Pinch me

Today was the last day of Stitches West 2006. I had a great time this year, taking 2 classes and meeting up with friends every day. And if that was all that happened, it would have been more than enough.

But today, today was unbelievable.

I got there early to pick up a couple of things--2 more beaded scarf kits, 2 balls of Belisa Cashmere, the Latvian Dreams book,

and a couple of hanks of Koigu KPPPM. Then I met up with Jeni, Becky, Bri, Spinnity, Jo, Cindy, Rebecca, Nathania, Lori, and gosh a few other women. We found a big round table to sit at for the 1PM drawing.

Here's where it got surreal... they reached into a drum and pulled the name of the winner of the big cash prize... I heard the announcer say my name. My name. MY NAME?! The table erupted in cheers. I must have looked like a deer in headlights, 'cause that's how I felt.

So I took my ID up to the stage--which everyone thought was quite funny, but my name was spelled incorrectly on my badge. I wasn't going to let a technicality deep six this one. Anyway, before I knew it, this guy was counting large bills into my hand. Oh my. I was smiling ear to ear. Spinnity was in the front row taking photos and Seltsame took a photo too--I probably had a goofy look on my face.

By then it was less than 3 hours before the Marketplace was going to close. I didn't go nuts, but I did buy a few more things. The first stop was Hand Jive Knits where I had to thank Darlene. She's the one who filled me in on the whole Sunday drawing thing. 3 more hanks of Nature's Palette were added to the day's purchases.

I said a quick "Hello" to Kristi & Cookie at the Lacy Knitter's Guild booth and made a beeline back to my favorite Aussie vendor, Belisa Cashmere. A cone of green cashmere to keep the 2 balls of grey company. Don't know what I'm going to knit with it yet but I'll think of something.

Then I headed to Jordana's booth. I've been stopping by her booth every day to visit, but today it was business. She had a Cappuccino Knitter's Satchel ready to go.


Next was Lanaknits Designs. I've been eyeing this hemp cardigan pattern & yarn since last year's show and today was finally the day.


The last item was a shawl pin from Cats & Cobwebs. Jeni had bought one at lunch and it looked perfect with her Clapotis.

I don't know that this will match my Clapotis, but I really liked the color and the design. It's also reversible--it's black on the other side so it'll go with everything.

So I didn't go crazy, but the prize money was definitely an enabler.

What a fantastic day. And having my friends there made it that much more enjoyable. When's SW 2007?


Belisa Cashmere, Koigu KPPPM, Nature's Palette, and scarf kits from Swallow Hill Creations