Goals: April 2007 Archives

That's the number of days until MDSW.

This will be my fourth year going, and it feels like it got here quicker than in the past -- mostly because I finally went to Rhinebeck last year. That was such a good time that Christy, Heather and I have already booked our cottage for this year's fest. We even added an extra day.

Can't. Wait.

But right now, it's all MDSW here. While reflecting on the goals I set out for myself last year, I realized I have done absolutely poorly! I haven't added much to the stash since Rhinebeck, but I also haven't knit much of what I bought. That's what pushed me to hold last week's sales.

Each year I get better at knowing what I like and knowing what to buy. I have the shortest list I've ever had going into Maryland this year. The more I think about it, the more I realize I don't have a big need for anything. I'm sure I'll buy (how can you *not*?), but it will be things that speak to me, things I can't walk away without.

I'm going to try my hardest to stay away from multicolored handdyed sock yarn. I just don't have a big desire to knit with it -- although I love looking at it. If I could, I'd create little shadowboxes of handpainted yarn and place them throughout my house.

Unfortunately, the kinds of socks I crave to knit are much more patterned and better-suited for subtly dyed yarns.

I want to check out Tess' Yarns because I only get to see her once a year and that seems like as good a reason as any. I also want to visit Brooks Farm and get something I finally like from them. I think I'll be sticking to pinks and purples this time -- more my speed.

There are some other things I want to get if I see them. Barberpole sockweight! I've wanted this for 2 years now. And can you believe it -- in a moment of stupidity I decided to show restraint and wait a day before buying it at Rhinebeck? Of course, it was all gone when we went back. I probably won't find any at Maryland as that vendor doesn't do Maryland.

I'm not sure what else I'll be getting. I do still want to knit St Brigid. And I really want to design a multi-color modern pullover. But that'll take a whole bunch of sketching and photoshopping to come up with the right color palette. So that's probably a no-go for next weekend as well.

What are your plans for the festival? Any noteworthy new vendors? Since I'll be skipping the Socks That Rock, the first hour of the fest is probably mine for the taking.

I guess what it comes down to is, I'm not sure what I'll be coming back with. Even if I bought nothing it would still be a great day. I get to spend the day with Christy (which doesn't happen nearly enough) and catch up with a lot of bloggers (more of which move into the friend category from year-to-year). That alone is worth a couple hours of driving in each direction.

Re-reading this post, I have 2 goals for myself for the fest:

• No multi-color sock yarn
• No Socks That Rock mediumweight

If I can stick to that, it will be a perfect day.