KNITTING WITHOUT DOG HAIR IS NOT AN OPTION

First off, let's start with praise. I have to say that this is the best convention I have been to in a very long time. I have been doing event management for at least a decade of my life and I have organized exhibtions in several countries. Therefore I know how much is involved in getting such a project going and make it such a success.

Stephanie and Tina outdid themselves. They gave a very funny speech at the opening party tonight. No wonder they were totally exhausted and ready to crash. I can vaguely remember how tired I was when I pulled conventions together like that. You don't sleep for weeks and you are fueled by coffee.

I am truly sorry for the people who can't be here, besides the 1,800 people including Jane, Jen and I. But don't worry, there will be another one in 2010.

So, Ms. Jane and I had a class with Nancy Bush today. It was a great class. For six hours she lectured about vintage socks and old techniques.

I enjoyed myself tremedously, even tho' I had to talk to my office several times. Nancy had us knitting a little sample sock with a very stretchy cast on, a Welsh heel and a very interesting toe construction. Now I have to find a bunch of books, Weldon's Practical Needlework, a collection of needlework newsletters from turn-of-the-century England which include exact reproductions of hundreds of Victorian patterns to stitch, knit, and crochet. Not that I need any more books.

Here is what I knitted during class:

Yeah, our class project looks like a sheet puppet head. Maybe I'll put some googly eyes on it.

After the class the market opened for students for two hours and I was all of a sudden very overwhelmed. It is big and it was full of a gazillon people. My oh my, there were long lines for the Sock Summit souvenirs and several yarn boothes. We walked around for about an hour and just looked. Now, I have a better idea for what to look for tomorrow and Saturday.

Catch of the day

I bought a Sock Summit hoodie (it was freezing in the class room today) and a tote bag, yarn, a cow project bag and new clogs. After a short break at the hotel, the girls and I dressed up to go to the opening party.

The party was great. All the teachers were there. I got to talk to Barbara Walker for a minute. She told me that she did not expect people to be so starstruck with her. Well, that what I told her when I visited her a few weeks ago in Florida. I guess, she didn't believe me.

Oh, and we did not get the "Wear your Hallowig" memo...

And I think this is Meg Swanson drinking a beer straight from the bottle. I can't wait to meet her tomorrow. Jane and I have a three-hour class with her at 09:00am. Therefore, I should go to bed now and get some sleep. Stay tuned for the next update...

PS: I didn't know Portland was famous for old women wearing no bra, but pachoulie and Birkenstocks...