Fall Fibre Festival

It's beautiful country in Orange, Virginia. Mom, the kid and I drove out there  this morning to attend the Fall Fiber Festival. A tiny little event, with perhaps thirty or forty tents, under 100 artists displaying their wares. No funnel cake this year, alas. But there was roving of all types and condition, the softest alpaca  I"ve ever touched -- I should have bought some as two skeins would make a man's sweater. But I need to knit out the wool I have, first.

My push through yesterday's protesters at the Mall resulted in a lost knitting needle, and I'm sad to say it was a hand made wooden needle that I bought at the first festival we went to, just before I moved to Dubai. I was on the lookout for a new pair of 7's to continue the uncursed Boyfriend Sweater. I went back to the vendor with the tools of the trade, scooped up a beautifully engineered circular set (for those of you who knit, the needles rotate independently of the wire between them, which makes knitting on circulars so much nicer!) and my eye was drawn to another bin. Hand crafted drop spindles made by Running Deer, with inlaid wood patterns. Beautiful.

I bought myself one. I've been fascinated by spinning for years, and thought why the hell NOT!?

I have a small bag of natural white roving to spin, and two smaller kits with a range of colors I can spin.  I'm looking forward to trying it. It looks like it could be quite calming if I can do it correctly.

Spirit Day

Originally posted by neo_prodigy at Spirit Day

 


It’s been decided. On October 20th, 2010, we will wear purple in honor of the 6 gay boys who committed suicide in recent weeks/months due to homophobic abuse in their homes at at their schools. Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and that’s exactly what we’d like all of you to have with you: spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality. Please wear purple on October 20th. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and schools.

RIP Tyler Clementi, Seth Walsh (top)
RIP Justin Aaberg, Raymond Chase (middle)
RIP Asher Brown and Billy Lucas. (bottom)

REBLOG to spread a message of love, unity and peace.