Thinking about what to create next!

It has been over a week since I returned from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.  It has been two years since I attended this festival last and I had high expectations about renewing my creative juices.  Attending such an incredible fiber festival was overwhelming and exhilarating!

Trying to decide what I wanted to bring home with me wasn't an easy task either.  Looking through booth after booth of handyed yarns, spinning fibers, patterns and knitted samples was uplifting to me.  I was also experiencing  a condition called Fiber Overload, so I spent quality time in the sheep barns as well.  Somehow petting a gentle lamb always makes me feel special and puts me in the right frame of mind.  They are such gentle creatures and very loving animals.

What I decided to get started on first was my very first attempt at the Ishbel lace shawl that everyone is loving on my Ravelry site.  I purchased the most beautiful hand-dyed Merino wool (Sandi's Red) at the Miss Babs booth,  some Addi Turbo lace needles and off I started.

I have been knitting socks for quite awhile and my loom is sitting half warped with a beautiful goldenrod mohair textured scarf;  but somehow the Ishbel shawl was calling me.  I have begun knitting this afternoon on Mother's day, while remembering my precious mom. This was my first Mother's Day without her and I was feeling emptiness.  I found the rhythm of the knitting needles calming and comforting today.  I look forward to seeing the work progress and wearing the finished piece in honor of my mama.

Knitting is my friend, it can make everything alright when my world is turned upside down.  It is something that you can take with you, something that is soothing and something that has been around for centuries.  Just the sound of two needles clicking together, row after row creating something wonderful is really magical.  It just doesn't get any better than that!  I am still saying thank you to the little older ladies that taught me to knit when I was just a little girl, they gave me a gift that I am still opening up today!