Eclectic Shopping

I just had to share my 'haul' from Unravel yesterday.  This is the third year I have been and if it's a show you haven't visited before you should really try and get there next year.  I love all the hand dyed yarn on offer and there is always something a bit different and loads of inspiration...

This is my haul... including the shelves!  My first frantic push and shove through the crowds was to see Jenny Barnett's fabulous felting kits.  After dithering over robins and chickens I settled on fox and hare kits.  Spurred on by this new potential pastime I spent a tiny £3 on a bag of Angora rabbit fluff to make some little bunnies (because of course, now I have grand plans).  With my kits safely stowed I was free to wonder and spot things...

Of course I was NOT going to buy any 4-ply yarn as I have HUGE quantities of this.  Mainly because I always have this 'it's only one ball' philosophy, but when you have done this a few times, at a few shows (and online), it seems to turn into over thirty balls.  So, that is why you will see a hank of Jillybeans shetland/gotland 4 ply...  I just couldn't leave it behind because of the fabulous colours.  Of course, I have no idea what I will make with it... or when!  I'll just add it to the pile.

I also found a short pair of 4mm Art Viva needles which are beautiful and just the right length for me.  As I am mainly using 4mm needles at the moment for my current book I know these will get a lot of use.  I also found a beautiful shawl pin (on top of the rabbit fluff) which I am going to use as a 'stuffing' pusher... into small knitted legs/arms etc...

Now onto the gorgeous Chunky Purl Alpaca...  This is a new yarn which we can stock in the shop and I bought it to make something that inspired me at the show, more on this in the future (if it works)...  It is a gorgeous yarn and I started swatching as soon as I got home...

Finally.  The Shelves!  I love them and spotted them on a Vintage stall.  They weren't actually for sale but the lady said I could have them for £15.  Total Bargain!  So I am sitting working today looking at my lovely purchases and thinking what a great day out I had with my lovely friends.