Port Gamble Ghost Confrence 2010.

I really meant to post this blog earlier, and to be honest I have three really good excuses as to why this blog did not get posted earlier and here they are:

1. The hotel I stayed in did not have the wireless internet that was promised to me and I had no access.

2. My son had me out for two hours on Halloween night Trick or Treating, and I was tired afterwards.

3. I takes a long time to go over paranormal evidence, and I have been quite busy.

4. I was being lazy

Anyhow, here is a summary of my adventures, and what I found:

The first evening, we got to meet the speakers and hear many interesting stories about their evidence into the paranormal. Some of them made us laugh, and others served as a cautionary tale to warn us of some of the dangers of paranormal investigating. I was excited to learn as much as I could though, and took everything in.

After the opening and introductions, We were all invited to go on a Ghost Tour of the historic town of Port Gamble, and we stopped at pretty much every building some of which include: the General Store, the Post Office, the church where an apprition of a one armed man is seen running through the churchyard, and the Graveyard.

It was a thoroughly interesting tour of an EXTREMELY haunted town, and I loved hearing the history of the beautiful town and some of the basis for the reported hauntings. However, the graveyard kept pulling me back and making me want to go back for a quick walk around for a secret tour. (I know, not bright.)

Anyhow, I stopped off at the pavilion where most of the Ghost Confrence was taking place, and sipped a cup of coffee while reading a book. I listened to people chat back and forth, and as people petered out and left for the night, I packed up my own belongnings and headed out to may car, but something about the graveyard was just talking to me.

Well, I walked up to the graveyard armed with only my camera and my car key and started walking round taking pictures of some of the headstones when something really interesting appeared and took me by suprise. This strange fog appeared with an image of a person's head and shoulders showed up, and it was a clear night with no rain. I even held my breath when I took the picture to steady myself.

Anyhow, after I took this picture, I headed back down to my car and headed back to my hotel in Plousbo where I found out I had no internet access. Frustrated, I went off to bed as it was going to be an early morning for me the next day. As well as a late night.

The next monring, I had a really hearty breakfast of Corned Beef Hash at the diner inside the General Store, and it stuck with me through the whole day, making me even skip lunch because I was just not hungry. I attended may great seminars and got some great information about the art of Ghost Hunting, and what not to do while investigating. (One being not to investigate alone. my bad) After dinner though, was the true moment of excitement for all of us, because we were going to take part in an actual ghost hunt.

That evening, at seven, the groups met and we all began our investigations. My first stop for the eveining was the basement of the towns Post Office/ Community Center. Historically, the basement was once the town's morturary, where all of the dead lumber mill workers and their families eventually were prepared for burial. About 22 seconds into my first investigation, I got an EVP of a person saying "What are you doing here......get out". My little digital recorder really paid for itself that night. As I caught several more EVPs there and some unexplained footsteps that seemed to come from above us.

Our second stop for the evening found us in the Community Hall, where we were trying everything from sitting on the stage, to asking questions to see if we would get anything, but nothing seemed to trigger any activity. Thinking outside the box, andther person and I began playing music on the piano that was sitting just off the stage on the right, and despite it being EXTREMELY out of tune, we were pretty good. After both of us left the stage, I snapped this picture and got some interesting Orbs that were perhaps triggered by us. Immediately after taking the pictures, A single note was tapped out on the piano. The group got me to go up again and try the little tune I tapped out on the piano, and to everyones suprise.......the piano was in tune. I tried the same song again, and the piano was no longer in tune. Is that cool or what?

After a very interesting visit to the Community Hall, it was time to move onto the Walker Aimes Mansion across the street, where there have been reports of full bodied appritions as well as unexplained sounds. I didnot get much for photographic evidence, but I did have something brush my hair in what was called the Nannie's room in the attic, and in the front sittin room, I was sitting alone when I could again feel something again lift the hair on the side of my head as if they were looking at my earrings. (I was wearing an old fashioned looking pair of lavender crystal earrings, mabie she liked them.) In the basement, we got some unexplained tapping, and again I felt like someone put their hand on my elbow, and my arm got ice cold around my elbow.

All and all, it was an interesting trip, and I am looking forward to next March, when husband and I are going back for another investigation with OPPS. This event is a charity hunt to raise money to restore the graveyard. It will be a fun advenure.

My Fiber Bin Runneth Over: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival 2010

From the looks of this fiber bin, I am not kidding too.

As many of the spinners and knitters around the area know, last weekend was the annual Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby Oregon, and I just had to go. We even got lucky too because after a couple of weeks straight of rain and all around yuck, we got a reprieve from the fiber gods, and the sun came out on Saturday.

My Mother, who tagged along with us spotted these really awesome baskets right off, and had to buy one to store all the supplies needed for her quilting projects, I even liked hers so much I ended up buying one too because it was so pretty. Mom even commented on how so many people were walking about carrying these baskets for their purchauses. They did come in handy despite my beringing along a few reusable market bags.

