Sample, sample, sample...

It took an aweful lot of sampling, but finally I got there! Here is the scarf that started with me all over the place, finally settling on moss stitch:

It is worth sampling till your bored with it!

If you know anyone that would love this scarf, it's already in my Etsy shop!

Finally......

Maybe Moss stitch is the stitch for the multi-coloured yarn from First Editions.....

Have been trying for ages! Now to sort out the shape of the scarf.....

All sorts of things happen at Harrietville!

On Friday night, after travelling to Harrietville, eating a meal at either the pub or motel, we meet in the dining room for an information session. Of course, there have been diversions to Euroa for breakfast and obtaining supplies from First Editions, lunch in Benalla, stop in Myrtleford and other pleasantries, but this marks the beginning of the official 'Harrietville weekend'.

There are sometimes surprises. A wonderful spinning machine, in the process of being built by the very capable Graham. It's based on machinery that he saw on his trip to England which uses rings to control the spinning, and, as you do, he decided to try and build one. It's not quite right yet, as it overspins and Graham says that his machine in not 'beautiful', but I would argue with that!

After all the information, we retire to do some spinning, knitting, then off to bed trying to decide what to do first!

Some of us have other plans, and, as we have done for a couple of years, we had a surprise planned for the morning. This time it was in the dining room.

They're teeny tiny hearts from the lovely Lucy in the Attic and we did lots!

There were some extra outside.

What was really nice was that there were very few left at the end of the weekend. People wore them as earings, hung them off buttonholes and took them for friends and more! We left the last with the cafe over the road, and managed to grab a souvenir for ourselves. Success! Thanks Catherine and Anne.

On the road to Harrietville

Getting to a Harrietville weekend is as much fun as the weekend itself. It goes without saying, that good company is a highlight. The driver has to be alert, so you just have to keep talking! (and for some, knitting.....I can't knit in a car....a failing, I know) It's a wonderful way to catch up, plan and dream. However, it's a long journey, so you just have to stop along the way.....

The first stop is compulsory, as the wonderful First Editions live in a big shed at Euroa. As you can pick and choose to your hearts content, it's just good fun. We were the first arrivals, this year. Most unusual. As you see I did make purchases, and a couple are not there as they're already being transformed.

The next stop is the Wangaratta Mills of Australian Country Spinners. They've reorganised and enlarged their bargain room, though I did feel that the better organisation limited the amount of disorganised serendipity. This was an unscheduled stop this year, but we did have a new spinner and knitter on board, who hadn't been there. Suffice to say, I only bought a couple of balls for a customer order. Very restrained.

The next stop was also Wangaratta at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral. This houses the Tapestry 'Into the Light'. This was woven by the Australian Tapestry Workshop, and though it was partially covered for Palm Sunday there was still much about it to admire. A beautiful church and many of the banners were made by local embroiderers and quilters, in all sorts of techniques. Well worth a visit, and with the personal connection that made us stop there, even more special.

On the road Beechworth, where we had lunch in a lovely shaded garden, and a look at The Ardent Alpaca. The softest baby alpaca teddy bears on earth. And I don't think I exaggerate. From some fibre to yarn and clothing this is full of beautiful alpaca products. Worth a look.

The final leg of the journey involved a stop at a quilt shop, just for an experiment supply....really, and the drive through the mountains. This year, unfortunately for us, there was alot of backburning going on, so it was a little hazy. As this is an important function we just admired the view as we drove along. Arriving safe and happy, with a very tired driver and grateful passengers.