A purchase, a pillow and packing…

I went to Stitches Midwest on Saturday afternoon. It’s a knitting show so there was lots of yarn… I actually have a strategy when it comes to shopping at shows these days. It involves walking around the whole vendor mall and then going back and making my purchases. If I forget something it means I didn’t really need it so it’s OK! And really… is there anything I really need?

I picked up my most patient of friends, Sue, on the way and we followed our plan. Well, I did. Sue gave in and bought some lavender scented talcum powder before we had quite got all the way around but it was on the last aisle so I guess it was all right.

I knew exactly where I wanted to revisit. First I headed back to a knitting needle booth in the first aisle and bought some hand made hexagonal knitting needles from Indian Lake Artisans. I’m loving knitting with them.

Next up was a double booth of the loveliest baskets I have seen in a long while. I had peaked at the price tags so I was ready… I brought home this beautiful hand made Shaker style work box from Tim Arnold of the Saw Dust Company.

Open the lid and there’s a removable tray inside…

And the lid is magic! There’s a magnet inside so you can use it to hold onto your scissors or anything else that might otherwise run away while you are working… pins and needles anyone?

The scissors came with it. I don’t think it will take me long to find some other good stuff to keep them company. It’s not a basket for on the road but it definitely beats the plastic bag I’ve been using in the family room! Tim is from Nashville, Tennessee and he gave me a very good recommendation for a new restaurant to try next time I’m down that way…

I did buy two skeins of yarn via a new fiber club. I’ll see how that turns out.

It’s time for a new class schedule at Quilters Quest and that means new samples. I have added an extra class to my usual staples and will be offering a Happy Scrappy Improv Pillow class this fall. I finished my pillow yesterday afternoon.

This one is 18″ square quilted with a fairly dense grid… denser in the middle if you look closely. I forgot to think happy thoughts for a few minutes and ran into a few problems but one attitude adjustment later all was once again well with the world and I’m happy with the way it came out. I like the pink binding around the edge. It’s a fun way to assemble a pillow.

Yes, I’m headed out again on Wednesday so packing is progressing. I am hoping to have all my class materials completely sorted and in the suitcases by the end of today. This is where I’m up to this morning.

This mess on the table also needs clearing up and either packing or putting away.

I’m hopeful! I have a list and I’ll be checking it twice… The reward will be sleeping with a clear conscience knowing that Tuesday will not be spent panicking. I’ll have plenty of time for my hair appointment and maybe even a pedicure. Hope I’ll be seeing some of you in Portland!