... continued Stitches Midwest

This was the last booth we visited -- the first day --- and the first booth we visted the 2nd day.    DD + I really liked the yarns - and the projects knitted up on display.   I noticed a lovely wrap with beads.   It is Boo Knits, Fragile Hearts.   DD selected the yarn.   The color yarn is called Galato Shop - Destination Yarn.     The lovely wrap [photo from book] pattern is in Sunday Drive by Kate Jackson.   Yep - bought the book + author autographed!  

I am grateful to the staff of Yarn Culture [from Fairport, NY] and their ultimate patience!!!   The first day, DD & I visited this booth.   Their yarns, displays, patterns were spectacular.   And, I wanted to make a lace wrap - even had the pattern downloaded from Ravelry.   Didn't know what yarn or needles I should use.   So, came back the next day with my pattern & got oodles of help selecting yarn, brief tutorial on 'ply' of yarns, types of yarns, types of yarns for wraps.   So helpful.   I ended up with Titus, 4-ply in a color called Whispering Grass!   Machine washable - imagine that?   I had needles, so gave the pattern a test drive with Patons / from JoAnn sale bin.   It is a little different to knit, think I am getting the hang of it.    DD also has some new yarn and a pattern - very plush yarn skeins [2 skeins].   Looking forward to knitting this wrap.

This was a kit I purchased at the LYDIA yarn booth [Luxury Yarn Dyed in America].    I admit, it was really - really - really - a challenge to choose just ONE.   The colors were beautiful.   I don't have anything this cheerful, so, picked it out.   Nice kit with yarn, pattern, bag, Jasmine wash.    I didn't own any size 5 needles.   Walked down the row of booths + stopped at Blue Ridge Needleart.   Selected beautiful Moon Lantern needles.   Wow - so nice to use!   Giving the needles and sale-bin yarn a test drive - I think I've got the pattern rows knitted.   Really a pretty pattern IMO.   It is Angela's Dream Scarf - link HERE.

Oh My ... this yarn.  From the North American Suri Company.    I could have 'pet' the projects Liz had on display [and yarn] all day long.     Saw so much in each booth - but, this one I HAD to go back and buy.   And of course, couldn't find the booth until noon!!!  DD didn't have to twist my arm too much.    It is incredible soft Suri.   This is a skein & a half.    I took a bunch of photos as the color is kinda hard to see .... thinking Autumn/Winter scarf -- yarn so pretty, I need to take my time choosing a pattern.

Another, incredible yarn was Llama.  I bought this on day one - with no clue what I'd make with the sport weight.   Ea is 190 yds.   Initially, the photos on the business cards caught DD's eye.  The ladies were so nice to us, gave us a couple cards.  From Roving Acres L.L.C. booth.    While DD was enjoying the lamb photos --- I was into a small bowl on display, and pulled these two off the bottom.   Rich.   Exotic.   Autmnal.    

These beautiful yarns were in the 2nd booth we visited on day one, another crafty girl.  And, selling quickly.   I wasn't quite sure about making socks - haven't taken a class yet.   As we ventured into other booths, I saw limitless possibilities for these beautiful yarns.   So, day 2, we were back - and I chose these [middle one colors my MIL would like].   Also in the booth were beautiful things from by Jelby and woolpierogi.   Check out the etsy stores.    

Following our 2nd shopping day - we stopped at Mitsuwa for carry-outs and headed home.   What fun.... and we have projects for the next 5 years!!! 

Stitches Midwest, Aug 6-9 ... Part One

DD + I attended Stitches Midwest in Schaumburg, IL.   We were overwhelmed enjoyed getting our feet wet.    Being new knitters, thought we would enjoy learning some tips, techniques, take a class, and enjoy spending time together.

First thing, I signed up for Free, one-hour crochet session.  Thank you Marly Bird and Skacel.    My name filled the last line on the page + I really wanted DD & I to take the class together.    At class time, Marly Bird found a chair, supplies, etc., for DD to sit in on our session.    Y A Y.    Goodness we sucked in class.   The will was there and our hooks were not very confident.    I can chain and single crochet -- never mind starting with 10 , next row 8, next row 9, next row 7 ---- oops learning to increase and decrease- not.     DD had a tight crochet piece - looked pretty decent by the end of our hour.   Was encouraged the whole time by our instructor and other class participants.     Aside from the printed instructions, we have a nice letter & beginner's pattern from Jodi Roush.   And -- an awesome  skacel publication, skacel bag,

Addi comfort grip  hook, and beautiful Reggae yarn [awesome to practice with this yarn].    With the help of friends and you-tube, I just might improve!   While browsing the booths, stopped at Erin Lane and I bought a Marly bag.    DD found lovely bag with zipper ---- cat proof!  [so nice a bag, we went back the next day so she could purchase another one.  

