Sienna Swirl and Navajo Plying

So my second Swirl Neckwarmer, "Sienna Swirl" is done, except for the buttons and weaving in ends. I don't have the buttons yet though, so it's a good thing I don't plan on giving it away any time soon ;)
It's hard to get a good picture of dark browns at night inside!



Modifications:
This scarflet came out a little smaller than the alpaca one, and I needed to adjust the scallops accordingly. There are only about 2 single crochet stitches between each button loop, and only 8 double crochet in each scallop. Maybe I used a smaller hook last time? I don't know.

I've also been procrastinating on finishing some Alpaca I have been spinning for a hat for J, because I am not yet completely comfortable with Navajo Plying on my Lendrum DT. I can do it fine on a spindle, but the wheel is another entirely different ball of yarn ;) So, while I had a few days off recuperating from getting my wisdom teeth out, I spun up some singles from a random batt I had lying around, got some tips from the Ravely girls and practiced! While on heavy painkillers! Much better than my 1st attempt, still not perfect, but I have 2 more oz of that same wool and 4 more of something similar. Good thing it is no longer hat season, so I'm not in a rush!

MDSW 2008!

This was my third visit to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, the East Coast's biggest fiber festival! I look forward to the festival all year, and usually pick up some luscious yarn and my spinning fiber for the year, as good spinning fiber is hard to come by in person around here.

I also love meeting and talking with all the other Yarnies! I even got a very cute knitting tattoo (temporary) from Gale, the photographer for the new book Shear Spirit, and she posted a pic of me wearing it on the book blog! Turns out she also photographed my Dragon Scarf when it was donated to the Orphan Foundation 3 years ago! Knitting makes the world such a small, cozy, place :)

Here's what I got! (unfortunately no pictures from the festival itself)

Yummy handdyed Merino from Gale's Art in Georgia. After I bought this, at least 4 people stopped me to ask where I got it! I bet they were sold out by Sunday! (but you can buy on Etsy!)
8oz of the purple/gren/gold and 4oz of the pinks


Also 4oz of Black Blue-Face, overdyed with pinks and greens


8oz of equally-luscious Stormy Mountain Fibers Merino


My annual purchase from Tess Designers Yarns: 8oz of handdyed superwash merino, for another scarf-clapotis. I love her colors and yarns so much I would go just for their booth! I wish they had a better website though!


5oz of BUTTERY angora, silk, wool, alpaca from Wild Meadow Angora
I bought a few batts from them 2 years ago and have been hooked! Their fiber spins itself, it is a dream to work with!


A Sheep Tape Measure, since we only have the all-black ones at the shop

More of my favorite Ebony Needles (Susanne's)

AND a purchase I almost missed out on and am super excited about:
The Perfect Wool for a special cable project! 2 lbs worth! ssshhh it's a secret sweater! I wanted something fairly local, undyed, sustainable and supportive of small business, but also affordable, and this wool from Mangham Manor Farm in Virginia was it :)


I had a fabulous time this year and am completely thrilled with my purchases! Did I mention the weather was gorgeous?! Couldn't have asked for a better day :)

I found a template I can tolerate for now

Still working on making it pretty and adding links, but I'm feeling happy enough with it to make new posts :)