Black Sheep Gathering

This was the weekend of Black Sheep Gathering, a sheep and wool festival held at the Lane County Fairgrounds. This would be way more exciting to me if I had been able to spend more money, take a class, or if I was eager to buy something - like an entire fleece - that is normally hard to come by. Regardless, it was an event that I couldn't miss, and I ended up going there twice this weekend...

My first visit was on Friday, and I brought out my checkbook several times. My purchases were planned carefully; I knew I wouldn't get past the Blue Moon Fiber Arts booth without putting a dent in my savings. Within the first 30 seconds of entering the booth, my eyes landed on a skein of yarn that said "PICK ME!!!" (it might as well have been written on the label!). Practicing great restraint, I carried this skein of yarn - Socks That Rock Silkie in the Kawkaw colorway - to the check-out area without even LOOKING at the other yarns.

I returned on Saturday with my camera and boyfriend in tow. We watched the spinners, figured out the mechanics of a spinning wheel, and visited the sheep and alpacas. Here are some of my favorite shots:



I love alpacas and the gentle "mmmmmmMMMm" whine they make (instead of that obnoxious bleating sound that sheep make). I have a big heart for these animals, as long as they don't spit vomit on me.

This spinning wheel is lovely. I am a sucker for dark woods.