Back from the Alpaca Festival!
November 20, 2010 at 8:06 pm 5 comments
I just returned from a magnificent day at the Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival where I gave completely into my fetish for fine fibers. As usual, I blew right through my planned budget and came home with some of the “good stuff” (those fabulous finds that you just can’t walk away from) to further pad my stash.
Let’s see, I bought:
- 300 yds of 100% suri alpaca worsted weight yarn in a heather grey color by Dragonfly Alpacas in Marydel, Maryland
- 480 yds of a 100% suri alpaca lace weight yarn in a pastel pink and green variegated color called ‘Avocado Rose’ by Wild Rose Suri Ranch in Havre De Grace, Maryland
- 364 yds of a 80% alpaca/20% silk yarn called ‘Paca de Seda’ in a deep wine/mulberry color by The Alpaca Yarn Company – this was purchased by Paso Ligero Alpacas in East Berlin, Pennsylvania
- 230 yds of a 70% alpaca/30% merino wool DK weight yarn in a slate navy color by Prairie Lakes Alpacas in Smithsburg, Maryland
- 64 yds of a 80% alpaca/20% merino worsted weight yarn in a rich midnight blue color by Fiber Mojo in Dickerson, Maryland
As festivals go, the Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival was a wonderful reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the bigger named fiber arts events. I actually had an opportunity to talk with each vendor and casually stroll through the display areas without worrying about fighting for the last skein of this or that. It was a very pleasant, laid-back and comfortable atmosphere.
However, if I were a betting gal, I would say with a doubt that this festival is sure to grow exponentially as others catch on to the event. After all, this was only the first year and the festival had so many positive attributes to speak of – first of all, it was well stocked with yarns, fleeces and great finished objects. The vendors were all super friendly and very knowledgeable. This is a great time of year and the perfect opportunity to get started on Christmas shopping – there is still plenty of time left to finish a few last minute gifts with my purchases. And, although it won’t always be the case, the weather was great. However, the beautiful fall colors will continue to serve as the perfect backdrop for buying cozy alpaca fibers. Truly, I can’t wait until next year!
Here is a sneak peak of my time at the festival this year.
If you missed all of the fun today, don’t despair. Day 2 of the festival is tomorrow at the Howard County Fairgrounds from 10 am until 4pm. Good luck and happy shopping!
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1. Tweets that mention Back from the Alpaca Festival! « Hands in Delight -- Topsy.com | November 20, 2010 at 10:34 pm
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Terry jo | November 21, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Thank you so much for all these wonderful pictures,I live in Florida now, to my knowledge there are no yarn festivals. I did happen upon one 4 yrs ago while I was visiting in Boston, I had a great time. Wish I could travel around the country visiting shows.
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handsindelight | November 21, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Me too! That would be my dream job – traveling around the world visiting and writing about fiber arts festivals…..long sigh….maybe oneday
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