Sock Fest
I had a great time!!! We arrived around 6:30 PM in Bloomington, IL at the Chateau! It looked like a French Chateau, antiques all over the place. So we checked in and went to our room and there was 1 king size bed for 3 women! I don't thing so. We then got a new room with 2 beds and a chaise that looked comfy! As I went from the 1st room to the 2nd the elevator door opened on the 4th floor and a lady waiting to get on was a list friend. Cathy I called, I recognized her from the hair color and the sock bag she had! We meet up with other sockers in the lobby next to a fireplace, which was totally unnecessary-we were soooo hot. There I met Diana from St Louis, Linda and Kathy from Chicago area, Janice from Indiana and other wonderful gals. We all checked out each other's socks, I even wore my Fuzzy Feet! As we sat there Dara Tatum of Sock Digest, the driving force behind this event, came out to see if we wanted to visit the Market!!!! Are you kidding?!!! I was first in line! So here is what I got.
There was so much I wanted, but I used some restraint! Saturday we got to learn! I had a class with Miss Dara on 2 handed Fair Isle and I learned some great tips about using my left hand. I actually learned I need to scoop the yarn instead of wrap it. But I still need a lot of practice. My second class was on ribbings and I learned some optional ribbings to use on my socks. I was able to get Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer from HeartStrings FiberArts to sign my Sock Calendar which she co-wrote with Catherine Wingate. Here Jackie is showing off her socks along with my friend "?" who had on a pair of socks from a HeartStrings pattern. Here is my other friend "?" taking a break from class. And here are two new friends Cathy and Chris.
I am ready for next year, except not too happy to have to drive to Toledo, Ohio to get there. But it will be expanded, so we will stay longer and not have the long trip over 2 days time. The drive home meant a stop in Tuscola, IL-where I actually lived for 3 months one summer- so I could stop at the Osh Losh outlet and load up on clothes for the DDs. 70% off the things I got was a great deal. The older went straight for the long overalls I got her. But it is too warm for them right now. Which is great!
The cutest thing, by far, that I got was the book Knitted by Grandma. I saw a lady showing one to a friend at lunch and went back to the market to see if any were left. Last one went home with me. The younger loves it. She has been sick this weekend and thinks it is her "sick" book. It is a pop-up style book and is sooo cute! Now I am done and you can go back to your life!
