Stitches n me…

I just wanted to share a bit about my experience attending this years Stitches West event. I have to admit; it was a bit overwhelming to be in the company of so many knitters, designers and teachers all in one place.

I participated in a couple of classes

I walked the market place several times

And I was wowed at every turn…

First up, Estonian stitches.  Meriket Saarniit taught the class and although I had a hard time keeping up, as I did a bit of frogging along the way, I was happy with the results I achieved using her demonstrated techniques.  I was especially pleased with the doubled yarn 2-color cast-on that I learned.  It is so pretty and refined looking.

Next up, Style with a twist taught by Barry Klein of Trendsetter yarns fame.  What a fun class.  Barry set up a yarn filled table, let us pick 3 different skeins that we wanted to work with (heaven) and using just a few basic stitches, taught us how to achieve a variety of results by letting the yarn do all the work to create a truly custom looking fabric. A magical transformation, so simple and yet so beautiful.

Next on the schedule was a visit to the market place.  I had reviewed the vendors’ list, decided which ones I wanted to visit and pretty much stayed the course.

Never Not Knitting, was on the top of my list, and it didn’t disappoint.  It was such fun to see Alana’s finished pieces on display, as they are all so magnificent.  I purchased her Cream and Sugar Cowl pattern.  Lisa, of Becoming Art yarns, shared the booth and was on hand to help me select one of her hand painted yarns to compliment the pattern.  I love the feel and color of the Machote Sock in the color way “Allspice” that I chose.  I can’t wait until I can get started on this new project.

I also had the pleasure of spending time in the Sanguine Gryphon booth.  Honestly, I wanted every yarn on display!  I was able to touch and view all the gorgeous color ways, and decision-making became almost impossible! I picked up a skein of Bugga in the color Lubber Grasshopper (don’t you just love the name?) that I plan to make a hat with.

I had hoped to purchase their pattern “kitty hawk” (mitts/hat) but it had already sold out.   No worries, I can get a copy from the website.  Yes, there was so much more to see and do but I ran out of time. I must make plans to attend again next year, right?  All and all I really enjoyed my trip to the bay area, knitting with like-minded yarnies and learning a few new things from the greatest of teachers!