Phew. A complete whirlwind. I’m a bit at a loss for words, so how about I let the pictures do most of the talking? Sound good? Ok.Let’s get started:

Mound O’ 2ply Cashmere. This seemed to be a big hit (due to the fact that Beth was modeling the cowl) Just perfect for the Aspen Cowl. Have you seen Macoco’s test knit? Soft, lightweight and warm.

JenCh1n’s Sassymetrical (with a modification or two, such as slightly longer sleeves). It could not have been more perfect. Just not possible.

Beth modeling the Aspen Cowl. She has it wrapped around her neck twice.

That Beth, my ever so helpful assistant. What would I have done without her? She had a blast and is already plotting what show I, I mean we, should attend next. I would be totally remiss if I didn’t tell you about Jane. What a sweetie pie. She was at my booth at 8:00 a.m. sharp and, of course, I was still scrambling (rule number one of vending at a show – there is always more work than you plan for) and she graciously offered to help. Thank you Jane! And Jeanette, oh Jeanette (I would link to her, but I can’t find her business card at the moment (it’s here somewhere, I know it). Thank you Jeanette!

Do you spy a Candle Flame Cowl? Yes, right there in front of the owl mitts. It’s so lovely. Thank you Cynthia!!

Ceylan’s Baudelaire Socks. They are so gorgeous! And, you can’t see them very well in this picture, but there are some stunning fingerless mitts that the ever sweet Christine knit as a sample for the show.

Chrissy first time knitting with lace. Can you believe that?! It’s stunning!

And Jen’s Give-A-Hoot mittens. What a stir they caused!

Stacey from Peaknit!I was so excited to meet Stacey face-to-face.

The dress. Oh the dress. My great-grandmother made that dress (circa 1945) for my Aunt Janice. The little velvet circles and rhinestones on the skirt, the chocolate sprinkles on the whole dress.

If it’s March then it’s time for Tulips.

Early Light – Bulky Cashmere.

I have several more pictures of test knits to share with you – must get some great photos to do them justice as they are just too lovely for words. To all my test knitters…. thank you, thank you, thank you! And, to Amanda for organizing them for me, you know I couldn’t have done that without you!

Perhaps you may be wondering when the next shop update will occur. How does today, Monday, March 16th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern sound?

Feel like there are so many things I’m forgetting to mention. Don’t be surprised if there is a Madison Recap Part II.

This week has been a flurry of work mixed with excitement as I prepare for the Madison Knitters Guild show this coming weekend. I’m so thrilled to be going and can’t wait to meet all the lovelies that said they were going to be attending!

Here are a few details I thought I would share in preparation so everyone knows what’s going on ahead of time :

I’m going to be bringing a load of yarn with me – some more than others (another story for another day…) so I wanted to give you a heads up on what bases I’m offering at the show.

• MCN Fingering (albeit less than I was hoping to bring with me…had a few hiccups here)
• MCN Sport (there will even be sweater quantities of certain colorways).
• MCN Worsted (of course, lot’s of worsted and sweater quantities to boot!).
• Merino Single Ply Lace Weight (which would be perfect for the Whisper Cardi out of the most current IK magazine…which might be the most perfect summer cardi ever! Sizes small and medium require just ONE skein!)
• Merino Single Ply Fingering (Gathered Scarf, maybe?)
• Merino Single Ply Worsted (the possibilities are endless).
• 50/50 Silk Merino Fingering (my newest base as featured in this past month’s Plucky Classics installment)
• 2-ply Cashmere lace weight
• Aran Cashmere
• Bulky Cashmere

Now, how’s that for a load of yarn?!? : )

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to take credit or debit cards for payment at this show (I’m looking into the possibility of this for future shows). However, to make it more convenient for my lovely customers, I will, of course, accept cash and checks.

Currently I do not have a booth number but I will have signs – just look for the Plucky Knitter logo. See you on Saturday, March 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

I’m looking forward to meeting anyone who is attending so leave a comment so I know if you will be there!  Thank you, to each and every one of your for your continued support. I hope you know I couldn’t do this without you.

xo,
Sarah

Simple things I’m enjoying this snowy Saturday:

1. Enjoying the fact that the studio is now online! Thank you helpful telephone company man.
2. Refurbishing an old sewing stool my Dad found at a junk shop.
3. Working in my quiet studio (getting ready for a shop update tomorrow, working on February’s shipment of Plucky Classics).
4. Listening to my trusty iPod (Duffy, Phantom of the Opera soundtrack, Patsy Cline and Bon Jovi to name a few. How’s that for crazy?) which, definitely makes the studio not so quiet. Go ahead, click the links. It’s entertaining. Especially the Bon Jovi clip (for all you 80’s kids out there).
5. Dreaming of colorwork.
6. Loving the new font on my blog header. Thank you Jill!
7. Very happy that the first day of Spring is less than a month away.

The before.

Back soon with the after pics.

Things I’m not loving so much today:

1. The fact that the first day of Spring is about a month away.
2. It’s snowing, blowing and nasty outside.
3. Bob has a bad cold.
4. Much too much laundry to do.
5. Still not finished getting all the tax information to the accountant.

So, I think this is a great time to have another contest. Tell me what you are up to this last Saturday in February (I love to hear what you guys are up to). I’ll draw a name from all entries – the winning entry will receive a skein of aran cashmere – there’s still plenty of time to whip up a pair of Toast or something equally cozy.

