CT Sheep and Wool-April 28, 2012

A Trip Report by Diane G.
Photos by Alex Iannelli
(report & photos posted here with permission)

HHCC'ers at the 103rd CT Sheep & Wool Festival.

It was a cold start to the day, and little did we realize that it would continue to be “brisk” for the duration of the event.  Upon arrival on a bright sunny but cold morning Nancy, Ruth and I unloaded the many packages and containers of display items and handouts.

We brought our sign and the starter kits, as well as items made of natural fibers.  The young ladies that Dee brought assisted in setting up the displays on the table – heads with wigs, hats and scarves, and a glass head with “brains” of roving and then went out into the sunshine to check things out.

Crochet on Display.

This is a small event, not really spreadout only 4 barns, and some vendors outside under tents.  But there are a lot of things to see, pet and buy.  If you ever go wear sturdy walking shoes as there are not real paths or walkways except indoors.  There were also sheep, sheep dogs, alpacas, and angora bunnies to pet.

While waiting for some parties interested in crochet, Ruth whipped up a new hat for herself which she promptly put on hoping to get a little warmer.  Then she went out into the sunshine and warmth to check out the vendors in the buildings next door and returned wearing wool gloves that displayed only the tips of her fingers.  Dee was toasty warm wearing her mittens, while Nancy and I wore our fingerless mitts and wished we had the yarn to close them up.

We all did our best to help the economy in CT by buying yarn, crochet accessories ( stitch markets, hook markers and shawl pins), wooden hooks, nantucket bags (at a deep discount), and even beads.

More crochet the HHCC had on display.

We demonstrated Tunisian simple stitch and purl (my version which is pretty close to the one in the books), crochet with roving (Dee) and start up crocheters (the young ladies that Dee brought and a few other people).  Also attending: Robyn, and Irene and her husband Alex.

Nancy submitted two items for judging and won ribbons one first place, one third place.  She had never entered anything anywhere before.   We are working on her to enter items at the Big E.

That wind sure did blow through the partially open door of the Red barn and headed straight for us.  We started to envy those sheep clustered in a pen about 25 feet away from us – that is until they started to loose their wooly covering as each were shorn in demos every half hour or so.  I could see the surprised look on their faces as the first of their number returned naked, and he (or she) made straight for the center of the flock to stay warm.  Towards the end of the day only two were left unshorn and they seemd to prefer staying in the middleof the rest of their buddies, but alas they too were shorn of their fleecy covering but not without demonstrating some resistance.

All in all a fine though chilly day.  Only the second time I have attended and I am alrady planning on my warm wardrobe for next year – just in case.

Ewe Know it! Crochet at the 103rd CT Sheep & Wool Festival

HHCC'ers Teach and Promote Crochet at the 103rd Connecticut Sheep & Wool Festival

Yesterday, on a sunny yet chilly-perfect-for-wool-buying day, HHCC members set in for a day of teaching and promoting the art of crochet at the 103rd Connecticut Sheep & Wool Festival.  The group displayed a wide variety of crocheted projects featuring natural fibers; and offered beginner crochet lessons; as well as demonstrations on Tunisian crochet and how to Crochet with Unspun Roving.

While there, the group was offered an opportunity to enter items on display into a judging contest.  With support of fellow HHCC'ers, Nancy entered two of her crocheted items: her Jalapeno Sunrise jacket and her cabled vest. This would be the first time Nancy ever entered her designs into competition.  Nancy says she was "Hook-winked" with the results, which you can read about on her blog here: http://www.nlsstitches.com/journal/2012/4/28/hook-winked.html

The HHCC would like to Congratulate Nancy on her Ribbons!!  :)

When members were not helping out at the booth, they also got to check out the various demonstrations being offered by other groups, do some shopping, and pet all the adorable animals.

In addition to HHCC members participating, the HHCC had teen-helpers this year, aiding in the setting up & tearing down of the booth, including their own teaching & learning crochet -- but they opted to do it in the sunshine where it was warmer!  (smart girls!)

Everyone had a fantastic time and are looking forward to the 104th Connecticut Sheep & Wool Festival next year!  :)