KnitWerk

What a fun evening — last Tuesday I enjoyed a lovely room full of yarn, knitters, and the Yarn Harlot :

The Draw
If you get a chance to see her, go. You won’t regret it. Stephanie is everything charming and funny, just as you would expect. Still chuckling about “bacon powder.” We got to see the sock and the famous Birch shawl. I have never seen so many people knitting at one time before. The room was buzzing with laughter and camaraderie. What a treat!

It must be exhausting for her—I was there for 2.5 hours, and when I left there was a long line remaining. That’s tough for someone who claims to be uncomfortable in front of crowds (I’m sure it’s true, but it doesn’t show—she seemed perfectly at ease).

Metablogging:

The Venue
It was my first time visiting Stash in Berkeley. I got way too excited about their shelving (see background of above photo). I mentioned it to, like, everyone, because I’m such a nerd. So, OK, my mom owned a yarn shop, where I worked starting at age thirteen. Stacking yarn in bins is a big part of the job. Those nasty Debbie Bliss-style puff skeins started showing up after mom closed the shop, and I’ve felt for yarn shop employees ever since. They topple over at the slightest provocation, looking chaotic and frustrating customers who try to cram them back on the shelf without dropping yarn to the floor. You know what I mean. It’s a pretty way to present yarn, but it’s not very practical. Well, Stash had narrow shelves built, which fit those nasty skeins perfectly. Everything is beautiful and orderly. Ahhhhhhh.

The Crowd
I walked in the door 15 minutes early, and there was only one chair left open. Happily, it ended up to be directly in front of Janine and Rachael, and next to blogless Maia.

I also got a chance to meet Celia (wearing Kidsilk haze in orange) and Emily in her Nothin’ but a T. As the line passed Lorna’s Laces, the subject of Clapotis came up, and Kathleen and her friend each whipped a version of it out of their knitting bags. Maia was very persuasive as she talked about spinning, and with all the gorgeous handspun she showed me I was nearly swayed, but I remain resolute. Unfortunately, though she was wearing her distinctive shoes, I missed meeting Becca, but hopefully we’ll meet soon at her Knitblogger Picnic. I’m so glad I got up the nerve to start up a conversation with those nearby. This was my first chance to meet other bloggers. Knitters are the nicest folks.