Thursday 30 September 2010

Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival

Tunbridge, Vermont bound. I really look forward to this show, as the setting is lovely in the New England Autumn and the people are special too.

This show is a chance to catch up with the Icelandic sheep breeders, the cashmere breeders, as well as some of my favourite natural dyers, like Tidal Yarns.

See you online and at the Vt. show.

If you have an order, please feel free to email melissa AT strandedinoz DOT com. And if you have questions, ring Richard on the number listed on the shopsite. He's been ace at helping out when I've been away.

Stay tuned, as there are new yarns and fibres in the works for Stitches East and the knitters and spinners clubs!

Melissa, on the road again

Friday 24 September 2010

On the road again... to KDO and Shenandoah

On my way out the door to drive to Central PA College, where the Knitter's Day Out is held. Then, it's off the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Fest in Berryville VA.

The camera still isn't talking to the notebook, so I'm a text-only gal again. FIE.

Clubs: Yes, as some of you have asked, the club subs are on-going. You can join a part any time, so if you missed August, that's not a problem, as I have some kits available. If you are in the US, please email your order to melissa AT strandedinoz DOT com to pay less on the August kit postage.

CU at the fests and online. m

Thursday 16 September 2010

One the Road, Week 2 Finger Lakes Fiber Fest

Join Stranded In Oz and Bitsyknits this weekend at the Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival in Hemlock, NY. This year, instead of the little booth in the back barn, B and I will be in our own tent in the field. Wish for sunny weather please.

New Lots

I'll be bringing with me some fresh lots of Luxury Merino 4, a low micron, super soft yarn -- luxury fibre with a rustic, homey spin to it. This yarn will be featured for my EC shawl kits. Supply is limited, as the mill has stopped milling this yarn, and yes, I just couldn't resist getting a nice big pile for the US. Colours include a new autumn red, a luscious blue blend, a new purple, and a killer dark green.

Thank you to the outstanding volunteers at the Garden State Sheep Breeders Show, as well as the awesome NJ/NY/PA knitters and spinners who came to the event. Rain threatened to ruin Sunday, but as 11:30 rolled by, the clouds rolled away.

Packing for Hemlock, NY (it's about 1hr sth of Rochester)

Thursday 9 September 2010

Garden State Sheep Breeders Festival - On the road, week 1

SIOz Luxury 4Ply/Fingering -- ltd edition, low micron merino
available at SIOz, Port Adelaide Market and in ltd quantities in the USA

Bitsyknits and SIOz will be at the Garden State Sheep Breeders Festival this weekend. I'm hoping Jon Benet, my favourite llama will be there too!

Now that I've made it to Bitsyknits' house, I've commandeered (sp?) her laptop and thought I'd write a bit about the drive from Maryland to PA.

On the Road: if you've ever wondered why Americans drink so much coffee and live on donuts and hamburgers, it becomes clearer once you hit the highway here. Speed limit 55mph? Nah, it's more like, 70-80. I mean, all that caffeine and sugar gives a driver a fair amount of energy, yah know? And you NEED it to play dodge 'em cars along the highways of the Mid-Atlantic.

But yes, I made it to the Lehigh Valley, PA, where I leave tomorrow for NJ and the sheep fest.

Adelaide:

Richard is on duty this weekend at the Port Markets. If he looks confused, don't worry, he still can look through the displays to help you out. I'll be offline from Sat to Tues, but R will be checking the online shop for me.

Still fighting with camera to speak to new notebook(s), so pictures on hold of what's new re yarns and fibres. Apologies for the text only.

CU in NJ and online, M

Friday 3 September 2010

G'day From Yankland

Whew! Hello from the Chesapeake. It's lovely and sunny, and HOT here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. First night after I arrived I was a guest at a crab boil dinner on the river. Ever see a roomful of adults whacking dead crabs with a mallet?

Big THANK YOU to all the awesome knitters who came by on the 22nd of August for the Hank Hunt. Way to go to YOUKNOWWHO for scoring the 40% off voucher. I look forward to seeing what you knit and spin with the bag of wooly goodness you hauled away. My needles and spindle are jealous.

For those of you who didn't venture forth on the 22nd, the Port Market shop is fully stocked. Yes, I've sent away most of what was out on that day, but there are some special yarns I've left for Adelaide and beyond customers. What's there? Have a look at the shopblog for details. I'll be updating that as best as possible while on the road.

First stop is the Garden State Sheep Breeders next weekend. It's a little gem of a show. Why do I do this one? Well, blame bitsyknits. My sister's guild is involved in the show, so I tag along as a vendor. Last year was the big Shetland Breeders involvement. Many more sheep and also, BIG FLIES. I am hoping that isn't the case this year. *lol*

The highlight of that show for me is visiting with my fave llama breeder. Oh yes, I plan to get some fibre this year.

Until I get the camera and computer to talk to each other over hear, it's text-only for now. M