Madrona 2012 is over and what an amazing time! I arrived on Thursday in Seattle to visit with friends, to see some yarn shops, and to check out the Madrona marketplace. MUCH smaller than Stiches, Madrona's marketplace offers the best of the best in fiber - from wheels and spindles to yarn, books, fiber, looms and accessories. We took our time going through the space, visiting with each booth and getting to kow their product offerigs. We visited with old friends, made a few new ones, and had the luxury of spending a schedule-free day... really taking the opportunity to see what was being offered. Sadly, I didn't take any photos at the marketplace itself, so I had to rely on Suzanne from Slipped Stitch Studios to send this photo of the group. One of the first booths we purchased at, they offer lots of great project storage soultions, including the moustache bag that Michael bought!
After spending the day at the marketplace, we got together with some friends for dinner... After all those yarn fumes, it was a much needed meal, that's for sure! We chatted, laughed, and spent some good "catch up" time and it was fantastic. However, it WAS a bit rainy and despite the super duper warm and cozy sweater I had on, the obvious lack of a hat and umbrella left me shivering!
I already had a copy of the Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook but hadn't realized that Deborah Robson was going to be attending Madrona AND that she was making herself available to sign this AMAZING book! One of the most complete assemblages of fiber review material I have ever seen, this book is full of gorgeous photos and valuable facts about some of the animals that provide us with fiber. I went to the Acorn Street Shop booth, bought another copy, and marched over to Deborah to get her to autograph it for me. (I have a thing for autographed books... this one will go in my collection along with books signed by the likes of Kaffe Fassett and Elizabeth Zimmerman!) If you have yet to peruse (or own!) this book, I strongly suggest getting it. Call your local yarn shop, book store or order from the folks at the Acorn Street Shop - They can sell you a book over the phone and get it to you in a jiffy. | 
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I looked around for a drop spindle with plans to spend time with Michael Wade to learn how to spin... but time got away from us and it didn't happen on this trip. I do, however, have a nice basic "workhorse" spindle from Ashford courtesy of Herndon Creek Farm (Tacoma, WA), and some beautifully dyed romney roving from Rain Shadow Yarn. | 
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Madrona was a wonderful experience. My only regret? That I didn't sign up for classes. Next year. Next year, I hope to take some classes... my favorite one? -an all day exploration of natural dyeing with lichens (and mushrooms, I think!)
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