Year of Projects, Year 2: North Jersey Fiber Arts Festival 2012
I scheduled today’s post because I’m teaching at the fourth annual North Jersey Fiber Arts Festival. I had a great time last year, so I decided to return this year. I taught a class on Friday and I’ll be teaching another one today.
The festival is in Ridgewood, New Jersey and I can get there pretty easily with New Jersey Transit and a short walk. I took off from work on Friday and headed to the festival with plans to arrive a little after noon. I started a new project during the ride, using a motif pattern from Granny Square Crochet: 35 Contemporary Projects Using Traditional Techniques
I got a wee bit lost during the walk from the train (thank goodness for smartphones and Google Maps), so I only had a few minutes to set up before my first class. My new project was immediately pressed into service as a coaster – after all, I didn’t want to destroy the table!
After the class, I took a trip around the first floor to check out all the vendors. I’ve been fairly good about decreasing my stash as part of my efforts to Surmount the Stash this year, but I brought cash to the festival and a plan to purchase as many as 5 skeins of yarn.
Yep, I met the quota.
My first stop was Mimi’s Needlebasket. I’ve been dreaming about the Chiaogoo Twist RED Lace interchangeables since I learned of their existence and my eyes were drawn instantly to the sets on the table. Unfortunately, she only had the mini kits in stock, and I’d like to buy the whole set, so I went on to the next table, Leilani Arts. While I was really intrigued by the recycled sari yarn, I’m a sucker for tweeds and there was some very soft Donegal tweed on the table. I couldn’t decide on colors, so I vowed to return later.
My next stop was WendyClay Pottery. There were some AMAZING buttons, but I couldn’t think of a project I would make so I decided not to buy anything. (Perhaps today will be my day?) And then I found Yarn Monkey Productions. Angela and her friend were just about the friendliest people I’ve ever met vending at a festival. I had a great chat with Angela and fell in love with many of her colorways. She was very tolerant of my complete indecisiveness and offered some tips. I eventually settled on these two lovely skeins of superwash wool.
Two skeins of Yarn Monkey Productions SuperSaki, in colorways Anastasia (top) and Aella (bottom).
The colors don’t appear accurately on my monitor, but you can get the general idea. I’m thinking that the Aella will end up as an accessory for me and the Anastasia is a possible gift or blanket motif. (I’ve been dreaming of a superwash wool blanket for myself – that will definitely be a 2013 or later project!)
I then had a little moment of amazement at the Hearthwise booth. There were all kinds of stunning drop spindles, which immediately brought to mind my YOP goal of learning to use a drop spindle. I had a chance to chat with Jessica Suiter, the instructor teaching Basic Dropspindling at the festival, and it seems like she might have an extra spot for me in the class on Sunday (fingers crossed!).
Finally, I returned to Leilani Arts. I decided to go with a charcoal and dark red combination. I imagine this eventually turning into a shawl or wrap for me.
Imported Studio Donegal Soft (Merino) Donegal in Charcoal and Dark Red.
Even though I bought 5 skeins of yarn, I didn’t use my whole budget. I still have $19 to spend, so perhaps there are some buttons in my future…
For more Year of Projects posts, visit Come Blog-a-long on Ravelry.
I’m blogging daily throughout October. Visit I Saw You Dancing for more Blogtoberfest bloggers and CurlyPops for Blogtoberfest giveaways. Search #blogtoberfest12 on Twitter.
Oh I do envy you ! Wish we had events like that here
Your purchases look really nice and yay for you for keeping to budget with still some to spend. Have fun. xoxox
Thanks, Dorothy! In my imaginary version of Australia, there are tons of fiber festivals all the time, so I’m surprised to hear they aren’t that common
.
Gorgeous yarn, I’m very jelous. Have a great time teaching!
Thanks, Emma! I’m very happy about my purchases.
Lovely new yarn, I especially like the tweed, makes me think of a stunning jumper pattern I found in a book in the library, but figured it would end up costing a fortune.
I misread your post first and thought you’d said you got a little tipsy, I can’t imagine trying to teach crochet whilst under the influence….sorry to have thought you’d written that!
Hahaha, I definitely wouldn’t teach under the influence, Faith, but thanks for giving me a giggle!
Oh, to have a yarn festival here. I would be the first on there and the last to leave! I love love love the yarn monkey colors and I too think tweeds are wonderful. Those two will make some really great items.
Thanks, Marsha! I get overwhelmed at these events sometimes, but it is wonderful to bring something special home.
Ohhhh…serious case of yarn envy happening here right now! I sure wish we had some fun yarn festivals around here where I live, but alas, no! I hope your class was a success and that the rest of your weekend was grand.
**smiles**
It was hard to limit myself to 5, Kim! Those festivals are very tempting.
There are always room for more buttons!!!
Lost in Jersey..sounds like a movie title.. How will you ever decide what to use that Donegal for? I have about 5 ideas, so if you get stuck deciding..pass the yarn to me and I will gladly help.. Serious yarn envy!
I’m glad you had a wonderful day..
Hahaha, mary. I’m pretty sure I’ll use it, but if I can’t think of anything, I’ll send it to you.
Looks like a great haul! I am trying so hard not to put myself in any position where I could buy more yarn that’s not for an immediate need as I’m trying to destash as part of my YoP.
I totally understand, Sarah, since I’ve been destashing all year.
Some yummy yarn in that post
Thanks, kristie1983. I love checking out yarn at festivals – it seems like you always find something new.
I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m amazed at your restraint. I can’t seem to walk past anything I even sort of like at a festival! which is why I didn’t go to Wisconsin Sheep & Wool this year…
I try to only bring cash and leave the credit cards at home, Suzy. It helps me to set and keep to a budget
.
I’ve been seeing so many gorgeous projects lately out of the Donegal– I’m looking forward to seeing yours!
Oooh, that’s good to know, cleancup. It makes me even more excited to use it!
I love your coaster squares right at the top of your post, so pretty! Adorable yarn too, I am another one admiring your restraint.
Thanks, kate! I did end up getting a bit more yarn on the second day
. But still pretty restrained!