Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival

I can't believe a week has passed since our busload of chatty knitters, spinners and weavers visited the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. We all had a wonderful time -- despite the rain accompanied by mud that Mother Nature threw at us.

I love MDSW and look forward to it each year. This was my 7th year -- I was surprised when I figured it out. I didn't take any festival photos this year. Why? I think it was a combination of the weather and being tired after organizing the trip for 55 people. But it was well worth it. Many have already said they want to go again next year!

I actually didn't buy as much as usual -- but did not go away empty-handed, as the photos indicate. Because of the weather the indoor vendors were busier and people were pushing a bit too much for me. I also learned -- after the fact -- that some vendors moved into the animal barns. I will be sure to check them out next year.

I did do stash enhancement and will describe what you see in the photos (please click on them for a larger version):

Shawl knitting is becoming my passion thanks to my good friend Billie. She is very helpful and encouraging to me. One of Billie's ways of encouraging me was to buy me this book "The Best of Knitter's Magazine" Shawls and Scarves which is a wonderful addition to my ever-growing knitting book library.

The sock yarn stash enhancement includes, from left: Mountain Colors Bearfoot in the Wilderness colorway; a lovely multi-colored skein of merino/nylon blend from Ellen's Half Pint Farm in Vermont (one of my very favorite vendors and one of the nicest people; Sockin' Sox from Plymouth yarn which will probably be used as a Christmas gift for Irina; medium-pastel shades of my favorite colors from Tess' Designer Yarns (which was packed with people as always...the weather doesn't stop Tess' devoted fans even though her booth is outdoors); and Socks That Rock Never on Sunday colorway.

Yarn for another shawl. This time from a dyer and booth owner new to me. I will be a returning customer. Kiparoo Farm in Maryland had this beautiful hand-dyed wool and mohair worsted weight yarn which I will be using for the shawl pattern shown in the photo. I saw the shawl knitted and knew I had to have the materials for knitting it.

Last, but certainly not least, Carodan Farm Wool Shop had several grba bags of sock yarn for $25. I got a bargain. Enough for 2 pair of summer socks and the plain black to knit for under my short dress boots I wear with suits in the winter.

A wonderful shopping time and a great event again.