Better late than never?
Recently I told a friend that I was ‘gearing up for show season’, which is a weird thing to say when I’ve done four events already this year. But they’ve been indoor events—yarn festivals and trunk shows—and this weekend kicks off what I’ve come to think of as my ‘show season’—outdoor craft shows and farmer’s markets! It’s weird to feel like my year is just getting started (it’s almost June) and some of my events have been huge already! First up was Vogue Knitting Live, a fancy fiber fest in the Big Apple. So much fun! It seems like forever ago already. Then, a pop-up at Luv2Knit & More in Jenkintown PA, for part of greater-Philly’s first ever yarn crawl. Such a great store (Ellen is awesome!) and I left a supply of my crochet hooks, knitting-themed earrings, bad word charms, and cat stuff there! Next up, trunk show at Knit & Pearls in Avon CT on Local Yarn Shop day! Go visit Stephanie and her cute shop, you won’t regret it, and see what goodies I left there. Lastly, Yarncentrick, a Maryland Sheep & Wool kickoff event in Frederick, MD. Holy cow, after the disastrous festival we won’t name in Catskill last October, it was amazing to be part of such a well-organized event. The venue was spectacular, there were volunteers all over the place, quality vendors, I couldn’t be more pleased. And thanks to the shoppers! No event is successful without you, and what a kind, enthusiastic bunch in Frederick!
But now, phase two of 2024—outdoor general craft shows and markets all summer long. I’m looking forward to leaving the knitting jewelry at home and doing ‘regular’ craft fairs again, much as I love the fiber festivals. I set myself a goal this year to use up all of my gemstones and beads (yeah…….why do I do this to myself??) and I’m excited to get some of my new pieces out there. I set some Lapis Lazuli cabs I’ve had for at least two years, and some Bloodstone Agates I’ve had for longer. My favorites are these Jade stones that I bought at the “Dreaming Goddess” in Poughkeepsie that aren’t really designed to be set as pendants. Might be why I like them. I found two pyrite cabs left for a pair of studs and a bunch of hematite oval cabs for chunky rings. Those are up next, then maybe some faceted stones. I’ve also had more cat rings cast in larger sizes, 10 and 11, so I’ll have whole sizes from 4 to 11 soon.
For the first time since college (don’t ask how long ago), I took a jewelry class! My amazing friend Erica taught wire-wrapping at a local gallery and I’ve never done it, so I decided to give it a go. I love it! And I have plenty of stones that are suitable. Hopefully I can find some time to get into it! Anyway, if you got this far, thanks for reading and come see me at the White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival this weekend!