Stitches Part 2: The Fiber

I went to Stitches intending to purchase a Drop Spindle. I researched the vendors that would be selling them, read reviews on the specific companies they carried, and talked to several people about what to look for in buying a spindle for a beginner. I also borrowed a friend's spindle to play with for a little while before making my purchase. I ended up buying a 1.3 oz drop spindle by True Creations. I can't recall the wood used and although it is written on the spindle, it is currently covered up by some yarn I am spinning.




I really like it so far. It seems to be well balanced and it spins well. Of course, I still don't know much about spinning, but it is working pretty well for me at this point.






I couldn't buy a spindle without buying some fiber though! So, I purchased some fiber from two different companies: MacKintosh Yarns and Miss Babs. The MacKintosh is a 100% superwash BFL in an unknown OOAK colorway with white, deep blues, and golds mixed in. This is what I am currently spinning and it is very nice!










I also got two braids of BFL Top from Miss Babs. The top left braid a lovely colorway called "A Day at Lake Michigan." The bottom one is a really rich mix of colors called "Summer Garden." Both are stunning!

Kentucky Wool Fest

A few weeks ago, DJ (my husband) and I went to the KY Wool Fest in Falmouth, KY, with his mom and dad. I had never been before, but the festival is huge in the craft collectors-crowd. There are multiple tents where people sell their crafts, lots of food, and, my favorite, wool and fiber! This was my first fiber festival, and I loved it!! The KY Wool Fest is still growing, but I got to meet some lovely women who dye and spin their own yarn--some of whom even raise the sheeps! We had a great time and it has inspired me to keep knitting, and even learn to spin! I purchased a drop spindle (have yet to find time to use) and some roving to get me started.



Here are some of the other goodies I bought:

Sock yarn by LunabudKnits

Handspun yarn by a woman who raises her own sheep:
Of course, there were livestock at the festival! I got to meet this lovely alpaca, along with other animals, including sheeps and even pot-bellied pigs!

I was super excited to watch the sheep shearing. Although I know I saw this as a child, I only started knitting about a year ago, so I did not appreciate what I was seeing back then.
I had a great time and I can't wait to go to more fiber and yarn festivals!! I don't have anymore planned at the moment, but really hope to go to Stitches South next year!