Madrona Redux

What day is it? Where am I? Oh yeah, it's Friday, isn't it? Pardon me but my brain is still trying to recover from all the fun (and work) of Madrona. Our booth was very busy. The Kauni yarn was über-popular! There were lots of people walking around in Ruth's Kauni Cardigan. And I also saw lots and lots of Noro garments. I wish I could have taken a class or two - maybe next year. I'd like to learn how to spin better.

I managed not to get into too much trouble, purchase-wise. I bought a beautiful set of rosewood crochet hooks that only cost me an arm and a leg - and who need those, right? And I broke down and bought glass needles from Sheila & Michael Ernst. If you haven't seen their needles and buttons, you should. They are works of art.

For those of you who had a chance to come by for a visit but didn't get a chance to buy any of the lovely Fleece Artist kits or yarn we had at the booth - fear not! We brought it home with us and are ordering more. We'll also be getting some more Plucky Knitter hand dyes and another shipment of Kauni.

Madrona: Day 1

Sarah and Tracy of Plucky Knitter are having fun at there first ever fiber free-for-all. Sarah's from Michigan and is thrilled to be "playing with the big kids." Her beautiful yarns have been selling very well and she is hoping not to have ANY to take back on the plane!

We ended up bringing more stuff to fill our space - some Malibrigo and the sea wool socks - but the Kauni yarn has been the big hit, for sure. It's been fun watching all the Kauni sweaters go by. If I were Ruth, I'd be tickled pink to see so many people wearing my design!

Madrona: Pre-Day 1

Actually, let me start with the night before Pre-Day 1. We had a wonderful night with Ruth Sorensen when we took her out to dinner at Scott's. She is really sweet and looking forward to teaching and learning at Madrona. This is her first visit to the US and she wanted to have a typical American meal. She ordered Cowboy steak!

The next day we made our way - cars packed to the hilt - to the Hotel Murano in Tacoma. We unpacked what we thought was a lot of yarn, until we saw how much some of the other shops had brought. Holy smokes! Lots of cool stuff. Can't wait for opening day. So much yarn, so little time.

On our continuing quest to treat Ruth to Americana, we took her to an Irish Pub for dinner where she dined on roasted lamb and champ (a potato dish). Okay, so how is an Irish Pub American? It isn't, really, but they don't have them in Denmark so at least she got to experience a different culture. ;-)

Valentine's Day

Since most of us will be at Madrona, or out with our sweeties, or at Madrona with our sweeties, or at home stuffing our faces with chocolate wishing we had a sweetie.....well, you get the idea.....we will be closing the shop at 8:00 pm instead of 9:00 pm. We hope this doesn't cause anyone any grief. :-)