Sunday, May 4, 2008

OMG MDSW

Brax,

Maryland Sheep and Wool! It's this weekend. There is so much to tell that I think I'll have to do it in 2 posts.

I'm not one of these people who goes out there at 6 AM on Saturday and gets in wool brawls over hanks of handspun. I have to say, I don't really get that. (Although I think it's fair to say that I never actually get waking up really early for any reason whatsoever.) Nope. My carload got there around 11:30 ready to see what was what.

For those of you who don't live on the east coast, here is how big MDSW is:


It's huge! And pretty. And bright.


I met a lot of folks!

Some alpaca buddies:




Some Sheepy friends:
Some goat guys:

Some all-business workin' dogs:

Some rabbits (disapproving, of course):




I also had some human friends there, dyers and knitters and designers, completing the extended yarn family. Here's Karida and Ellie.






We really did it up. I got this mind-blowing root beer float. I mean, I'll be telling my grandkids about that float.

I didn't buy any yarn or anything until the very end, when I spotted this big sign that said "NEW VENDOR" and I headed over to find Llamajama! Llamajama is the kind of business that I pretty much can't resist. For one thing, its name is a rhyming nonsense word which has an animal in it. Llamajama. That's my style.

In addition to super fantastic wool and alpaca yarns, they also make wool wash. But they're primarily about these adorable, make-your-uterus-jump-out-of-your-body-on-a-quest-for-some-sperm-cute knitted baby clothes. That's right, they're that cute.

The best part, though, is that the baby stuff is hand knitted by a cooperative of women in Ecuador. So when you buy some soakers or pants or hats or stuffed rabbits, you're also supporting sustainable, self-determined economic development. Rad!

Here's what I bought:


I am itching to start knitting with this stuff. It is pretty bulky and the yardage is good, so I think I can get a hat and a scarf out of it at least.

Luv ,
Bruce

P.S. Tomorrow: Sheep and Wool: When Nerds get Vanity Plates

2 comments:

Karen said...

Llamajama!!! I totally found that website the other day when I was bored and trolling around the internet for yarn. Good stuff!
I'm sooo jealous of your field trip.

Kate said...

hi libby,
congratulations on quitting your job! Yay! I had a coke float at MDSW and it really made my day.

um, on another note. i need to get in touch with you to get this bag to you and my verizon is out (bad router!) and i'm having the week from hell. seriously. i'm not sure what that has to do with anything, but it seems to. Sinus infections, and car accdents, and dying cats and ..i think i'll stop now. i'm definitely a bear with very little brain right now.

I'm commenting on your blog (from work:)b/c i don't have access to your email and even a phone number seems to be beyond me. can you call me tomorrow so i can arrange to get you your stuff (you have my numbers, right?) Thank you for your patience; it has been legend so far:)
take care, kate