Knit n Things

I'm in for it. I did something bad today. Today - I fell in love. Head over flippin heels. Why is that bad you ask? Some may say it's not - but me - yea I'd say I'm in big trouble.

Today I went to the Garden State something or other fiber thing. It's an itty bitty baby fiber fair in Ringoes NJ. When I say itty bitty I'm talking like 15 - 20 vendors. They all fit into one barn. It's small. I almost didn't go cuz it's so little but they were having a workshop on spinning with a spindle and Mom wants to learn so being the enabler wonderful daughter that I am we took the trek. It's only about an hour and it was a really nice drive and totally worth the trip (once).

But I was talking about trouble right? So we've got about an hour to kill before the spindle workshop begins and we're wandering around and stop to admire the beautiful spinning wheels. Next thing I know this WONDERFUL woman by the name of Lea from The Wheelwright has me sitting at a wheel, and then another wheel, and another, and another. She put me on all the wheels she brought with her (totally benny of there not being a lot of people.) So I tried five different spinning wheels today.

Dude - I am sooo toast. I LOVED IT! Spindle spinning is completely different. This is so much smoother - and the treadling is so hypnotic. It's wonderful. I'm in love and now I'm actually considering buying a wheel (see trouble!) I've all ready decided I prefer the tradition wheels, they feel more comfortable and they look prettier. I really liked the Polonaise (which figures cuz it was her most expensive wheel). I also liked the Prelude but I had problems drawing it. I'm not sure if it was me or the wheel. I'd bet my money on me but Lea had the same issues. So I'll be trying every wheel I can get my hands on when I go to Rhinebeck - look out!

After the wheel the spindle workshop was fabulous. They gave us these neat spindles made from a couple of CD's put together with an o-ring shoved into the middle. And some romey (is that right?) I had so much more fun today with the spindle. Why is that? I started using the park and draw method and I have SO MUCH more control over my draft. I'm actually making something that I'm mostly happy with.

Mom (who is also in love with the wheel idea by the way) got the hang of it and bought herself some really pretty roving and abandoned the romey . Mom's gonna be a lace weight super star. Look at this stuff. I think it might be a bit over spun but holy cow is it little. I told her she should maybe try to spin it a little thicker - she says she can't "it gets all messed up and lumpy." Did I mention that this stuff is some kind of wool angora blend? Why start small and easy???

We had a awesome day. Made some new friends (whose names are totally lost to me at the moment - * hi blonde lady with the funky cool name that I can't remember ;) Arisha maybe or Tarisha - I'm sorry I'd tried really hard to remember but I forgot anyway.) Talked to a couple of breeders. Saw the cutest aminals. Bought some stuff. The woman who sold Mom the roving actually sat down with her to help her get started and make sure she was going to be ok spinning her new fiber on her new spindle. Have you ever noticed how totally awesome fiber people are? I wonder if I'll ever stopped being awed and amazed at the coolness of all you guys? Hope not.