First let me say that Stitches, yarn stores, and yarn in generally are my downfall. Initially as I walk through the markets (whether it be MDS&W or Stitches) I don't see anything that truly calls to me. Yes there are lots of glitzy yarns, (vendors, do you really sell that much?) which I am not party to, there are booths for buttons, and bags, and of course vendors that are widely known to the knitting community, but initially nothing speaks to me. After the crowds die down that's when I can get a closer look and come back later after class and get what I want.
My goal this year is what I term the classics. Great wool, that knits up well and is generally a good price.
This is where Webs came in, it has a basic yarn 50% wool and 50% alpaca. It has a wonderful hand and let me tell you it is only $3.99 for 100 yards. Nice. Right next to Webs was Shelridge Farms from Canada (www.shelridge.com). Again nice yarns but a little more but stunning colors. See below
After buying yarn, or maybe it was before the buying of the yarn, I got some books. The first is Kristin Knits by Kristin Nicholas. I actually got her to sign it and let her know that I was the Patty that visited her blog a lot. She seemed to know exactly who I was! The reason that I don't have a picture of the book is because everytime I take the picture it is blurry and jumpy. I also picked up the Interweave Knits, Best of and Knitting for Him as I hope to have a variety of styles for the hubby.
Then came the Brooks Farm purchase. The goal was colors that I didn't already have and that were interesting. I think I did well.
Lastly I did attend classes. I went to the Nancy Marchant class and Brioche knitting definately needs constant repitition, and practice on the increasing and decreasing. I liked Nancy, and felt like she knew her stuff but, there is a part that (written directions) that was missing. I think that there is a difference in how they knit in Europe and here in the states, and whereas some individuals almost know certain stitches intutively, others must learn (like me) by looking at directions and having individuals close by to help students out.
But, my favorite teacher is Melissa Leapman. Incredibly bright, great attitude, knowledgeable, good sense of humor and uses the materials that she requests that you have ready for class. I got my book signed which was wonderful and made her laugh which is great. You see her Cables Untangled is one of those books I carry from bedroom, bathroom and my knitting study. I told her this seeing her laugh, well she just lights up a room. If you are the least bit interested in cables, cable knitting I encourage you to buy her book and take her classes. She is truly terrific!
I looked around trying to find Wendy of Wendyknits and her friend L-B. Alas they were not to be found. I did trying looking for them by looking at the shoes of various people that I thought might be her, but no such luck.
Lastly, yes, I went overboard but I did get some of the basic yarns that I wanted so much. The books I paid full price for instead of going to Amazon. While I had a list, I didn't follow it. So I hope to hell that Webs doesn't have a sale anytime soon, and that I just use the yarn I have for some basic everyday wearing designs. Hopefully no yarn purchases till after Christmas. Wish me luck. Do books count?
Patty
I'm so glad you wrote about Melissa Leapman. I took a class with her in NYC, and she was so great. The classroom was freezing so she let us all wear her sample sweaters!
Posted by: Ellen | October 31, 2007 at 12:56 PM