Noro

This is such a weird thing . . . 

In February, I went to Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat (and market).  I purchased the yarn at the top of the photo.  I stuck it in my suitcase, toted it home and stashed it in The Knit Room (unpacked) for a treat some day.  

While visiting My Mom last week, I thought I should purchase some yarn "just in case" I run out of knitting at Gold Rush (Oronocco, MN). Riiigghht.  We ran in to Kristen's Knits in Rochester, MN. Kristen's had a LOT of Noro sock yarn colorways . . . green and grey and black; purples with greys.  Too many to choose from, really.  I bought the yarn ball on the bottom.

I started knitting the sock (with the yarn on the bottom of the photo) on Thursday this week and knit more on Friday . . . 

The whole time I was knitting on this sock, I was thinking "this yarn might be the same yarn I bought at Madrona".  Hmm.  Well, the Kuriosity Kitty got me this morning and I dug in the suitcase. WhahLah.  Same yarn.  Same colorway.  Same dye lot.  Same yarn.

I have an abundance of this Noro now.  Maybe 18 socks worth of yarn. It is quite fun to knit; however, long time on one colorway.  That's a lot of blue . . . 

Gold Rush

For many years, my family has participated in Oronocco Gold Rush.  I met My Husband there and it has recently become an end-of-the-summer time for us.  When I "do" Gold Rush--shopping and selling--it means it is almost time for teachers to return to school, followed by, of course, the returning of students.

So, I do go shopping.  I bought this skirt.  I think it is possibly made 

from curtain fabric; however, it will NOT remind me of 

The Kitchen.

And, I bought this bracelet from Judy.  It felt a bit large until I wore it for approximately 48 seconds and fell in LOVE with it.

I also bought some bling-ey jewelry and a doll head to start a collection. And a long necklace with cool beads and sparkley glass.  Oh, and some plaster fruit to add to my Plaster Fruit Collection.

Many friends were absent this year, aging or getting ready to age.  A few people who were there this year willn't be there next year.  I am glad for the times that we've had together and the things that I have purchased across the years that will remind me of them for a long time.  Cherished friends.