'KNIT NATION' BEEN AND GONE.....

Well, Josiekitten and I have been there and back and had a fabulous time. We travelled up to London early on Friday morning and returned late last night, although it definitely felt as though we had been there for much longer. The event was taking place at Imperial College, in South Kensington; an area of London we know quite well. We stayed in the Imperial Halls of Residence, just opposite the college, so nver far to go for another 'woolly fix'!!!!!

The 'Marketplace' was awash with vibrant colour. The booths had all been beautifully set up and it was difficult to know where to begin. Well, no, that's not strictly true. We had decided to head straight for the 'Wollmeise' booth, bearing in mind that the yarn is so sought after at present. We were certainly not disappointed! Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! Just take a look at this ........

Every colour and variation!

Needless to say, we made several return visits to fondle and purchase.

It was very busy during the main part of the day, but we managed to stroll around with a little more ease in the early evening, after our class had finished.

We took part in two classes. The first, was with Anne Hanson, improving our finishing techniques. Mattress stitch is the way forward! I'll let you know next week, when I've finished sewing up the little stripey cardi for Sophie.

   

On Saturday we found ourselves learning some new sock knitting techniques with Yarnissima. We were using Magic Loop, but neither Josiekitten nor myself, could see ourselves continuing with this method. Judy's Magic Cast-on got us going and then we worked through on our own, with help from Marjan Hammink when necessary.

I guess you'd like to see Snoopydog's purchases. I took the decision to have a 'blow out', as much of the yarn on sale was not easily obtainable, especially the Wollmeise. You ready?

Let's open those bags!

I think this little lot should keep me going for the next two years..... until the next 'Knit Nation', hopefully! The two hardback books were a free gift for taking out a one year subscription to 'Knitting' magazine. It was being offered at a reduced rate, with no obligation to continue after a year. I'm not normally a fan of magazines, but this one did look worth a go.

The Wollmeise yarn is absoluely gorgeous. I bought some 100% merino and some 80% merino mix, which is a little stronger for sock knitting. Just look at the colours!

We really liked the beautiful natural dyes used by Renaissance yarns, who are based in France.

These were a must have too! The grey skein from the 'Natural Dye Studio' is pure silk. It's just so unbelievably soft! I love Amanda's dyeing. I'm also a great fan of the 'Skein Queen' and  'Easy Knits'. Both dyers produce fabulous colourways! 'Juno Fibre Arts' was a new find and WOW what a find!

I picked up these cute little buttons too. I guess they will end up on a cardi or a little dress for Sophie.

I needed some new stitch markers!

Well that's about it! I'm stashed for at least the next two years!!!!!!!!

I'll just leave you with a few snaps taken of the area as we strolled out to find food on Saturday evening.

Think I need to go and start knitting down my stash now! See you next week.