Stitches East
There's been very little talk in blog land about Stitches East. I had to check my calendar just to make sure it's still next week.
I took off Friday so I could hit the market on the first day. The prospect of getting early access to the offerings with a smaller number of people (and bonus -- less potential to be assaulted) made taking the day off an easy choice. Funny thing is, I think I'm looking forward to the train ride (quiet knitting time) as much as I am to the shopping itself.
I looked through the vendor list today. Here's what I have in mind so far:
What I'll be looking for
- Solid or near-solid sock yarn
- Yarn for a Fisherman sweater. After lots of comments (thanks everyone!) I'm currently leaning toward Aurora 8 (based on Julia's recommendation) but I'm definitely open. If I don't find something better at Stitches then I will go with the Aurora.
- Tess Yarn. I loved her sport weight Cascade Silk at MDSW but the colorways weren't working for me. And I'm sure I'll pick up more of her sock yarn.
- A niddy noddy. I want to do more handdyeing and it would really come in really handy.
Other booths I'll be sure to stop at
- Cabin Fever They have some nice sock patterns and it's always easier to see what they're really like in person.
- Ellen's Half Pint Farm by the time I found their booth at MDSW there were few choices left.
- Habu I've yet to purchase any Habu but I think I'm ready for something small
- Hand Jive They're new to me but they seem cool. They have their own yarns that they dye with natural substances in a gorgeous palette of colors, and they have some original sock patterns that are new to me. I especially like Aran Clog Socks and Peony Garden Socks.
- Just Our Yarn another handdyer that looks promising.
- The Mannings I wonder if they bring dyes to the shows.
- Rosie's Yarn Cellar Of course I'll be stopping by my LYS' booth
- School Products because apparently 2 cones of cashmere blend isn't enough in one's stash.
- Shelridge Farms. Christy made a pair of wristwarmers from their yarn last year and she said they worked up really nicely.
- Webs easy access to cones of yarn. Enough said. It's probably good I'm taking the train.
- White Lies Designs I have several of her patterns in my library. It'd be nice to see some of the designs up close.
I am SO envious - there's nothing like that close to us. Enjoy - I will have to live vicariously through your visit.
Stitches east sounds so great. I'm green with envy! Have fun and take pictures.
Ive been wondering why I havent seen more people blog about it. I had asked a month or two ago if anyone was planning on going but got no replies : (
Ill be going on friday as well! Ill be hitting Habu, School Products, and WoolPlay. I still have to make a little list of what Im looking for though I know I wont be buying too much.
Would you like to meet up?
Just Our Yarn was at Stitches Midwest, too. I highly recommend a visit. They had some lovely colors and make sure you plunge your hand in the basket of cashmere lace-weight.
stitches east sounds fantastic! i wish i could join you. i've also heard a lot of good reports about the karabella 8 and i can't wait to hear what you think.
Shelridge Farms is definitely worth a visit. The yarn was a basic merino but it was available in a wide variety of vivid solids and it was a joy to knit with.
Michelle wore her wrist warmers everyday last winter and the yarn held up great- no pilling or stretching or anything weird.
I am not able to go this year, but my friends are going to be there. I am sending along a request for some Tess sock yarn--that stuff is just amazing. Hopefully I can make it next year--I would love to go! Hope you have a good time, Jody ;)
I am so surprise Shelridge Farms (from Ontario) will set up shop in the USA. Their yarn is to die for. I love it.
Their finest gauge yarn is lovely. Hope you like it.
Have fun at Stitches. I was hoping to be able to go but it just didn't work out for me. Enjoy the yarn for all of us who can't make it.
Have a great time at Stitches East -- you were smart to take Friday off and hit the vendors before the crowd stampedes in. I look forward to hearing what you bring home with you!
Hey Jodi have a great time!
I'll be there. I'm arriving on Saturday and leaving Sunday - my DH will be at some casino or other the whole time, so if anyone wants to get together let me know! You're ahead of me Jodi - I have no idea what I want to purchase or what booths to check out. I need to start working on that, don't I?
*Drool!* I can imagine all those lovely yarns and colorways in my head! Have a great time Jodi, make sure you take lots of pictures.
If I go to Stitches East will you show me how to cast on for River in person? I'm hopeless.