Plans

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival is only two days away!  I'm very excited!  Last year, I was a fairly new knitter, and my lack of experience showed in my purchases.  I got 800 yds of loop mohair yarn (enough for a sweater), only to eventually realize that I don't really want a furry, itchy sweater.  I also got some very pretty microfiber ribbon that tangled so badly I eventually just gave up. 

Not this year!  This is what I'm looking for:

• Sock yarn for my Sockapaoolza pal.  She's looking for something "wild".  I have an idea for a sock pattern that I've been wanting to try out, and this might be the perfect way to do it.
• Mostly solid sock yarns for me.  I just like fancy stitches too much to go too crazy with the colors.
• Possibly I want to get yarn for the Swing Cardigan from Vogue's 2007 Spring/Summer issue. I really like the details on this sweater, and I think it would be really wearable.

I've seen several recommendations of places to visit while I'm there, and I have them listed on a printed-out map of the fairgrounds.  I also wanted to mention the Meadow Medley tent.  I have a friend who dyes yarn with only natural dyes, and it's beautiful stuff!  I think there are several people working together in that booth, so be sure to look at Suzanne's yarn.  She's awesome.

Since I used to live in Columbia, I know the area fairly well.  I'll be hitting my two favorite restaurants while I'm there, Eggspectations and Donna's.  They're actually across the street from each other, and they're both delicious!  I'm so excited that I'll get to eat there soon :)

I was having a hard time trying to decide which sock to start.  I was having trouble settling on a pattern. I got my April shipment of the Petals Collection in the mail yesterday, and it was gorgeous!  It was my favorite package yet.  I'll be knitting that up soon, I'm certain.

In the meantime, I'm working on this. 

Sundara sock yarn in Cherry Blossom with the Embossed Leaves pattern from Favorite Socks.  The patches of brown yarn are so infrequent that this is really a mostly solid yarn.  I kind of like the idea of using the Cherry Blossom yarn to make a leafy sock. It will look like one of the trees-- mostly pink with a glimpse of a dark brown branch.

Comments

[stacey]

I LOOOOOOVE Donna's! We always go there when we are in Columbia at my cousin's. I haven't been to Eggspectations yet, but I hear it's really good too....

[Jean]

Sounds like fun. Have a wonderful time! Safe travels.

[Oiyi]

The Swing Cardigan is very pretty. Oh, I haven't received my Petals Collection yet. I had forgotten about it. This is the last of the shipment, right?

[pamela wynne]

ooh, that cherry blossom is knitting up beautifully! have fun this weekend!

[tiennie]

Oh so stinkin' jealous. Have a great time!

[Jessica]

Sounds like you've got a good plan and a good yarn. ;) Hope to see you there!

[Brenda]

Sounds like a great pattern for the cherry blossom yarn!

[Ariel]

I love it - you have an expert Sheep 'n Wool Festival shopping plan. Can't wait to see the loot!

[Sacha]

I used to live in Odenton and work in Columbia; I haven't been to either place!

I had a great time this Saturday, got a nice sock yarn haul. Hope you did well. :)