Highlights from April include some yarn dyeing, two fiber festivals and some baby knitting. We’ve got several events coming up in May, and I will also discuss what I’ve been reading this month.
Yarn Dyeing
I took advantage of a break in the festival schedule to do some yarn dyeing. I had two custom orders to fulfill. Since I was doing that, it seemed sensible to work on some restocking of our yarn too. We got all of that done in between two fiber festivals; The Greencastle Wool Show and the Midwest Fiber Festival.
Fiber Festivals
The Greencastle Wool Show is in Greencastle, Indiana. We have been a long time vendor here. It’s a smaller, quieter festival a bit west of Indianapolis. It takes place the second weekend in April on Friday and Saturday.
The Midwest Fiber Festival is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is a newer show, this was the 5th year, and we are one of the founding vendors. I am excited to see how it grows in the coming years.
Upcoming festivals in May are :
- Shepherd’s Harvest Festival in St. Elmo, MN – May 9-10
- Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival in Lexington, KY – May 16-17
- The Great Lakes Fiber Show in Wooster, OH – May 23-24
Knitting
I finished knitting the baby sweater set I was making for new baby due in July. I knew the yardage of the yarn I was using was going to be close, and it was. I literally used every inch of it, but I made it.
I decided to stash dive again into my cotton yarns and make a little blanket to go with the set. I have eight balls of Rowan Handknit DK yarn in a dark rose color, I have had for least 20 years. It should be plenty for the size I am making. The pattern is Hourglass Throw by Anne Hanson. It is currently satisfying my lace knitting itch.
Reading
Recently Completed:
- Twist by Collum McCann – 4 stars
- The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas – 4 stars
- The Searcher and The Hunter by Tana French – both 4 stars
Currently Reading:
- The Keeper by Tana French – This the third book in the Cal Hooper Trilogy. This is a recent release and I just started it today. I wanted to re-read the first two books (above) before reading this one.
I have several other books in my pile of possibilities for May. I’m a bit of a mood reader, so we’ll see what happens there. I have a lot of driving coming up next week as I travel to Minnesota for the Shepherd’s Harvest Festival, so I should get through a couple of audio books during the trip. I’ll let you know.
Thanks for reading!
It’s hard for me to imagine the festival business. Being on the road so much, set-up and take-down. Sounds like a lot of stress but I hope you find joy in the work. I still love looking at my beautiful cherry yarn bowl. The MC of my Daft Day Cardigan that I expect to finish this week is with natural of your superwash sock base. I’m thankful that I get to enjoy you and your hubby’s talent.
Thank you! I am pleased that you are enjoying and appreciating the yarn and the bowl. That cardigan is going to be fabulous!
The festivals are a good bit of work but I do enjoy doing them. I love to travel and I like the going home too. I find joy and satisfaction in making things that others find useful and beautiful when they use them.