In Which the Pirate Considers.

I considered what I might want to buy at the upcoming Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I must not let myself be lured in by stripy or variegated sock yarns, no! Solids and semi-solids, if I buy any yarn at all. What I’d really like to buy is fiber. I have the wheel, I have the lazy kate, and I have a swift which can double as a skein-winder, if it really has to. Perhaps a niddy-noddy is in order.

I briefly considered the possibility of buying a drum carder for the fiber, then decided that it’s probably out of my budget this year. It’d be so convenient for those eight pounds of alpaca fleece, though! I’ve got my “wish list” narrowed down to either a Strauch Finest or a Pat Green Deb’s Delicate Deluxe – has anyone reading owned/used either one, and can you give me recommendations? It’s tough to decide, but I think I’m seriously leaning towards the Strauch. (Eventually.)

Then I considered splurging on the drum carder. If I don’t buy anything unnecessary for a few months, I could do it. But I’m not a big fan of spending big chunks of money, and I did just buy a house. On the other hand, this is something I want, and if I stop wanting it, then I can resell it.

I considered saving my money and not going to Sheep and Wool at all, but that was silly and I didn’t consider it for very long. Although not buying a drum carder means I can buy another guitar that much sooner.

I considered whether to head up there by myself or to see about going with any of the local knitters. I had a great time with Janis last year and I’m sad that she can’t go again this year, though I completely understand. Maybe next year!

I considered whether I should try to meet Jess and Casey of Ravelry fame, then decided that if I do I do, and if I don’t I don’t. While I’d like to meet them, I’m sure thousands of other people at the festival would, too. Will they remember me? Doubtful. Is that time I could spend shopping for yarn and fiber? Absolutely. On the other hand, I’d love to be there for the Ravelraiser! prize drawings; I donated money to the cause and I’m sure we’ve raised well over $60k by now. Isn’t that amazing? Ravelers rock! (And so do the prizes, but I didn’t donate just to win something. I donated because it’s a kickass website and I’m happy to support it!)