In order to please my son, and give him some time with things that interseted him, we then went straight to the barn to see all the animals and to give him a chance to pet some of the beautiful creatures. However, if I were one of these critters, and I were surrounded by people who wanted my fleece, I would be a bit nervous too.

Of course though, I told my son that he had to ask the owner of the animal before he petted them. And he could not run up on them, as it made them nervous. My mother commented on how sweet and gentle eyed these Alpacas were, and she could not get over how soft their fleece was.

However, there was much more to do and see at the fiber festival, and I had some shopping to do, and my son's college fund to blow (sorry Nick).

The lawn area was full of vendors and I really did not know where to start, so I just picked the outermost booth and worked my way to the other side of the lawn. There was so much to see that I couldn't help but take my time and just peek in each stand.

Between the lawn and the buildings, we decided to give our eyes a rest from the sensory overload and see what was going on in the penned off area near the spinning circle. What we saw made us laught so hard (no the dog is not hunting the ducks), that we had to stop and watch a while. The working dogs had their work cut out for them competing for top honors, and because of the size of the pen, and the anxiety it causes the lambs to be seperated from their mothers, ducks were used to show off the dogs skills. This dog was really good at his job, and managed to herd all six ducks into their pen, despite some dissention and bad duck words from his "flock".

After our rest, we decided to go into the two buildings, and found more treasures than our arms could carry. We had such a good dat in all, and made pland for next years festival along with a trip to Sock Summit next August.

One last treasure I managed to snap up was this knitting/spinning bag from Slipped Stitch Studios, along with some of their hilarious buttons, however I did not have a hard time finding goodies from other vendors too. I found treasures from : Sunset Fibers, Dicentra Designs, Chameleon Colorworks, Crown Mountain Farms, WoolGatherings, and Blue Moon Fiber Arts.

Looks like I have my work cut out for me now, spinning up all that fiber and making it into something amazing.

Wild Fibers, Mt. Vernon

Well, with the promise of a Hazel Knits Trunk Show, I packed up my son and headed north to Wild Fibers in the cuite little town of Mt. Vernon. We enjoied the drive through Skagit Valley, sang along with the radio, and drank gas station coffee (I drank the road laxitive, not my son.)

When we got there, it was a bit of a bear to find a place to park, but we eventually found a spot a few blocks away, and we didn't mind because it gave us a chance to take in the town and all the really cool shops around Wild Fibers.

However, when we got to the shop, I was blown away by how nice everything was and how organized the entire shop was. Everything was neat and clean, and it was a really inviting place to just walk into. The staff was really friendly and made you feel like you could approach them with any question you had.

Needless to say, I ended up with three skeins of Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, including one skein of Wendee's newest colorway "Cherry Fizz". It was so bright and fun I could not pass it up. I even picked up a kit for the "Prickly" mitts designed by Melissa Goode (Stick Chick Knits), and can't wait to start them!

It was such a nice day, that I couldn't resist walking aroun downtown. You couldn't believe my suprise when i saw another LYS just down the road a bit from Wild Fibers. I didn't remail nong because the Store smelled bad inside, and is was so cramped it made me feel a bit clausterphobic after a while. I can't remember the name of the store, but I don't think I would go back there again.

Not so Much Knitting Lately....

Right now my life has become a bit more chaotic than I would like to let on, I am working on my upcoming trip to take my son to Disneyland. Which I leave for in fourteen days, and I have gotten sidetracked by all those wonderful beads I have ben hording over the years.

However, I have made some time for spinning and a bit of knitting. I hope to knock out another fab project soon. I just need to find the time.

That is Alot of Beads.

I forgot my camera, so you will have to Google Shopwreck Beads if you do not believe me. But Shipwreck Beads in Lacey, WA is overwhelming if you don't know what you are looking for.

2,500 square feet of beads, a girls paradise if you ask me.

Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat

I know I should have posted this blog a few days ago, but I got a bit busy with other things and it slipped my mind. However, I am very happy to say that I made it.

We all woke up early on Feburary 14th, the last day of the show, and some of us were happier than others to go, but eventually we all got motivated. (One of us is definately not a morning person)

And I think John for telling me that I am number one when it comes to knitting and finding the best yarns out there.

Anyhow, we all arrived at the Hotel Murano in downtown Tacoma and were immediately greeted by many knitters and spinners all taking in the day, and treating themselves to some Valentines day happiness. with needles, yarn, and fiber.

Anyhow, as soon as we walked into the Fiber marketplace, I was overwhelmed by all the wonderful colors and textures I saw. I even needed some help in picking out the fibers that would be the most fun to work with.

