I Admit I am Over Whelmed

Wednesday through Sunday I helped my good friend Ialiuxh with her booth at the Madrona Fiber Arts 2011 WINTER RETREAT (http://www.madronafiberarts.com).   It was a lot of fun and a lot of work.  I honestly didn’t do all that much work; Ialiuxh did the biggest share of it.  It was all new to me this year, but next year I will know more and maybe be able to help more.

I gotta tell you, if you have never been to Madrona as it is called, you really need to plan to go next year.  You can follow Madrona on Ravelry as well as the website (http://www.ravelry.com/groups/madrona-fiber-arts-fans--attendees).  Warning the classes fill up within 5 minutes of opening and the hotel rooms go just as fast.  If you live in the area, you can drive in each day or take community transit.  There is a light rail shuttle from the Tacoma Dome Station to within a couple blocks of the Hotel where Madrona is held.  I commuted each day, but think I will plan ahead to stay at the hotel next year.  If you don’t want to take classes or can’t get into any The Market Place is a total wonder to behold.  Just imagine 20 to 30 shops all in one room and you have sort of an idea what The Market Place is like.  There were offerings for knitting, spinning, crocheting; you name it any kind of fiber crafts you can imagine, there were offerings for.  My tip to you is take only cash and leave you checkbook and credit cards at home.  That way you stay within your budget.  I truly tried to stay within budget, but it sure was not easy.  I only purchased a few items:

• Drop spindle to learn to spin with

• Fiber to learn to spin (beautiful shaded turquoise)

• Fiber to have spun for me (gray and red tones)

• A Philosopher’s Wool sweater kit and a new Philosopher’s Wool book

• A little light that fits on your ear like a blue tooth.

I have to be honest; I get more than a little over whelmed when I have too many projects screaming at me to get them done.  There were tons and tons of incredible yarns there that I would love to possess, but the thought of having them waiting to be worked up would be just too much for me.  Maybe next year, I will plan my projects for the year and wait to purchase supplies and fibers until I get to Madrona.

Over all, Madrona is an experience that I would recommend to all of you.  And one more thing about Madrona:  It is a family reunion of Ravelry members.  You will totally love it.  There are people sitting everywhere knitting, visiting, spinning or just whatever all over the hotel and pavilion where the classes are held.  Totally amazing.

While at Madrona, I got to finally meet my all time knitting heroes; Philosopher’s Wool originators, Eugene and Ann Bourgeois.  I have wanted to meet them for over 10 years.  I missed out on their classes, because I wasn’t online the second the classes opened.  But, I got to meet them and they taught me how to knit with two hands at their booth.  I purchased a kit from them and am looking forward to getting started on it as soon as I get a few more projects completed that are already on my list of priorities.  The kit went home to my friends with the booth just to keep me honest and working on what is already on my plate.  You can find Philosopher’s Wool at www.philosopherswool.com; they have a video of the knitting method they teach, if you are interested.

I have today off and am clearing up some loose ends to get back to work tomorrow.  I was on vacation all last week, so there will be plenty to catch up on at work when I get there tomorrow.

Go forth and knit!

I pray you are all always happy, blessed, loved and healthy.

Have a God filled day,

V