Snapshots from the Adirondacks

We had delightful fall weather this past weekend, so I was happy to be on the road.  Well, I wasn't happy last night when I was on the Pike coming home . . . 25 - 30 mph is slow going.  It seems someone thought Sunday evening was a good time for line painting and road construction.

After a good night's sleep, I've recovered from my travels.  Here's a glimpse into my weekend at the Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival.

Intriguing work with handmade paper by Nanette Miranda.

Even earrings made out of paper.

Sheep shearing with hand shears.

I learned a little about the textile history of the area by going out to dinner.  The old Clark Textile building has been restored and is now used for a restaurant.  I always love a good history lesson.

After that little weekend adventure, it's time to get back to work.  It's Monday, and the dye pots are on.  

First Things First

It's Monday morning after a delightful weekend on the road.  I would love to ease into the day with coffee and knitting, but first things first. I started the laundry and tidied the kitchen.  I will never understand why my kids think that filling the sink with dirty dishes and leaving them there qualifies as cleaning the kitchen.

I always enjoy traveling in the fall, and this weekend was no exception.  The fall colors are well on their way with a few brilliant bursts here and there . . . a tease of what's in store in the coming days.  The temps were on the warm side, but at least it was dry.

Here's an assortment of things that caught my eye at the Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival.

This Cormo / Alpaca / Silk blend was very tempting.

Curly locks to match the season.

Of course there were animals.  Some real.

Some not.

There were useful wooden tools made by Stephen Willette.  

I always stop in his booth to take a look.  One of these days I won't walk away empty-handed.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to chat.  There was show and tell, but I completely forgot to take pictures.  To the customer who drove up from Philadelphia, I hope you had a safe trip home.  It was fun to see so many familiar faces, and it was a good opportunity to catch up on your current knitting projects.

It looks like coffee and knitting will have to wait.  I'm off to make a dent in my to-do list.  In a few shorts days, I'm on the road again.

From The Adirondacks

I'm on the run this morning as I try to get the work of two days rolled into one, but I want to share a quick recap of the weekend at So. Adirondack Fiber Festival.

Torrential rains on Friday gave way to overcast skies and showers on Saturday and Sunday, but the weather didn't keep people away.

So. Adirondack Fiber Festival is only five years old, but it's growing by leaps and bounds.  The people who run this event are pleasant, helpful and all around nice.  The grounds crew go above and beyond the call of duty.  From a leaky roof to a broken down truck, they do it all.

Just down the aisle from my booth was F'enomenal Felt and the work of Linda Van Alstyne.  Sorry, but the link I have for her is a dud.

Linda makes beautiful, creative felt objects.

All weekend long she was running a felt making demo in her booth.

I saw people lined up, taking turns, shaping wool.

I didn't get in on the felt making fun, but I did take a few minutes on Sunday to check out Linda's creations.

Inspiring works of art.

Perfect for the season.

I came home with cider donuts and fudge for the family . . . 

 . . . and plenty of ideas and inspiration for myself.  

I haven't forgotten about the pattern giveaway.  I'll announce the winner in tomorrow's post.

And So Much More

I spent a lovely weekend at the Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival. The weather cooperated, and the rain held off until evening.  As always the customers were delightful, the event organizers were helpful and the other vendors were full of fun and inspiration.

Sheep and wool festivals are interesting events.

Of course there are animals.

And plenty of yarn.  Sometimes I think this is how I travel.

But then there are all the little extras that make these events so special - things that you usually don't find in your local yarn shop.

Colorful fiber balls sold by the dozen.

Knitting needles with a theme.

Cupcake soap decorated for the season.  I have a frosting phobia, so I'm in awe of the swirls and details on these little soaps.

This one smells like coffee.  Yes, coffee-scented soap.  My favorite.

For those with a sweet tooth.

Many flavors of fudge.  I must confess that several of those flavors came home with me.

And there are many more extras - everything from vintage buttons to cider donuts.  Sheep and wool festivals . . . animals, fiber and so much more.

Button, Button

Button, Button, Who's Got The Button?  A game from childhood and one I played with my own kids.  Buttons. Practical, colorful, artsy, entertaining.


I have fond memories of button collections.  My grandmothers and aunts would save buttons from discarded garments.  They had lived through the Depression and nothing was wasted - not even a button. 

I have my own button collection, and I added to it at the Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival.


There were several button vendors - some with vintage buttons.

Take a look at the original prices.


Oh, the choices.  And the colors.

I don't think I can bear to take these off the cardboard.  Always In Style.


Buttons in many shapes and sizes.


Big buttons.

Big buttons with texture.


Small buttons.

Small buttons with detail.


Buttons sold by the bag.

Buttons patiently waiting.  Waiting for just the right project to come along and snatch them up.

Adirondack Adventure

It's Monday morning, and I'm catching my breath after a weekend in the Adirondacks.  Come along for a photo tour.

At three years old the Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival is a fairly new event.  I had never been to this event as either a vendor or attendee, so I was excited for a new festival in a new location.


This well-rounded event did not disappoint.

Weaving.  Just seeing the looms up and running made me want to pull out my loom.  Several weavers also stopped by my booth to chat. Lovely conversations.


This is for those who want to weave but don't like warping.

Continuous strand weaving.  This loom, courtesy of The Wren's Nest, doesn't require warping.  Magic.


There was felting.

A basket of booties from Valerie's Gallery.

And flowers from Decadent Fibers.


Equipment.

Vintage knitting needles from Lazy Day Farm.


And soap.

So many to choose from at Natural Specialties.


This festival is held at the Washington County Fairgrounds near Saratoga Springs.  The area is full of history, and I would have loved to spend more time poking around.  Maybe another time.  I did stumble across a couple of interesting things in Schuylerville.


Art.

Bike art.


A whole row.

In different colors.


And standing guard on one of the street corners.

A beautiful painted horse.


It was a wonderful weekend with a short week ahead.  I'm back just long enough to gear up for another road trip and another adventure next weekend.

Mad Dash

I'm scurrying to get out the door and on the road.  This weekend I'm off to the Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival and am really looking forward to it.  A change of scenery can do wonders.  I must admit that this week I left too many things for the last minute.  Remind me - why didn't I take care of that oil change earlier in the week?


These two will be coming along for the ride.  

The makings of a new project.  I'm anxious to get started on this but am realistic that often I don't have time at fiber events to actually do much knitting.  But really it doesn't matter.  It's comforting to know that I'm prepared.


Today marks the first day of fall, that gradual slide into the dark and cold.  I'm marking the occasion with a final shot from summer and my color inspiration for the week.

At water's edge . . . shimmering earth tones.