In September I visited the NJ Sheep and Wool Festival once again. This is my local show, less than an hour away so I went both days. Day one was about walking around and checking out the sheep and all the vendors. I’ve fallen in love with these Babydoll Sheep. They are a little smaller than the other sheep and have the most adorable face. If I could, I’d own one.

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My first stop was to Katrinkles. Katy does the most wonderful work. Look at this great stitch marker holder. I’m going to need a second one.

I met Mary, the founder of the Stay Strong Tote Foundation. This project is ideal for A Hug from Henry. We talked about including my book in the totes.

I was determined to purchase a sweater quantity of yarn for the Uma cardigan

Cozy Color Works had this lovely yarn in a colorway called Jersey Peach. How appropriate.

The next day, I went back with nothing in particular in mind and came home with several purchases.

I’ve been wanting to try spinning on a drop spindle and when I saw this one, I knew it was time to invest in one. The saying is one of my favorites and I’ve used it as a mantra many times when I was about to do something new.

A stop at Marianated Yarns and I could resist this yarn for the Beryllium Shawl.

On the way out, I discovered this lovely bulky yarn. Since I’m working on hat designs, I couldn’t resist this yarn by Sheep’s Clothing Yarn Co.

I already used one skein to knit this hat. The yarn knits up beautifully. It’s superwash merino, always a favorite to knit with. I’m working on several hat designs and this was a basic bulky for sizing. It fits well but it’s a little plain.

My other festival this year is a trip to North Carolina for SAFF.