Short Attention Span

It's taken me a while to get my hands off the yarn that I bought at stitches west so I could post something. I took the train down from Sacramento to Santa Clara. I live in Reno and I was lucky enough to hitch a ride with Mary and Amy who were taking the train as well. Getting to Sacramento was easy. The train ride down was so relaxing. I sat at a table with a couple that came down from Seattle to ride the train and attend Stitches. I had a lot in common with them and had a great time fondling the scarf that she was working on. I can't remember the yarn she was using, but it was super pretty. Thank goodness I can save things like that on Ravelry. My first stop at stitches was the Ravelry booth where I told Casey and Jess that I was not worthy. I told them I spend like 4 hours a day on the site and they said, "That's all?" I instantly felt better about my ravelry addiction. I bought a button from them and picked up a passport for the game they had going. It took me about an hour and a half, maybe 2 hours to finish getting all the stamps. I turned it in and then went outside to breathe before I made my first purchase. It really was sensory overload. I went back in and headed straight for the Blue Moon Fiber Arts booth. I had to wait in line to see the yarn. There were people everywhere in this booth. I was surrounded! I grabbed 2 skeins of Socks that Rock, one in lightweight and one in mediumweight. I walked around for 2 or 3 hours and couldn't decide on anything else to buy except for a book that I had my eye on. Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan McGowan-Michael, the owner of White Lies designs. I went by her booth in the beginning and I really wanted her book after looking at it and deciding that there were patterns in there that I HAD TO MAKE. I was also happy that she was willing to sign my book for me. Here are the pictures of my bounty. The other things you see in the picture are what I got in my goody bag from the train.

It's amazing. Put two words together and you can get a night owl out of bed early on a Saturday. YARN SALE. I was able to get up and go somewhere at 9 in the morning because of those words. I normally do not get out of bed before 1pm. I stay up late every night, I've always been that way. The yarn sale was great, so many colors! And it was organized really well. I just wish there was less acrylic. They were selling their grandma's yarn collection and grandma loved acrylic. I try not to be a yarn snob, but I will admit that I am one most of the time. But lately, I have been using acrylic more and more. And today I got nine skeins of yarn for nine bucks. What a deal! I think it will make great hat yarn.



Look! Another FO! I wanted a headband that would keep my bangs out of my face. So I made a Calorimetry I used Patons SWS Colorway: Natural Violet Needles: Size 8 US Clover bamboo needles. The stripes came out a little wonky. But, I'm still happy with it. It fits nicely. I cast on 100 stitches instead of 120. I'm glad I followed the advice of others on Ravelry. Until next time!

I just finished this hat. It took me two days to knit up. I would like to keep it for myself because it is so soft! I am going to donate it as a chemo cap for Stitch n' Ride. I am planning to go to Stitches West on Amtrak from Sacramento (The Stitch n' Ride). I live in Reno, and it's about a 2 hour drive to Sacramento. Sometimes you can get there in less time, but it's winter and Donner Pass can be a bitch to drive over in the snow. I've done it many times, and I just hope it's nice and clear. At least I don't have to drive. I'm carpooling there to catch the train.
Anyway, here's the details for the hat
Pattern: Utopia Cable Hat by Smariek
Needles: Size 8 Addi turbo 16" circular and Size 8 Clover Bamboo DPNs
Yarn: Ultra Alpaca from Berroco and I can't remember where I bought this yarn!
Colorway: 6235 Fuchsia