Just Kid 'n Ewe

Last weekend five of us from the Sisters of the Wool made our way down to Boerne, Texas (north of San Antonio) for the Kid 'N Ewe fiber festival. Considering the name of the festival, alpacas seemed to be overrepresented.

Cuervo (left) and Masquerade (right)

These cuties were at the festival two of the three days we were there. This was the only shot I managed to get with both of them in the frame. Cuervo seemed to be a little stressed out about all the people and the unusual surroundings, so he kept making a sweet little humming noise. I just wanted to hug him and take him home with me. Oh, and did you know how dangerous alpacas are?

It's true. They will.

The only other livestock we saw were the cashmere goats. (Alas, I got no photos of them.) We happened upon the barn in the middle of judging, and the judge was kind enough to turn the event into a sort of workshop about what qualities they look for in the animals.

The folks form Wyatt Spinning Wheels were at the festival. Here's one of Bill Wyatt's apprentices demonstrating their Great Wheel. It was really mesmerizing to watch.

I was hesitant to sit down at one of the Wyatt wheels myself since I was fairly certain I would want one if I tried it. It wasn't until the second day that I couldn't resist any longer, and I parked myself in front of his Pegasus wheel. Oh my, I really have no words. OK, I do have one word: love! I may have put my name on the 2-year waiting list for one. Sigh.

As far as my yarn and fiber purchases, I think I was reasonably restrained. (Hey, I can hear all of you snorting.)

Jojoland Melody superwash yarn and Swirl Shawl pattern

Plain & Fancy Texas wool singles yarns, sport and fingering weights

Brooks Farm Primero, Acero, and Mas Acero

Cibolo Creek prepared alpaca fiber

This alpaca fiber was the softest I came across at the festival, and I love the light fawn color. It came from a Huacaya female named Tapatia (or "Tia" for short). We talked to Suzanne, the owner, for several minutes, and she was kind enough to show us adorable photos of Tia. Suzanne was so enthusiastic about Tia and her fiber that she was practically bubbling. How could I not buy some? I plan to spin it up into laceweight and knit myself a stole from it. It'll be the perfect souvenir of a glorious weekend.