A Beautiful Weekend

I've been busy dyeing for weeks. This Saturday my friend Carolyn and I participated in a small sheep and wool festival. It was a beautiful event. Though the morning threatened rain, the sun came out by noon and it couldn't have been nicer.

Lots of people showed up, family dogs in tow, girls in long flowy dresses and skirts, ladies sporting hand-crafted hats, shawls, sweaters and scarves. There were men in kilts and weavers in pioneer wear. Re-enactments of sheep trials, bagpipe music, and sheep shearing, spinning and weaving were among the activities and demos. And, of course, food and crafts for kids.

I have to say that the quality of the vendors was superb, from authentic Scottish tartans to Cormo fleece I wanted to roll around in, to hand hooked, crocheted, and woven wool rugs, and of course hand-dyed yarns and rovings. All with the Hudson River gleaming in the background. And can I just say, thank God for Zyrtec!

I forgot my camera. I always must forget something, so this wasn't such a bad thing to forget considering. But my booth-mate Carolyn took some photos before the fair was open to the public and posted them on her blog. By the way, her handspuns were flying out of there. But she will list what's left in her etsy shop. You can't pet them online of course, but I will tell you that there were constant ooohs and ahhhs emanating from those that did Saturday!

Looking for Test Knitters

I designed and made several tammies for Christmas presents and I'm considering selling the patterns on etsy.com. First, however, I'd like to run my instructions and chart through some test knitting....you know, just to be sure I'm not nuts and the patterns really do work.

These fair isle (stranded) tams are knit with fingering or light sport weight yarns, 7.5-8 st per inch. They start on double pointed needles and proceed to circular. There are mirrored increases and decreases. The ribbing is corrugated (alternate colors for knits and purls), though it need not be.

Tams are blocked over dinner plates. These are 10-11" in diameter.

The first pattern I've prepared is one I made for my sister-in-law. I think it's my favorite. Lacey Tam
If you would be interested in knitting this pattern up and then reporting back your "findings" let me know and I'll send you a pdf file containing the charts and instructions.

Have a great weekend!