Well, Sock Summit has come and gone. Over a year’s anticipation and planning and it’s over in the blink of an eye. Remember how you felt about Christmas as a child? Like that, but even more so, and with lots and lots of yarn!
I had planned to blog while away (just like I had planned to visit the fitness centre in my hotel daily and eat clean; got their once and managed egg white omelettes and oatmeal for breakfast). Best laid plans, or so they say.
Blame it on the wool fumes, the excitement of meeting on-line friends ITF (In The Flesh), the presence of so many knitting celebrities (aka The Knitterati) and the constant and steady pull of the Marketplace (just one more peek to see whether I’ve missed anything I have to have…). I could not bring myself to sit and write about what I could, instead, be experiencing!
One thousand, nine hundred and eighty students attending 1, 3 and 6 hour classes on everything from sock design, to chart reading, to ergonomics for knitters to photographing your fiber. A Marketplace with over 200 vendors. A brilliant and humorous lecture on the changes knitting causes in our brains. Participating in a flash mob (my children think this is particularly cool!). All set against a backdrop of new and old friends connected by their love of fiber arts.
Wherever I turned, there were knitters, knitting. At Denny’s over breakfast. At Starbucks. On the MAX. Wandering the Saturday Market (which, by the way, is fabulous, if you’re into arts and crafts). In line for the food carts. And of course, wandering the halls or resting between classes at the Oregon Convention Center. Even during the keynote lecture! Lights were intentionally left on so that we could see to work while we listened!
I was able to meet up with friends from my favorite Ravelry group for a wonderful dinner out. We all “shawled up” for a group photo (which, when uploaded to Rav, generated lots of discussion about who was who and what shawl pattern each was modeling!) and continued our knitting at the hotel’s cafe late into the night.
How wonderful to be surrounded by like-minded people. People who don’t question what you’re doing or why you’re doing it (‘why would you spend $20 and 20 hours knitting a pair of socks when you can buy them at Target, 3 for $5?’). Strangers became immediate friends in line-ups, in classes (hi Jill!) on elevators and even in the loo!
We exchanged patterns, stitch markers, blog cards and hugs, planning for the next meet up before we headed for home.
Not much exercise, too many carbs, a whopping credit card bill (shh, don’t tell my hubby) and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Now I’m off to cast on at least three new projects, freshly inspired and my love of knitting once again renewed.
Have you ever attended an event related to a hobby or passion?
If you could learn an art or craft, what would it be?
) and (2) make sure I get enough lean protein at restaurant meals (while resisting the fries…).
