WoT Pastorale No. 1

So, I had another yarn binge. I had, as an excuse, the Countryside Artisans' Studio Tour. Only 3 times a year: how I am I going to miss this? Yvonne and I set out in the pouring rain to Dancing Leaf Farm, where we were greeted by fierce yarn-protecting dogs (one yellow lab and one wiggly golden retriever, barking with complete lack of intent to guard). These hellhounds appeared to be particularly soothed by Yvonne's brand of Doc Doolittle scritchies, and pranced in her wake until we reached the studio door. Ah. The colors. The sheep out the back window. The yarn. Some seriously gorgeous stuff here. I... well, consistent with the Harlot's dictum, I bought sock yarn (which doesn't count as stash, don'cha know?). I also bought some roving. I'm still a complete zero at the concept of actual spinning, mind you, but I mean to learn, and I now have plenty of material for the day when I am ready to do more than gaze at the pretty top-like object in my office.

The rain turned seriously downpour-ish when we headed off to our next stop, Kiparoo Farms. I was dubious: the stuff on the website didn't really rev my motor, but I was willing. So, we trekked off to the back of beyond where Kiparoo calls home, and discovered a lovely studio with great yarn. As we were leaving, the sun was coming out, and the sheep had started to pose. Those lambs really know how to work a runway, let me tell you:

We finished off our crafty binge with a stop at one of the artisans who also runs a garden center, and loaded up on herbs. By then, it was time to head home and introduce Yvonne to the joys of the swift and ball winder (I didn't mention, did I, that Yvonne is a crocheter who inherited her grandmother's knitting kit, did I? She's definitely turning over to the joys of the pointy sticks. According to Yvonne, those folks with the hooks don't so much go in for the nicer yarns, and therefore don't necessarily need the spinny gadgets so much. However, look at that grin. I think we've spoiled her forever for Michael's):

Yvonne discovers the joy of the swift and ball-winder.

And me, what did I get? Oh, this and that. I hear socks are really in this year.

Oh - and MacIntosh agrees with me. The roving? It smells like sheep.

Posted: Sunday - April 23, 2006 at 09:46 PM | |