2011 Stitches West

There are few things that entice Vermonters more than the idea of going somewhere warm and sunny in February.  And, although I admit I love the snow, I have been feeling weary of it of late.  I came down with a cough and congestion the weekend before I was to leave, so I worked hard at resting, forcing fluids and drinking every herbal concoction known hoping to be well by the time Stitches rolled around.  So I got on the plane a little croaky, and just knew I'd recover immediately as the California sun beat down on me.  Well, I didn't see Mr. Sun until the day I left.  It rained.  I never left the building.  Sigh. My throat went into full-fledged laryngitis, but I had enough energy to not only teach my classes but to enjoy them as well.  If I wasn't doing something I was supposed to be doing, like being at the banquet or signing my books and DVDs, I was in bed and I am sure that's how I managed to get through the weekend. On Thursday, the teachers got together at 11am for an early lunch.  Here is my table: It was a delicious lunch!  Then we went in to a big ballroom where the students were having lunch.  We each sat at a table for five minutes and gave a schpiel about ourselves, our classes, and what we love to knit.  I was so pleased how well this was received.  Some of the students had never considered traditional knitting and they were amazed at the little sweaters I brought along to show (you can see them in the foreground).  Here is a photo of my first table I sat at: Then I taught my Norwegian Purl class, signed books and DVDs, and went to bed. Friday, I taught Color Twined Mitts.  Everyone worked so hard and did a fabulous job! I went to bed instead of going to the Fashion Show where I had entered two of my designs (Susan's Eriskay Gansey form my DVD and the Classic Gansey Cardigan).  My friend Karen went though and told me they were well received, so that made me happy. Saturday was my Tam class.  Again, my students worked so hard and several finished their tams, including sewing in the ends!  Aren't the colorways they chose just wonderful? Sunday my class on Latvian Fingerless Mitts ran.  We worked on scalloped cuffs,  half-braids and the Herringbone Braid as well as working with two, three, and four yarns in a round, as the fearless Latvians do! Sunday evening, I had a lovely dinner (my appetite came back with a vengeance) with Janel Laidman and Gail Roehm.  What a terrific time we had.  Then it was time for The Dreaded Red Eye.  Foolishly I succumbed to buying a mystery book at the airport and stayed up most of the night reading on my flights.  By the time I got home, I was delirious with exhaustion and I slept for two days, dreaming of the good time I had had.