm and Structure should be out in December if all goes well.  I am really excited about this project and plan to share some swatches in the time leading up to the release so keep your eyes open for swatches and stitches here on the blog.

I also have two new clubs coming up - more about that soon!

Stuck in the airport. sigh.

Here I am stuck in the San Francisco airport all night long - weather delays have snarled up everyone's travel and there aren't any hotel rooms left.  I really hate flying through this airport because it has a parallel double runway and whenever the weather is a little iffy - fog, wind, a butterfly flapping its wings in china - they close one of the runways for safety reasons.  And then they can only get half the planes in.  It's not like there is a tornado or ice storm or hurricane happening it's just clogged up.  I really wish all the flights from Eugene did not go through SFO.

the good news is I have a flight out at 6:30 am so I only have 4 hours to wait.  the bad news is I am finally on east coast time and I am reeeeeeeaaaaallllly tired.  I have no clothes and I would probably pay $10 for a toothbrush right about now, but at least I have my trusty computer with me so I can regale you with stories from the road.

This weekend is the Black Sheep Gathering in my (new) hometown.  I'll be teaching on Sunday (good thing I wasn't teaching Saturday!) - a class on colorwork socks.  I'm really looking forward to shopping all the vendors too - the fleeces there are absolutely gorgeous and there are loads of vendors with lovely, lovely yarn.  I know Galina Khmeleva will be there, and my pal Nancy of Chameleon Colorworks.  Steve and Connie Paulsen from Spindlewood will have their usual booth - can't wait to see what they bring.  Of course you can't go to Black Sheep without shopping with Morgaine at Carolina Homespun, and then there's Sheila and Michael Ernst's gorgeous buttons, the delicious Cormo from Fox Hollow Farm, and JanisThompson/dyelots!  And that's just building 1.  I hope to make it home, take a nap and then hit the show tomorrow afternoon.

In the meantime I'll try to nap on these horrible seats along with the other airport dwellers...I'll have some more exciting news tomorrow!

Anne Hanson - hostess with the mostest

After TNNA I had a few days before Knitter's Connection began, so Cookie A and I rented a car and took a trip to visit at our pal Anne Hanson's house.  I am a long time fan of Anne's blog where she talks about her knitting, designing, garden and cooking.  I love to see what's blooming in her garden and read what she's eating fresh from her backyard farm.

Anne lives in an old house, that she and her husband David have renovated with their artistic eye and creative style.  Each room is a charming, visual treat and my guest room was a serene zen retreat.

I didn't spend too much time there though because we were having too much fun relaxing in the sun porch knitting with Anne's friend Beckie, drooling over the Pagewood yarn we brought home from TNNA and discussing printing and shipping of course!

 

 

 

 

In the evenings we watched fashion movies and lounged and laughed until tears came out of the corners of our eyes.  While I was there I celebrated my birthday and Anne made me the most delicious strawberry shortcake of all time.  She makes it perfectly right, with a biscuit-y shortcake that's not too sweet, fresh strawberries, and unsweetened fresh whipped cream.  YUM!  exactly the kind of birthday cake I like.

Anne also let us browse her legendary yarn stash - so many pretty yarns in gorgeous colors! Here Cookie is fondling some of the gorgeous treats. 

 

Anne's other half, David is a sweetheart.  He has done an incredible job renovating the house with so many creative ideas.  David is a night owl like I am - one night we stayed up until the wee hours when the birdies begin singing discussing mid century modern, Oregon and all manner of interesting things.  We might have even mentioned printing and shipping!

I wish I could have stayed a week at Annes, it was so fun and relaxing but I did have an agenda.  Knitter's Connection in Columbus.  So Cookie and I reluctantly bundled back into the car and headed back down to Columbus. 

Thanks Anne and David for a wonderful retreat.

 

Knitter's Connection in Columbus was a blast too!  Unfortunately I didn't have the presence of mind to take any photos there, but a good time was had by all.  I taught classes for two days, met wonderful knitters and thoroughly enjoyed myself browsing the marketplace.  It's still going on and if you're in the area you might want to head on over.  Many classes still have room in them.  Franklin Habit was the keynote speaker and lots of top notch teachers are there.  I had to leave fairly early because I am heading home to Eugene for the Black Sheep Gathering which starts today.

Time to board the plane!

TNNA tales

I just finished my semi-annual visit with the TNNA folks here in Columbus.  For those of you who don't know, TNNA stands for The National Needlearts Association, and it's a tradeshow for people in the needle arts business, (knitting, embroidery and needlepoint).  It's open to the trade only and it's the place where your local yarn shop goes to see and buy the latest in yarns, tools, accessories and books.

