IK Knitting Lab is a unique conference.  A smaller hotel and less participants create an intimate and friendly atmosphere.  I taught 5 different subjects, only one of which involved intarsia (Argyle Socks, a perennial favorite), which allowed me to share other knitting passions such as Bohus Stickning, and finishing techniques.  I just love knitting, and answering questions, and seeing what knitters produce in a creative and supportive environment.  It was a delightful conference.

I managed to restrain myself at the market, but a few things had to come home with me.  First, I found some gradient small skeins from Pigeonroof Studios .  As an intarsia designer, I am a sucker for small amounts of color, and loved the sample that was in the teacher gift bag.  These colors have a depth and subtle beauty that called to me.

Then, I turned the corner and discovered Canon Hand Dyes.  The dyer, Amy Lee is actually from my home town of Portland, OR, but I had to travel to California to find her!  She had a whole rainbow of gradients for me to snap up!  So, I did.

 

 

 

I couldn’t resist the Dream in color club selection for November, so that had to come home with me, too.

And students Tirzah and Kezzie surprised me with a gift of 2 balls of soft and yummy angora/merino blend which is destined to be a cowl, I think.

 

In other news, I finished Monomania, and it was a real attention-grabber at Knitting Lab!  I was repeatedly photographed, and giving out the name of the pattern, designer (Ann Weaver) and yarn info (Plucky Feet, Special Reserve colorway combo).  It is very comfortable, versatile, and I know it will be a wardrobe staple.