Sheep and Wool, Not Sheep and Wolf*
The Maryland Sheep + Wool Festival is quickly approaching! I went two years ago, and had planned to go last year until some family stuff came up and my plans changed at the last minute.
taken at MD sheep+wool 2005
This Saturday I am going with my mom and one of my aunts, which should be a lot of fun. They are Maryland S+W virgins — I sent my mom a list of planning to do. Setting a budget, making a list, bringing healthy food, having your own tote bags, wearing good walking shoes — that type of thing. She is very excited about the festival.
[aside: The Sanguine Gryphon has organized a blogger meetup. I don't expect that I will be able to make it (aw), but I will see what I can do. If you see me -- I plan to be in one of my brown Threadless sheepie shirts and my Something RedPurple -- say hi! If I give you a blank stare, it's because I am working on little sleep and festival sense supersaturation -- don't take it personally. :) ]
As for me, I am still working on my MD plan for this round. Right now my list looks like:
- silk hankies! possibly from Shadeyside Farm or Ellen’s 1/2 Pint Farm.
- some Cormo — I’ve never spun Cormo!
- possibly some Tess sock yarn, because everyone loves it so (Lolly posted her love for Tess earlier this week).
- possibly some Brooks Farm yarn — if I come up with a pattern I want to knit and think about the yarn I need for it. I was initially thinking about the airy lace wrap from Fitted Knits, but I am not sure I am up for all of that knitting (as it was put over at Kelp! Knits, “Knitting the ties are the equivalent of knitting a scarf and a half. Gah!” Of course, her version is gorgeous and I can’t wait to see her model it, but I am now thinking — no way in heck I am going to be able to focus long enough to knit that!)
I want to avoid buying too much of anything — I already have so much stuff.
But MD is overwhelming and amazing and there are so many gorgeous things to touch and see and smell and I know I will buy things not on this list. I just hope to limit these unplanned choices.
I really do not need more sock yarn (but I will make an exception for the Tess on this list). I also do not need any spindles. I do not spindle anymore now that I have my wheel, no matter how much I love spindles. I should not buy anything I can buy at the LYS.
Any bets on how I’ll do? I still have a budget to set!
* My mom told my grandmother she was going to the Sheep and Wool festival this weekend. My grandmother misheard her and thought she was going to the Sheep and Wolf Festival. I find the concept highly amusing — it reminds me of one of Gary Larson’s The Far Side comics.
I second the recommendation for Tess’s sock yarn–it’s excellently sproingy.
I will be on the lookout for you.
wolf woof! :) Have a fabulous time!
Sounds like fun – have a great time!
Sounds like a fun time! I hope you get everything on your list and manage to stick to your budget!
Someday I’ll make it out to MD Sheep & Wool… or maybe Rhinebeck. Some sort of long-distance fiber quest, for sure!
Oh, why am I not going to this?? (Oh, right, piles and piles of work). I really do need to wrangle someone into getting some Tess for me. Hey, how YOU doin’? ;)
Have a great time and buy lots of goodies to show us!
“Sheep and Wolf” reminds me of the old Wile E. Coyote cartoons. I suppose he’s a coyote and not a wolf…but that’s what came to mind. :)
Have fun in MD!
Look for me too!!!! I’ll be wearing my stockings! :) We’ll probably meet up at the Tess booth fighting over sock yarn!
You’re so prepared with your budget and healthy food and all. I didn’t even think about bringing food, but I certainly don’t want to get stuck eating lamb or things-on-sticks. I’m going to be there sat morning, and I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for you and your entourage!