Knitters Fantasy in Youngstown, Ohio

So, today was a knitters festival in Youngstown.  I've gone for 3 years straight.  You can take classes, swap yarn or patterns, participate in a fashion show, hang out with lots of knitters and of course, buy lots of yarn...

With my self imposed monetary limits, I managed to only buy these 2 things.  Not bad!  I had told myself to only buy yarn for projects in my ravelry queue.  I was not allowing myself to buy yarn because it was pretty and then sit in my stash basket waiting for inspiration to strike.

So, I got myself some #2 needles for "Monkey" socks by Cookie A (they require 64 stitches and my usual socks are 56 so I had to get smaller needles, etc....). And some Opal sock yarn that I've been dying to try. 

But, the best part of the day was hanging out with mom.  It's nice to hang out with someone you actually like to hang out with--in past years I did not exactly have a great time, but I always got great yarn.  This year, I got both. 

Final Craft Show for Me...

For years, I've done craft shows.  I work my butt off for weeks trying to get together items I think people will buy.  I spent countless hours crafting and countless trips to the store for even more stuff in case I don't have enough. Well, I've had enough. Don't get me wrong--I love craft shows and I love craft show people--but the time has come to hang up my crafting...

Today, mom and I exhibited at a community center in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. It was a pretty good day.  We didn't charge more than $10 for anything--except a shrug for $20.  

We both came home lighter.  We even donated a bunch of stuff to a charity--which helped lessen the load to bring home.  My headbands--didn't sell.  My ribbon necklaces--didn't sell.  My painted glasses and coasters--didn't sell.  Oh well.  At least I got to spend the day with my mom--AND the money I did make will be the money I spend next weekend at a Knitters Fantasy in Youngstown. Not bad!

So what do I do with all the leftovers? Well, everything fits in one bin and it all fits in my closet.  Someone always is having a birthday or some such thing--they get my goods.  I save money on the gift and I don't care if they like it or not--they're probably lucky I gave them anything! 

And this snow that was falling on my way home (and is still falling hours later)? That is God getting me back for being a cheapskate with your next present.

Sock Fever!!

So, I started these socks on Sunday night and by Tuesday I had the heel turned.  And I'm finally starting to like the striping.  But--these suckers are 100% wool and I should have made them months ago!  My feet have been cold since October!!

These socks were also started on Sunday.  And I'm seriously in love with them.  I knew I would be--that's why I stalked the dyer for weeks until I finally scored the yarn in a nail biter etsy sale.  I actually had to stay late at work so I wouldn't miss out.  It is called Moondance by Lollipop Yarns.  Today,  I completed the heel in orange and I worked it perfectly between the stripes of grey.  You will be so impressed when they are done.  Trust me.

And what is this???  The yarn that brought tears to my eyes?  It is here in Cleveland in my yarn stash.  It is still in the bag, because I clearly have enough socks going at one time.  So I will furiously be finishing 2 pairs of socks so these bad boys can get in the works.  Much love to my beautiful and generous mother.  She bought and shipped it to me because she understands my love of yarn and she loves me, too.  Thanks mom!  You are so wonderful!