Sock Summit!

Last weekend was the big West Coast "Sock Summit". All the Knitterati Illuminati were there. I did not take classes, but convinced Carol to head to Portland for the weekend so we could attend the Ravelry party on Saturday and then spend hours and hours at Powell's books. And that we did.

At the entrance at the Sock Summit, a lovely shawl in lovely colors. It's a simple two color
pattern titled:

Ulmus, and is available from Through The Loops.

The marketplace was overwhelming. Man, who knew there could be so many yarns and tools dedicated to sock making? The stroke of brilliance was having a bar cart in the marketplace. Shop while you stroll with wine. Hmm.

A sentiment I can get behind. Order your twisted t-shirt here.

There was booth set up for knitting help, called the Lucy Booth. I heard it was staffed by some of the most famous knitters around. Below, the booth is staffed by anarchist knitter Anna Zilboorg. (Buy her books while you can.)

Then the Ravelry Party. Lots of wonderful folks were there, but a big shout out to the three people who have almost single-handedly transformed the knitting universe:

Jess and Casey, Ravelry parents were there with their very capable crew. I'm in the middle.

(By the way, I'm wearing the original Red Dragon Shawl that Tuulia Salmela created --she dyed and spun the fiber, then designed the shawl, then for some completely crazy reason, GAVE it to me. You can order the Red Dragon pattern here.The shawl is pinned with one of Romi's beautiful pins (purchased at the marketplace at the Summit). You can get one of her beautiful pins here.)

Amy Singer, of Knitty fame (left). Despite the lousy photo of both of us, I"m posting it because she is my hero.

When knitters gather, there are many things to go ga-ga over. Look at these
lovely things:

And this fun sweater knit of Noro silk yarn, by FeistyKitty of Ravelry.

Jess and Casey bid us good night:



Next day, Powells City of Books (they have an entire bookcase dedicated to knitting.)

And we capped the day with yarn I had "made" at Yarnia. That's my yarn being wound.
It is going to be a wild shawl.





Do you think's it's a sign that I should move to Portland? (Carol thinks so ;) Below: Pothole in Portland and Street Sign (or is it, sign from the gods?)