Every year, I promise myself that I will take ONE DAY TO MYSELF and head for the Black Sheep Gathering at the Fairgrounds. Since J was born, I’ve managed to follow through exactly… well, never, actually. Since it always happens toward the end of June, it seems something always gets in the way.

This year was crazier than usual, so I forced myself to do it. My husband took J to the arcade and probably somewhere where inexcusable snack foods can be procured, and I was FREE! I had intended to meet a friend there, but she had to decline so I was REALLY FREE!

If you’ve never gone, go! It’s so nice to be around so many encouraging, smart, enthusiastic knitters, spinners, weavers, and animal-lovers. Most everyone is from the Pacific Northwest, but it feels like a family affair. And there’s tons of awesome yarn, patterns, and goodies! You will be in heaven.

I splurged on a couple things: first, this gorgeous Alpaca blend from Ridge View Alpacas. I love how they put the names of the alpacas who contributed to the yarn on the bands—talk about sourcing your products! Sky Dancer and Blue—I thank you! No idea what this is going to turn into, but I cannot wait to handle this pretty stuff!

Secondly, after touring the entire fairgrounds once, and doubling back again, I found myself back at the booth of Teresa Ruch and her amazing hand-dyed tencel heavy lace weight yarn. It’s this amazing dark-steel color, with a lovely sheen, and I can’t wait to try some actual lace knitting, perhaps a small stole or capelet. I’m eager to do a little sleuthing on Ravelry to see what kind of patterns I can find to adapt to this beautiful stuff!