Bona Fide Knitter: A Very Knice Knit Day

What a great day I had! I went to the Knit Out and Crochet Too! in Pottstown, Pa, at the Brookside Country Club, sponsored by the Brookside Knits & Relay for Life Team - Caring Crew. Although it was my first time attending, this was the third year for the event which benefits The American Cancer Society. The day included vendors, a choice from almost 20 classes, lunch, a participants' fashion show, knit and crochet lessons, free patterns, free yarn, help with projects, prizes, massages and the piece de resistance--an alpaca named Santana!

To further support the cause I purchased beaded stitch holders, "hand made with love" heart shaped metal tags and a note card with a two dimensional tiny sweater affixed to the front from the club's table. Pictured is a sample of the yarn available at the Olde Peddler Wools table.

I was very good and did not add to my yarn stash, but could not resist a couple of patterns: Little Necessities from Close Knit Press (undies and hose for 18 inch dolls) sold by Yarnsmith and Pop Up Paws (convertible gloves or hunters' mitts for people) from Olde Peddler Wools.

I attended the class, Knit a Sock in an Hour, by Tammy Noble of Knit and Sew. Tammy demonstrated how to set up a flatbed knitting machine and knit a sock. I'm not a flatbed knitter but remember, I do have the antique circular sock machines that I make socks on. It was interesting to watch how this is done on a flatbed. I'll keep to my circular machines, thank you very much! The last thing I need is ANOTHER hobby or piece of expensive equipment.

The fashion show in which anyone could model or show their vintage or current items ended the day. By the way, Santana modeled a long blue scarf! There were some lovely items. I was especially pleased to see older garments made by grandmothers and mothers from 10 and many more years ago that have withstood the test of time and multiple generations of wear. There children's sweaters, a prom dress, a smock with matching pants and many adult sweaters. One in particular was this owl/cable sweater and hat made by the model's mother-in-law approximately 25 years ago.

A closer view to show the owls:

The matching hat:

In the fashion show there were crochet (left) and machine items (modeled and right) represented as well. Donna does it all.

The high point of the day was the appearance of Santana, an eight year old Chilean alpaca stud. Yes, Santana came right into the country club, into the meeting room and spent most of the afternoon with us as docile and nice as can be. Santana is much better behaved than most children and he didn't have to go to the bathroom every half hour, which is better than some adults I know.

Santana was having a better hair day than I.

Aside from Santana I met many interesting and talented people, many wearing or toting exquisite garments of their own making. Oh, and I won a raffle prize! Love it! It matches my Koigu anklets.