Did I mention booths, shopping?   for toys tools? 

Pins & needles?

 Lamb pin, which I wore on my sweater, by Lickin Flames.  Fat, dark Knitting Needles were gift from WEBS if you purchased from their booth.

The needle set with owls are hexagonal - cherry wood by Indian Lake Artisans.   [not pictured - knitters pride square needles - and sock size needles including Addi circulars from Yarnbarn].

How I adore my Gnome Acres bag - ask DD to show you the yarn she bought in their booth!

After a day and a half, I have quite a collection of cards.   I adore the logos and colorful flyers.  Card/flyer w/ruler, card w/needle inventory on the back, or sweet photographs, and discount codes.   Too much fun.   As we went along the aisles, we had notes on the cards about pattern names, and - some for a return visit on our second day.

more about stitches midwest in the next post ......

P.S.  After reading this blog post -- LINK HERE -- I've been on the look-out for 4-n-1 Boye tool.   When I was shopping for an inexpensive shredder - I found them.     Have not tried using yet.

They arrived . . . they are here!

DD + I went to the movies . . . in June to see Exhibition OnScreen, Girl with a Pearl Earring.   

In the movie, along with the narrative & information on the Mauritshuis - the world tour of Vermeer's painting, we saw these charming ducks!  I told DD that we just had to have them.   Good thing the theatre was dark - but I just knew her eyes rolled.

And I am grateful they made it here from the Netherlands.  Thank you so much.

Longer story [if interested]...  The first time I read about Vermeer's painting, I was in the dental waiting room -- reading Smithsonian Magazine, Nov. 1995.   And, I got the ok to keep the magazine - which I still have.    

It had been on my bucket list to find a way to see the painting... for someday, I just knew, I'd see it - of course I read the book, saw the movie.    

Now fast forward to 2013 .... DH brought me the Wall Street Journal dated Friday, January 25, 2013 .... 

WOOT!  WOOT!  and, DH said I could go with him when he went to New York City (on business) & I could visit The Frick while he was in a meeting.  (Jan 10, 2014)

Head-over-heels, counting the days, following the news from each of the tour stops -- our trip was planned,  ticket purchased on-line thru web site, suitcases packed.  

Then the weather rolls in.  Lots of weather - snow, wind, ice, airline delays, extra waiting at the airport [me whispering to Mother Nature - cool it! Back off - I've got places to go and a painting to see] , -- and finally we were flying to New York - arriving at hotel around 1am.

A few hours later, I was up and walking.   I was so excited, and didnt mind the sleet, wind, taxi splashing water all over the sidewalks.   [do recall New Yorkers wear a lot of black coats, boots, gloves, umbrellas - black, black - I know I looked out of place.  Pollyanna from Indiana.   Colorful umbrella, white fleece jacket, pink gloves - this was a happy day for me].

About two blocks from The Frick, I saw lines.   Long lines, around the corner, down the sidewalk.   As I came closer, there was another line along the front of The Frick - a very long line.   Grateful for kind employees - I had not visited there before & had ticket ordered for boxoffice pick up.   I ask where the box office would be & was asked for my e-mail.

Remember I talked about the sleet and rain?   Well, I was pretty soaked & managed to pull out the email - and the nice gentleman pointed to the door & I went right in.   Sorta felt darts on my back being ahead of both lines.

I walk in and was given a bag/sack for my soaking umbrella.   and, there were three more LONG lines.   One line to purchase memberships.  one line to check your coat, hat.   one line for entry.   The man who gave me the umbrella bag handed me an entry ticket.   

Guess what??   I went right into the exhibit!!  Without hesitation, skipped the coat check and went right inside.   And there she was - oh my.   Speechless and in awe of this fascinating painting - so mysterious.  eyes that looked right at you no matter where you stood in the room - and, we were able to get pretty close.   I think I was there an hour or more [and the room became pretty crowded] before heading into the 2nd room of the paintings on loan.   Which brings me to the 2nd surprise - The Goldfinch [by Carel Fabritius] was on display in the exhibit.  I had read the book by Donna Tartt the previous month.   How exciting.

 

Was it worth it?  You betcha.  I will never forget the day.   Plus, I crossed off the last thing on my bucket list.

P.S.  Yep - bought the tee shirt, too.

journal

coffee mug