Santa Monica’s Fabulous Fiber Fest!!!
Unlike the rest of the country, the Los Angeles area doesn’t seem to have any of those wonderful Sheep and Wool Festivals, however they do have this festival. I had been talking about it for days and almost passed it up last weekend because I was exhausted from the wedding I attended the night before. My boyfriend talked me into going and I’m glad I did.
I ended up going on the last day of the festival with about two hours left, and I pretty much raced through all the booths, spending most of my time at the Carolina Homespun (? I think that was the name). Their booth was stock full of yarns and rovings, needles and notions…spindles and spinning wheels. I don’t think I’ve seen so many fibers all in one place…and all those colours. I think I was practically drooling. I was glad that there wasn’t too many choice in terms of fiber booths, because it would have been too overwhelming for me. It was quite a small venue, even intimate but it was enough to quench the thirst of any fiber lover. I loved how you could try the various spinning wheels at the show but I didn’t dare try…I’m scared to try the spinning wheel because I just can’t afford to go there yet! I’ll stick with the spindle for now!
Speaking of…ended up buying the Little Si Cascade spindle. I love it. It’s a great beginner spindle that spins about worsted weight yarn. I love the clean design of it. It’s very minimal and simple. I still think I’m spinning yarn wrong…but I’m getting yarn out of it anyway. The blue roving (which I’m not even sure what the content is) is wonderful and spinning up soooo fast. It’s super soft and I can’t help but pick it up everytime I see it.
Anyway, visiting this fiber festival was like a quick dine and dash event. ‘Cept I paid…one day, when I have more funds, I’ll get the guts to go out to something bigger, like Stitches West or the other festivals in northern California or even Oregon…but til then, something small and sweet is what I’ll stick with.
September 7th, 2006 at 10:28 am
Those spindles look so yummy! Like wooden lollypops. Great picture. My Secret Pal sent me a Cascade spindle, and I can’t wait to start trying it out. I haven’t spun on a spindle before, so I think it’s going to be an adventure. I also have dreams of a spinning wheel.