First off, I have to say it. My t-shirt was a big hit. I was stopped by people several times throughout the day about it. Matter of fact, if I gave you a business card and you ended up here looking for the “I can go bat-shit crazy, or I can knit. Your choice.” t-shirt, visit the Spreadshirt store and get yourself one! (Rated G versions and other shirts available too!)
Now for part 1 of the rest of the story:
We (Mac & I) got up crazy early this morning, headed out the door by 6am (5am Houston time, so really early for my body clock), went to pick up Dell from her hotel, stopped off at the Dunkin’ Donuts – something we don’t have in Houston – and hit the road to head down to Maryland Sheep & Wool.
Somewhere around 8:45am, we arrived, and headed to The Fold, to get some of the infamous Socks That Rock yarn. After we stood in a long line to pick out colors, and a second long line to purchase the yarn, I sorted through all the yarns that I had taken to the line and picked out one to buy and passed the rest out to others in the first line standing by me. I was strong and resisted getting 5 skeins or something crazy like that, reminding myself that I could order it online. After getting through the line we saw Wendy for a few minutes, and discovered that there was no Koigu mill ends to be had. Unfortunately, one of the people of the Koigu team broke her foot the other day and they had to cancel their trip. Bummer, but we found other yarns to make up for it.
We then went to shop a whole bunch. We saw a lot of people – ironically, many from Texas! (I’m too tired and all the “outdoor” allergies are attacking me right now. Links & names later.) We saw more people. Animals. Crowds. Long lines and crazy tight booths. I left the Tess booth empty-handed because there was no WAY I could handle that craziness. I also left the Brooks Farm booth empty-handed, not because of the crowds so much as because Mike had told me that it was wrong to go all the way to Maryland to buy yarn that is from Texas. I also still have a stash of the Brooks Farm still waiting for me, so it was ok. I gave everything a nice loving squeeze, but my purchases stopped at lunchtime. I was rather proud of that resistance.
Then, after I spent some time bonding with Brooks Farm, we drove home. We were tired. The temperature had dropped and it was somewhat nippy. We fought a good battle, and we survived. I can now happily mark the Maryland Sheep & Wool festival off of my “things I must do someday” list. It was fun, but if you go – go early. The crowds get a bit crazy by mid-day. Bring lunch. Bring a blanket. Enjoy yourself and the people around you. It really is a good time. I have been informed that I should make sure I go to Rhinebeck too someday. I have definitely taken it under advisement.
Pictures, purchase list, links to products and links to people to come! (First, I need to go find some allergy meds and get some rest!)
