west-ward ho!

Stitch 'n Ride :: our own dedicated train from Sacramento to Santa Clara. The atmosphere was charged with fiber mojo (as well as caffeine) and, oh, the pageantry of delightful finished items on display was akin to a peacock convention.

"Not all those who wander are lost." ~~JRR Tolkien~~

Stitches West :: teeming with knitters, crafters, spinners, and...well, fiber. Oh, yes, I did indeed, wander. I explored the many dimensions of wool, cotton, alpaca, and buffalo (to name only a few).

In fact, I managed to get my passport stamped at all the required stations as proof of my thoroughness.




There were celebrities to be seen. Alas, cameras were a "no no" but I succeeded in getting a signature from Vicki Howell, host to DIY's Knitty Gritty. I know...I don't normally go in for that sort of thing, but I was caught up in the moment...must have been the wool in the air.

A few choice skeins of fiber were purchased (some arriving later through the mail) as well as a few patterns. For me, this trip was more of an exploration of the senses than of procurement. Sadly, a few vendors were sold out on Thursday and Friday, leaving an empty shell from which the spokespeople offered apologies.




"Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter." ~~Izaak Walton~~

Rain didn't dampen the stimulated spirits of over 400 knitters as we waited for the train, although I must say it was a quieter, more subdued group once the train began its gentle rocking on the tracks towards home. Maybe it was the sharing of newly acquired stash, or exhaustion, or the wine. Good times with good friends. Ahhh, what a day.