What a whirlwind.   Where o where to begin? Pictures, yes, pictures will tell the story better than I could ever hope. So, here goes.

I have no idea what breed this little guy is, all I know is I want an entire herd of them. That face just makes me smile.

Trees. Land sakes, the trees! Just about peak color. Can I just say that the Hudson River Valley in October is a must see – seems there is a stunning view around every corner.

The Plucky Knitter Group Meet-Up. It was so lovely to meet all of you!!! There was yarn to be seen, knits to be oohhhh’d and ahhhh’d over and WIP’s to be admired.

The ladies showing off their fiber-y haul. That was certainly a theme of the day.

Knitting. Of course knitting. It’s just what you do at a sheep and wool festival – that and shop. Oh, and eat. Never did get to try the fried artichokes.

I’m calling these two Mr. & Mrs. Rhinebeck. Get a load of that fleece.

Plucky yarn knits in action – boy, you guys are so very very talented!!

Amanda’s Luminare socks – Miss Marianne Dashwood. And, may I just say, thank you so so much Amanda, for all your help with the Plucky meet-up and, just everything – such a big help!

Christine’s Apollo and Artemis socks – Plucky Knitter Merino Superwash in Hush Hush.

Cathy’s mitts – Cashmere Bulky in Maxx

Hmmm. I’m blaming the yarn fumes for the scarry face I’m making.

Bob – he should get a medal. Look at him waiting patiently amidst a bunch of knitters while I was browsing.

GQ – yes, that was his name. What a handsome little fella.

Yes, it was a good good day.

Imagine. Going to a fiber arts retreat and actually buying **gasp** yarn!

Mmmmmmm. Manos Silk Blend. Mmmmmmmmm.

Karabella Soft Tweed. Intended use: Another one of Ruth’s snazzy top down sweaters – but as a fly-away cardi instead. Stay tuned.

Cascade 220 – I have no idea. It was pretty.

Lest you think I am completely singled minded and I only have eyese for blue:

Louisa Harding Nautical Cotton in a snazzy grassy green

Thinking ahead to next winter (Crazy aren’t I?). Some Cascade Eco Wool.

And then, there are these little cuties:

The raspberry-ish yarn is from Fleece Artist (the Lu vest kit – also purchased at Madrona) and the “almost too cute to even use” project bag and necklace are from  Amy  (her Mom makes the bags and Amy make the most darling stitch markers and jewelry – totally adorable). Thank you Amy!!!

And that concludes the disclosure of Madrona goodies. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a sink full of yarn to dye and a vest to finish knitting… happy weekend!

I’m sure I’m not the only one who, as a child, was made to eat at the  kiddie table. You know, Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house, the grown-ups at the dining table, the kids in the living room all gathered around a card table. From a very early age I  always wanted to be  at the adult table… after all, that’s where all the action was.  

Well, that is sorta, kinda what this weekend at Madrona felt like.  I was invited to the grown-up knitters table!  The ladies from Village Yarn & Tea invited me to share a corner of their vendor booth with them at Madrona.

So many talented people there. It was thrilling. Talk about sensory overload – times infinity.

Victoria, of VYT  and her  dear friend,  Naomi. In fact, it is thanks to Naomi that I met the Village Yarn folks. Waaaaaayyyy back this past summer, Naomi bought several skeins of yarn from me, she then showed it to her friend Ellen, who works at VYT, who then showed it to one of the owner(s), Victoria…. well, the rest is history.

Ellen, Deb (the other co-owner of VYT)  & Karla. More of the lovely (and  seriously talented and  hilarious) ladies from Village Yarn & Tea.

Victoria’s charade in Iris.

Then there was Amy (Amy – we didn’t get a picture!!!) and her friend….ohhhh. I should have written this down. I think her name was Jan. Tomorrow I’ll show you the darling project bag and necklace that I got from Amy.

(Normally I am so not a shawl pin and vest sort of person, but VYT had this Handmaiden kit…. Victoria asked me to wear it and I fell in love with it. Bought some yarn in a fun pink color and a huge retro black button to use in place of the shawl pin… but there I go getting ahead of tomorrow’s post about yarn….).

Next, I met Virginia (owner of Seattle Yarn)  and her daughter, Ruth. How cute are they? Other than the VY&T booth, I spent most of my time here. They were so delightful and helpful…. and that Ruth, boy is she full of great pattern ideas. See that sweater she is wearing? Well, I better wait until tomorrow’s post.

Then, I also met this very  funny and friendly  woman named Stephanie……

Yep, that Stephanie. Was even able to get her to pose for the  requisite sock photo….

A non-knitter friend came with me… I kept telling her she would learn to knit. She didn’t believe me. Well, resistence is futile. A new knitter was born while we were there. And, boy  is she  a natural. T still doesn’t think she is a knitter, even though she is already thinking ahead to her next project…. and she bought yarn as a souvenior for her daughter. Sounds like a knitter to me.

Stacey  - here are some cupcake pictures for you. Coconut and Red Velvet with cream cheese icing, respectively. I would have taken a picture of the Carrot Cake, but, they just didn’t last long enough to get a photo.

And, a menu.

Up next: Full disclosure about all the yarn-y goodness I brought home with me and some eye candy-ish photos from my walks around about Seattle/Bainbridge Island, and even some knitting content.