iKnit Weekender

Yesterday morning I got up earlier than I usually get up on a work day. I was booked on the 7.44 train to London in order for me to go and play at the iKnit Weekender in London.
I made a beeline for the p/hop stand to have my photo taken with the infamous barn raising quilt. I bought raffle tickets too - but didn't win. Looks like I'll have to make my own!

(Thanks to Jane for taking my photo!)
I was obviously too busy shopping, chatting and knitting to take any more photos. I wore my wedding shawl and it was admired by many people. I had fun spotting other Aeolian shawls - 4 or 5 at least!
Here is my little haul:

I surprised everyone by choosing the orange Herdy mug rather than the purple. I did try really hard not to buy any more purple yarn, but couldn't resist the buttery soft "Desire" from Skein Queen - it is destined for a hat - I'm thinking a beret with twisted stitches. The Laceweight turquoise yarn is from new indie dyer Sparkleduck - the yarn is a merino and silk mix and has a real sheen to it. Maybe Laminaria - certainly an appropriate colour. Finally some Malabrigo Lace - as I can never resist this yarn (and all of the crazy rainbow colours had sold). Oh, lastly a vest pattern from Blacker Designs. They had some gorgeous UK spun yarn from a wide variety of sheep - the alpaca yarn was fabulous.
Talking of Alpaca, I spent most of the day knitting on my Autumn Hoodie.
The second front is done. I joined the shoulder seams and blocked it this morning.

I found some mussel shell buttons from Textile Garden yesterday. The lady there let me pick through them until I found 5 matching ones - the side I'm going to use is the wrong side, but it matches my yarn really well.

Just a hood and button bands to go now. Will I be able to finish it in time for our honeymoon in Canada? We leave next Sunday!

It really was that good...

I had a wonderful weekend, Kerry, Paul and I jumped around to Ash on Friday night, they were brilliant. I got up nice and early the next morning and met Delle at Kings Cross. We
made our way to the Horticultural Halls for iKnit and arrived in the queue just in time for the rain to start,however that didn't dampen our spirits.
Jane Sowerby's talk was first, it was a pity we couldn't hear more but her shawls were amazing... I am wondering what to knit first from Victorian Lace Today.
We shopped for a while, had lunch and then queued in the rain again for the Yarn Harlot.
There were lots of people....

There were pictures of the sock....This from the other side!

I got three books signed and had a random conversation about Toronto!
(Thanks to Rachel for taking the photo)

I met so many people, including Dawn and Natalie who I was hoping to see... there were so many amazing handknits, so many people knitting all in one place. It was such a great day.

Yes, I bought stuff too..... but only two things.
1. Angel,Top Left -Some laceweight Angel, Kid Alpaca, Cashmere and silk from the Natural Dye Studio - I was unable to resist the softness.
2. Sushi Sock Roll,Top right - a Sushi sock roll from Easyknits- I was sucked into the latest craze after Natalie and Dawn both had some, I wanted one too! I can see how it will knit up completely differently from skein dyed yarn and I'm excited to try it.

3. Malabrigo Sock - in the middle. Velvet grapes colourway. I bought this from Alice a couple of weeks ago, but it didn't arrive. I collected my two skeins at iKnit, only to get home to find my parcel from Alice. I had ordered Rayon Vert and Velvet Grages, but I am keeping the two skeins of Velvet Grapes. This is amazing, so soft, I am hoping it stays true to the machine washable claims.
I had another parcel waiting for me at home 4. August Sock Club, from the Yarn Yard along with a fabulous skein of 5. Orange bonny for my Sockdown September socks. I must print out the pattern and start knitting!
Oh yes, and there was enough time on the train to finish the blanket... more on that next time as I think it deserves a post of it's own (and some better photos!)