Woolfest (No really, it was work!)

I still often find myself giving my arm a pinch when I realise that my life and work is mostly about yarn.  When did that happen? As I wandered around Woolfest on Saturday, touching yarn, buying some for work, bumping into designers I know and readers who know me, I have to admit to having a few "pinch me" moments. What an amazing thing to do in the name of work!!

And while the sheep and alpaca and the wandering is all good, I have to admit to also making a few work and non work purchases...My Goodies?

1. Baa Ram Ewe's Titus in Parkin.  This was what I came to Woolfest to get.  It is a British Wool/Alpaca blend that comes in the most gorgeous range of colours.  I easily could have walked away with the lot, but stayed true to my aim to get a yarn for the next issue of The Crochet Project.  I may buy them all later though...

2. Eden Cottage Yarns Bowland Dk in Damselfly.  This is a superwash BFL - something I have wanted to try for awhile.  As someone who does a lot of designs for children, super-wash wool is my staple. The BFL has a similar handle to merino, but is generally a stronger fiber, has a bit more sheen and a bit more sheepyness  (<--totally a word). If you want to read more about Blue Faced Leicester, see here.

3. One of the highlights for me was meeting many of the designers I know online in real life. Meeting Anniken Allis was no exception and it was lovely to put a face to an online presence.  Not only did I get to meet her in person, but I finally got my hands on some of her Silky Camel Lace. This is the only thing I bought that I have no real idea what I am going to make with it...maybe something for me?

4. After being neglected for a good year, I wanted to pick up a bit of fiber for my poor spinning wheel. This is a Merino, Shetland, Mohair blend in Blue Tit by Hilltop Cloud.  I know, I don't like mohair.  I just couldn't resist the colour.

Sadly though, with a month of insane deadlines, these lovelies are going to have to wait, snuggled in their Baa Ram Ewe bag, until I get a moment's breathing space.