When I am at TNNA, I meet up with other folks in the industry, shop for yarns for my sock club, check out what's new and what's hot, and promote my books. 

This time around I got a chance to check out some of the newest releases in books.  I was really excited to see Timeless Knits for Kids (Size 4-14) by my friend Chris de Longpre is out and ready for purchase.  This book is exactly what the title says, knits for kids that are timeless.  These patterns can be knit for kids today and enjoyed by kids 10 years from now or 20 years from now.  Chris has been writing and selling her excellent patterns for many years, and this book is a chance to have a nice collection of them all in one place.  Best of all it's sized for kids from size 4-14 so no matter what age the kids in your life are, these patterns will work.  I just love the "head of the class" pattern, and I think my nieces will too!

 

I also got to meet Chris H. from Blackthorn needles in person and tell her how much I like her needles.  She had all the sizes there and I got to try knitting with the 0000 size.  They are tiny and very firm, I think it would be very hard to break them.

I saw lots of new yarn and fondled everything yarny in sight.  Unfortunately pictures aren't really allowed on the showroom floor so I can't show you all the yarny goodness, but there were so many nice new colors.  I shopped a bit for next year's sock club, and I'm already excited about the great yarns I plan for next year. But current members, never fear, this year has fantastic yarns too!

A trip to the Columbus TNNA would not be complete without a trip here

This is Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream - and I make a pilgrimage here every year.  They have the most amazing flavors of ice cream.  I skip meals just so I can have more than one flavor each day!  I really love the cherry lambic sorbet, meyer lemon and blueberry, and the lime cardamom yogurt flavors.  mmmmmmmm.

After filling up on those delicious flavors of ice cream,  I spotted this character.  He has covered his car in hotwheels and other assorted trinkets.  Wow, that is one car that stands out in a crowd!

The best part is I got to room with my pals Anne Hanson and Cookie A. and we had loads of fun having slumber parties every night staying up until the wee hours to talk about printing and shipping (our favorite topics).  Cookie was at TNNA to promote her upcoming book Knit. Sock. Love. which is due out later this year I think.  I got to see some galleys of the book and it is gorgeous!  This is a book you'll want to keep on your coffee table, it's that beautiful.

I was there to promote my next book too - I'll tell you more about it in my next post. 

As usual, TNNA was a whirlwind affair, fun and tiring.  Good thing I had a nice place to hang out for a few days afterward while waiting for my next gig to start.  Next up - Knitter's Connection in Columbus!  That means more Jeni's ice cream, yay!  I'll be teaching 3 classes there starting Wednesday - sideways socks, colorwork socks and designing lace stitches. 

blackthorn = love

A few days ago Lark (parrotmom) and Cheryl (peachesforever) mentioned Blackthorn dpns on the solemates ravelry board.  I went to their website to check them out and was immediately intrigued.  Blackthorns are made from the same material used in the outer layer of the Blackbird Stealth Jet - holy dpn's batman!  I had to try them out!  I ordered a set from the makers, My Favorite Thimble, and in just 2 days they were waiting for me in my P.O. box.  They arrived zipped into a colorful yellow pouch and I couldn't wait to see what they were like.

When I opened the package I was immediately struck by what a unique material these are made from.  The hand of the needles is warm, lightweight and grippy, all the best qualities of wood needles.  Unlike wood, the needles are really strong, and if you drop them they ring like metal.  After reading about the Blackbird jet, I'm guessing they're made of some kind of super duper titanium alloy.  They are available all the way down to size 0000 so they must  have a lot of strength even at very small sizes.  They come in a variety of lengths as well so you can get shorties or longies or even custom lengths as you like.  And to top it all off, they are a lovely warm, matte, black that makes it easy to see most yarns.

Of course I had to test them out immediately to see if I would like knitting with them, and I'm happy to say I love them.  They are light and smooth but with enough grip to keep the yarn on the needles.  They warm up to your hand temp immediately and the yarn slides perfectly along them without any snags.  The points are perfect in my book, they are pointier than wood or most metal dpn's but they aren't so super pointy that they draw blood.  

Best of all - I feel a little bit like a knitting superhero when I use these space-age needles.  They are a little shiny under the right light, but mostly matte, and very stealth-y.  Perfect for all the stealth knitting I have to do.... hahahahaha

The only drawback to these needles is that they only come as dpn's or straights.  I would LOVE to have a set of these in circulars.  At $25 for US size 0 (2mm) ($29 for US size 1 and up) they are a little pricier than wood or bamboo needles, but cheaper than other premium needles.  

blackthorn = love (thank you Lark and Cheryl for mentioning them!)