It is a good thing I brought my little partner in crime (He helps me hide all the yarn and fiber that I buy) with me, or I would have completely overlooked that wonderful orange pencil roving at the Crown Mountain Farms booth. Good eyes Nick!

I eventually ended up buying from Abstract Fibers, Lollipop Cabin (I found some really fab sock yarn there) Linda's Knit and Stitch, Herndon Farm (I got a new spinners control card there), The Village Weaving and Spinning Shop (I got a new Niddy Noddy to replace my old one that I accidently cracked), Chemaleon Colorworks, and I got to browse some really great booths. I really wanted a skein of Goth Socks from Rainy days and Wolly Dogs, but they were all sold out by the time I got there. I at least know where to order it from now.

However with the yarn that I bought, I am still in a negative total for my goal to knit 10 kilometers by the end of the year. I am now currently left with -1394 knitted so far. I really need to get to work.

Exploring Another LYS: The Artful Ewe.

Set in the middle of downtown Port Gamble, I found a yarn and fiber store like nothing I have ever been to before. The Artful Ewe, sells yarn and fiber, but not any of the major brands your would find in a yarn store. In face all the yarn and fiber sold in the store is dyed and prepared by the owner of the shop. This makes it an interesting stop on any knitters travels through the Olympic Peninsula.

The owner is friendly and very helpful, making it a nice place to visit and look at the books that are found in the store. Unfortunately for me, I forgot my wallet and had to borrow some money from my Husband so that I could buy the Bombyx silk top that I fell in love with.

I will have to return again to the store, but next time, I will remember my wallet.

And if you should stop in, don't forget to pet the little dog.

Across the Sound: Churchmouse Yarns and Tea

Bainbridge Island has always been known for it's small town atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and upscale shops. Chruchmouse Yarns and Teas is not the exception.

The shop is tucked around the corned from the Blackbird Bakery on Madrone Lane, the first thing I noticed was a collection of beautifully knit shawls adorning the front windows, each beaufiully and skillfully knitted by patrons of the shop. I had to stop and admire them for a moment before entering the little white door, and stepping into a knitters paradise.

Once inside, I was greeted warmly by the staff and offered full assistance by one of the ladies working the store. I declined any immediate assistance, but accepted it again later when I needed additional skeins of Punta Yarns Merisoft to knit myself a nice fall colores sweater. I was especially happy to find that the Merisoft was the featured yarn of the month, which saved me ten percent off the purchause (check their websits for future yarns of the month).

I took some time to look aroun the shop for a while and found a literal treasure chest of wonderful yarns and notions. Their selection of luxurious cashmere and silk yarns draw you in with their beautiful colors and sfot textures, while their wonderful collection of sock yarns by Noro and Blue Moon Fiber Arts wow you with their beautiful colorways. I was very pleased, as well, by their extensive of Rowan Yarns and books. I kicked myself for not making notes as to the future Rowan projects I wanted to work on.

Their selection of books and patterns were well organized, as well as all their knitting needles. This proved to the customer that the staff took a great deal of pride in the store, and made even the most novice of knitters feel comfortable.

I even further indulged my fiber addiction with some Kiogu to make a scarf from a Chruchmouse Yarns origional pattern that I found neat.

I would have spent more time just browsing the store, ad taking in all they hadd to offer in teas, and needlepoint projects, but the stormy weather outside was getting worse, and I had to catch the ferry back to the Seattle side of town. I can say however, that I plan to make a future trip across the sound to that little yarn store with the great selection on Bainbridge Island soon.

Oregon Flock and Fiber. Canby, Oregon

I attended Oregon Flock And Fiber Today. It was well worth the long drive from the house and was filled with great things to see and do.

We got an early start from the house and made very good time for what it was worth. (Of course we had to stop for a coffee.)

However, once we arrived, it was well worth all the driving.

After setting up and organizing ourselves, my son and I got to walk around and see everything that was there.

We saw this beautiful, old fountain and I could not resist snapping a picture of it with my son sitting in front of it with his "Shopping Bucket". Too bad I forgot my Claritin, my nose was itching from all the animal dander, and pollen.

This proud fellow was hanging out in the barn with all the other Aplacas, there were also several breeds of Goats, Angora Rabbits, many diffrent breeds of sheep, and a few dogs running around.

I even bought myself an Angora Goat Fleece that had already been washed, I just need to card it before spinning it into a nice yarn for something.

There were also many great stands and booths to look in. Some were well set up and organized, others were just so stuffed to the max with products and it was a bit hard to find anything. I ended up buying from Dicentera, DragonFibers, Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Knitted Wits, and Carolina Homespun. I got a new set of Hand Carders, and a new Drop spindle to work with tool wise, and a ton of dyed rovings and top to spin later. Looks like my winter will be busy.

Next show for me will be Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat in Tacoma, Washington. This way I have time to put some money away for it since it is Feburary.