This past Saturday David and I attended the Garden State Sheep & Fiber Festival. We had a fun time, and David spent more money there than I did! We'll get to that in a minute.
First of all, I have to show you a sheep picture. In contrast to the other sheep who would scurry to the other side of the pen if we got close, this little Shetland was *anxious* to be petted. We stopped by several times to give him a scratch or two.
We got to talk with the owner of Wisteria, who is the tallest female llama in New Jersey. She's a guardian llama for a few sheep, a goat, and a pig. I had no idea that llamas were used in this capacity, and it was fun to learn about her role.
I did buy one skein of yarn (two laps worth). It's from Cedarland Farm, and it's undyed handspun Icelandic wool. In the barn it looked brown, but it looks grey inside my house. I've already started knitting a cowl with it.
We also spent some time at Jessica's booth. I was impressed at all the work she'd done in preparation, and her booth really looked great. We got to talk with Kim, and I also recognized and introduced myself to Kirsten from Through the Loops.
My favorite vendor of the day was the button lady. She had a lot of vintage buttons! I had never seen a vendor like her at Rhinebeck or Maryland, and I think the festivals would definitely benefit if she decided to go. She had tubs full of buttons all organized into categories. I picked up some pretty glass buttons, and a sampler set of vegetable ivory buttons. I love it how the buttons are all different, but they look like a matched set.
David really enjoyed the button lady's booth, because there was a secion of railroad buttons. These buttons are from the uniforms of the old railroad employees. David has always been a railroad buff, and these seemed like the perfect buttons for his cardigan (that I'll get to soon).
This festival especially has me looking forward to Rhinebeck, which is now less than two weeks away!
Sorry we missed you on Saturday! Mom and I had a good (cold) time, too. I took tons of pictures--but, the button lady? She was NASTY when I pointed my camera at the tops of all her neat, cardboard rows of button cards. Not at the buttons, mind you, but at the nifty parallel lines the rows of cards made. Hmph.
And--can't wait for Rhinebeck!
Posted by: --Deb | October 05, 2008 at 11:17 PM
It was great to meet you and David in person. The Olympic sweater looked fabulous!
I can't believe I missed the button lady. I guess I was too busy chasing DD#1 around.
Posted by: Kirsten | October 05, 2008 at 11:24 PM
ohhhhh those buttons ARE fabulous!
Can't wait to see David's Cardi!
Posted by: Kelly | October 06, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Wow - those are some amazing buttons!! She needs to go to MD!
Posted by: stacey | October 06, 2008 at 09:28 AM
That Llama is one tall drink of water. It was great to see you and meet David. Thanks so much for the Malabrigo and the awesome stitch markers! Love them! I am crazy for the button lady too and she lives in the town next to mine. Lucky me. Please wear or bring your Icelandic cowl to Rhinebeck! Yeah Rhinebeck! I can hardly wait.
Posted by: Kim | October 06, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Glad you had fun at the festival. Thanks again for letting me crash with you! I had fun meeting your kitties even if I did pass out way too early. ;) Yay Rhinebeck!!!
Posted by: Jessica | October 06, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Glad you had a great time! Cool buttons!!
Posted by: tiennie | October 07, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Sounds like you had a great time! I love those Shetland sheep...they're so adorable.
I can't wait to see the cardigan that'll have those buttons!
Posted by: whitney | October 08, 2008 at 07:12 AM