Sheep & Wool

Maryland Sheep & Wool was a week ago and I can now manage to think about it without shivering. My Mom and I went on Sunday & it poured basically the entire time as I’m sure many of you can attest. I was pretty chilly and my feet were soaked, but I managed to have a good time none the less. And pick up some pretty awesome loot along the way.

Because of the weather I didn’t take many pictures.  I did get a group shot of Ysoldawith some of my creepy internet friends, but it didn’t come out too well so I’m withholding it for personal use only.  By the way, she was very sweet about us swooping in for a photo and telling her about how much we liked her designs.  And she was very tickled that my friend Betsy was wearing her Coraline.  I also got to meet Lolly, a co-mod and lovely lady.  I could have gotten a picture with her since we were in the main barn, but I failed to think of it since I was mid-gyro.  But regardless it was so great to meet her in person.

Since I’m largely without photos of the day, I’ll just show you everything I brought home.

Yarn: Brooks Farm, Riata

Color: 9R

Dye Lot: M13

Amount:3 skeins at 375 yds each

Purchased at: Maryland Sheep & Wool, Brooks Farm Booth

stashed on ravelry here

This was my most awesome acquisition at Sheep & Wool.  I took home a sweaters worth of this lovely yarn in a color that is oh so me (in fact I only really bought variations on blue & green yarn that day, not that this is unusual).  I have been having so much fun entertaining ideas for what I might make with these lovelies but it will be a while before I get to it.

Yarn: Tess’ Designer Yarns, Cultivated Silk & Wool

Color: —

Dye Lot: —

Amount:1 skein at 200 yds

Purchased at: Maryland Sheep & Wool, Tess’ Designer Yarns Booth

stashed on ravelry here

My main goal for the festival was to stash dk and worsted weight yarn.  It’s what I never seem to have in stash when I’m looking to start a project.  I didn’t completely stick to this goal, but I did pick a few lovely things that fit that bill, like this super soft and shiny yarn.

Yarn: Tess’ Designer Yarns, Superwash Merino Lace

Color: 871713

Dye Lot: —

Amount: 1 skein at 500 yds

Purchased at: Maryland Sheep & Wool, Tess’ Designer Yarns Booth

stashed on ravelry here

The Tess’ Designer Yarns booth used up the last chunk of my budget on our way out the door.  I am pleased to say I did still come out $7 under budget!  I picked up this skein with something specific in mind.  After getting home, I decided to use something else for that project and now I’m thinking about using the lovely Spring Things pattern with this little skein.  I love the super bright green!

Yarn: Tess’ Designer Yarns, Petite Silk

Color: —

Dye Lot: —

Amount:1 skein at 450 yds

Purchased at: Maryland Sheep & Wool, Tess’ Designer Yarns Booth

stashed on ravelry here

My last purchase from the Tess’ booth was this little guy.  I just could not say no to blueish-purple lace weight.  It’s shimmer lulled me into submission while it’s brilliant color coaxed my hand into picking it up.  I was so tempted to buy a second skein to increase my options, but it would have busted through my budget, and I’m proud of myself for sticking to my guns.  Besides there really are plenty of shawls one can make with 450 yds, and even more options if you just make shawlette versions of patterns that call for more yardage.

Yarn:Kipparoo Farms, Raggles

Color: —

Dye Lot: —

Amount:1 skein at 165 yds

Purchased at: Maryland Sheep & Wool, Kipparoo Farms Booth

stashed on ravelry here

My Mom has known Annie from Kipparoo Farms long enough now that I consider her a friend of the family.  She’s an awesome person and a great dyer (a great shepherd too!).  And I saw this little gem.  I loved the mix of natural and subtle colors and it fit within my stashing criteria so I let it come home with me.  I know I’ll find just the right project for it sometime soon.

Yarn: The Unique Sheep, Tinsel Toes

Color: Mirkwood Gradience Set

Dye Lot: —

Amount: 4 mini skeins totaling 360 yds

Purchased at: Maryland Sheep & Wool, Cloverhill Yarn Shop Booth

stashed on ravelry here

Beyond just my goal to stash heavier yarns, I had a more specific goal not to buy sock yarn.  This was the one exception I allowed myself since it was a gradience set that would make up for our mostly unsuccessful attempt at gradient dyeing.  Besides I don’t plan on using it for socks anyway.

So those are the beauties I picked up.  Not so over the top, but not really restrained either.  I really need to try and slow down on the yarn buying for awhile, but something tells me it’s not likely to happen.  But as I like to remind myself in these moments there are far worse addictions to have than yarn.  So I might just cut myself a break.