Shepherd's Harvest.

The perfect way to spend Mother's Day, imho, is knitting. And if the opportunity presents itself, to do that knitting with others. And if all the stars align perfectly and one has been really, really good, that knitting with others is in a class taught by Annie Modesitt.

Shepherd's Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival happens over the Mother's Day weekend every year at the Washington County fairgrounds, north of St. Paul. I went two years ago and had a blast, bought yarn and more yarn. This year I decided to take an introductory lace class being taught by Annie. Perfect to get my lace mojo into working order.

Saturday it rained, but I planned ahead and registered for the Sunday class. Of course, the class was only offered on Sunday. That just proves the power of my planning and my excellent foreknowledge of the weather.

Sunday was a beautiful day for a drive.

The trees in the St. Croix river valley were just starting to green up.

I knew I was in the right place when I got out of the car and saw this:

Shepherd's Harvest is no Rhinebeck or MDSW or any of those big Right Coast festivals. It's down home and human scaled, a perfect non-stress way to spend a day or two. With my declared Yarn Fast of 2008 in mind, I arranged to arrive at the fairgrounds just in time to have lunch before the class started at 1 pm.

Many others had the same idea about food. To me, this was a long line; from what I read of others' experience at the aforementioned Big-Ass Festivals, this is nothing.

I had a lamb burger, a small tray of veggies with dip, and bottled water. $5.75, reasonable. No pictures of the food -- I didn't want the others seated on my left and right and across the table to realize just how weird we bloggers can be.

A quick run to the rest room before class and I was set. Oh, you would like to see the rest rooms? The stalls were cute.

   

Annie had the Poultry and Rabbit building all to herself for her class.

But the day, although bright and sunny, was windy and quite cool and inside that building it was even colder. So she organized us outside in the sunshine.

There were twelve of us, the perfect number for a class -- small enough to get any individualized help one might need, but large enough that one (me) didn't feel any pressure. And I learned a few things, too.

We all made swatches using a lace pattern from Romantic Knits. The original scarf, which Annie had with her, is knit in light green Tilli Tomas Disco Lights (100% silk, sequined). Try to imagine just how gorgeous it was in the sun with the gleam of the silk and the sparkle of the sequins.

The class ended shortly after 3 and the festival ended at 4, so I thought I was safe from yarn-buying fever. Wrong. I succumbed to the wool, er, cotton and silk fumes. But I'll save showing you my acquisitions for another post. Let's look now at what I saw after I left.

When one is forced to drive one of these (Smokey was using my little car)

one must endure this.

But sometimes one is lucky enough to observe this at the next pump.

Some llamas from the festival were on their way home, too.

I walked over and put my camera between the bars to get an unobstructed picture of one of the pretty faces, but my viewfinder suddenly went black. Another llama had come over to check out the camera, up close and personal-like. That happened every time I tried.

Well, almost every time.

No, that llama is not about to attack me; I caught him (her?) in mid-chew of his/her cud. Check out those eyelashes!

The owner tried to get one of the llamas to demonstrate how it gives her a kiss, but the llama was having none of it. They all were tired of people and tired of being on display. They were ready for a good roll in the grass and some nice quiet *me* time. I guess we can all identify with that.

Comments

[Sheepish Annie]

A class with Annie? You are sooooo lucky!!! It all looks like such a fun time. Except for the gas part, that is. I winced at that...

But, otherwise, I am just droopy with the envy!

[Chris]

Sounds like it was a fabulous day (other than the sticker shock at the pump). This is the first year I've missed the festival in the last 6 or so.

[Amy]

How fun. The rain scairt me away. Rain = mud. Not to mention gas prices. Sigh. Next year!

[Carrie K]

A Sunday lace class taught by Annie Modesitt. How lucky can one girl get?

The llama looks like he's laughing at you. Maybe at the gas price. At least it hasn't hit $4 in your area. Yet.

[Jeanne]

I missed the festival this year, but that's probably a good thing since I usually go on Saturday. I thought filling up my car of $55 was bad...

[Ruth]

The price of gas was secondary only to knowing myself well enough to realize that I don't possess the will power to go and not come home with a ton of new yarn...otherwise I would so have been there, too! I've heard a lot now about the lamb burgers as well. I'm taking a lace class right now and though I've done the "lace" knitting in the past (yo's, k2tog's, etc.), I'm doing a shawl with lace-weight yarn. Slow going but I LOVE it and can't wait to finish this one so I can move on to my next!

[Julie]

I am in awe of your planning powers!

Looks like a fun day.

[sophanne]

Lovely- lovely- lovely.

having been to my first "big" festival and experiencing it, I have a feeling that I will come to appreciate our "little" one here at home. Not so many difficult choices to make for sure!

[deb]

A llama bus!! I'll have to remember to show Kathryn!

[Miss T]

That looks like SO much fun! I missed it. :o(

[elizabeth]

I find it fascinating how you thought taking a picture of your food could be construed as "weird" but taking a picture in the bathroom was not. :o)

[Nora]

Awww. Cute llamas!!!

[cursingmama]

I was a Saturday attendee & will share my story soon (hopefully). Did you eat Kettle Corn? THE BEST!

[Cindy]

A class with Annie and llama eyelashes, it sounds like a terrific day.

[Susan]

Sounds like the best day ever!

[Janet]

I love the upclose llama pic. Too funny. I always thought gas was cheaper "back east". Sorry that your, "sufferin' at the pump" too.