Last Thursday's mail brought me the much-awaited catalog for the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, which is May 2-3, 2009. My copious use of sticky notes indicates that I've been reading it closely.
There is so much to take in - I wish the festival were longer than two days! There are a number of classes and workshops (some on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of the preceding week), some taught by rock star teachers (Nancy Bush, Judith MacKenzie McCuin, Sally Melville). McCuin is giving a free talk about sheep and how fleece has changed over the centuries. Nilda Callanaupa is demonstrating Andean weaving (read Abby's post about Andean spinning - it is truly fascinating). The regional chapter of the Circular Sock Machine Society of America will demonstrate sock making on antique machines manufactured from the mid-1800s to the 1930s (Steven!!!). There are lots of fun family activities for kids 5+ (plus storytelling for children of all ages). As always, the sheep dog demonstrations will be fun. There is a Parade of Sheep Breeds and the Sheep to Shawl competition. Fine arts, a spin-in, lamb, shearing.... I could go on and on. And I haven't even mentioned yarn yet! Of course, there will be tons of yarn and fiber vendors.
I just love a publication that includes an ad reading "Isn't it time you bought a Border Leicester?" It makes a knitter feel like anything is possible.
Our plan in recent years has been to attend on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is Knitters' Day (adults only!) - last year Kristina, Kris and I went together and focused mostly on yarn. Sunday is Family Day - we take everyone and end up looking at a lot of animals.
Kettle corn! Gyros! Funnel cake!
Who's in?
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I can't wait. Kris are you coming? Gretchen?
ReplyDeleteI'm in! But did you know that the Fairie Festival is the same weekend? I may do adult day on Saturday and hang out with the Fairie's on Sunday...
ReplyDeleteI would SO be there if I could! That day we spent at The Festival several years back (2005? -- was it THAT far back?) was one of the best days ever. I'm green with jealousy.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with Kmart and the Natters and everyone! Say hi from Jeff and Steven!
Oooo! I'd definitely be interested in the talk about sheep and fleeces. Did I tell you I'm going to be taking the class with Judith MacKenzie McCuin and Nancy Bush about knitting and spinning Estonian Lace at the end of April? It is probably the same one they are doing in Maryland.
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