Intrepid Fiber Wizard: Madrona 2010 +

oh my.. it's been awhile since I posted anything..... (again)...
Life has just sorta "happened" recently

I went to Madrona, had a birthday, and dealt with major car stuff, some sad personal stuff.... And now I'm back in my groove (so to speak) and ready to share some fun photos. (note: typepad seems to be having some 'issues' tonight, and there is a bit of a dilemma with making the photos appear where I want them to... I'm sorry if it is confusing..)

Madrona Fiber Arts was wonderful (again!!). the knitters and spinners descended upon Tacoma, and the Hotel Murano, and could be heard laughing and enjoying each other all day and night for four days.
I was late in looking at classes, so did not get in to any of the big ones, but I had the pleasure of going to two of their "mini classes" (a brand new concept this year). And you know, I loved them! They were short enough to be reasonably priced, and long enough to really learn something (a good combo, if you ask me!)

I took Ribbing Razzle Dazzle and Sock Durability.
The mother/daughter combo who taught the ribbing techniques class were very fun. And I learned some fabulous things to try on my next project that requires a ribbing (like a pair of fingerless gloves? no photos from this class (they were not complimentary pics, so no posting)

The second class I took was from my sock superstar hero, Charlene Schurch ! (yay Charlene!) I have admired her for so long I don't remember.. it was great fun to see her after what has to be about 5 years.. I totally credit Charlene for getting me hooked on socks - yes, she is the genius who taught me to get all "zen" during kitchner, and also to love the heel flap.
and at one point during class, I attempted to get her to brag on her very own hand dyed BFL, and nudged her to tell everyone that it was her favorite yarn, but true to form, she was far too modest :-)

Her no-nonsense approach to making socks durable is a wonderful class - and I have heard rumors that she is teaching a full length version of the mini class I took at Stitches.

go. you will love it.

The rest of my trip to Madrona Fiber Arts feels like a blur - so I will just post photos... there was dinner with

friends, silliness with friends, shopping with friends, and lots of lovely vendor booths.

I have also

recently received two lovely gifts... one from my friend Ruinwen, a great book which I am enjoying so far...

And Sheila and Michael Ernst gave me a lovely set of their hand blown glass knitting needles..

oh my what a treat they are.

thank you so much, dear friends, for cheering me up and sharing your joy of this wonderful craft that we all love.

I am crossing my fingers that the events of this last week are going to be washed away with the spring rains which fall every day. Spring must be just around the corner, and the world will reawaken soon....