For anyone who loves fiber arts, places such as Convergence or Spin-Off Autumn Retreat are a bit of hog heaven. Vendors from all over the country come to sell their wares. Workshops and classes abound.
According to many vendors, the turn-out for this Convergence was disappointing. No major crowds on any day, just a slow stream of buyers. In some ways, this was great, because as a buyer who has been to really crowded venues, I could take my time and wander here and there – and then return yet again, not feeling rushed to get something for fear it would disappear five minutes later! However, this is not good for the sellers who have spent money to be part of the market place, who have traveled many miles to get to Long Beach, and who have also spent money on food and lodging.
I did my bit, and met some absolutely wonderful people, and caught up with a couple of my favorite people, John Novak of Village Spinning and Weaving in Solvang, CA, and John Marshall, the master of katazome dyeing from Covelo, CA.
I bought items for spinning, weaving, knitting, and sewing. For spinning and knitting I bought . . .
. . . the world’s best ball winder from Nancy’s Knit Knacks. Suzi Liles of the Eugene Textile Center. I also bought a cone of Harrisville Designs Shetland in Emerald Green from her, which I have already swatched on US 4 needles and washed.
Suzi was wonderful to talk with, and everyone who was at her booth was helpful and knowledgeable. Had I a few thousand dollars, I would have come away with another spinning wheel, and a pile of yarn.
For spinning I got some to-dye-for (bad pun!) baby alpaca from Christine at Grasshopper Springs Ranch.
You cannot even begin to imagine what a lovely touch this has . . .
And, oh, yes, I bought more things, too . . . but you will have to wait for the next installment to see!
Ink, Yarn & Beer 