At two hours and forty-five minutes from home, Massachusetts Sheep & Wool is hardly the perfect day trip. But we all know that never stops a fiber enthusiast! So, on Saturday Dale and I and Sharon and Al left bright and early for Cummington.
The chatting in the car made the ride go quickly and it seemed like we arrived in no time. We were greeted in the parking lot by Juno and Cate and that was the perfect start to a day of friends and fiber.
The first sheep we saw was this one. I call him Lyle Lovett.
Once we started wandering around we quickly bumped into Kathy, Manise, Laurie and Jess. We spent some time shopping together and then had a wonderful picnic lunch of fried chicken, potato salad and wine.
After lunch we shopped some more while we waited for the fleece sale. And yes, I did indeed buy a beautiful merino fleece. Al asked me how many fleeces I had at home and I looked at him pointedly and said, “that’s irrelevant. I don’t have this fleece.”
We then spent the best part of the day – lolling around on the grass, taking photos, chatting, knitting and spindle spinning. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, it’s the gathering of friends that truly makes these festivals special.
And dear sweet Cate.
And Jackie and her brand new baby bump!
The day really flew by and before I knew it we were dropping Sharon and Al at their front door. It was great to spend such wonderful time with friends amongst the fiber.
Kathy Said,
Terrific recap. And terrific cookies
Kim Said,
If that white fleece is the one you came home with…you scored! It is beautiful!
margene Said,
I love seeing pictures of my fiber friends even if you are all miles and miles away!
Wool Winder Said,
Looks like the 5.5 hours in the car was worth it!
gale (she shoots sheep shots) Said,
Sorry to have missed you all…by a day! Sunday was a great day at the fair, too.
Julie Said,
Sounds like the perfect day trip to me!
PumpkinMama Said,
Great shots, and that fleece looks really yummy.
Laurie Said,
I really like your answer to Al.
Marcia Cooke Said,
How did I miss you?! I saw literally everyone else in your photos, although briefly. We only stayed about 45 minutes (one big loop around) as we had a hospital visit in Springfield that was the main reason for the trip. Lovely fleece.
Chris Said,
It looks like a fabulous day!
Lucia Said,
Ah, vicarious living.
I’m going to remember that line. I don’t have *this* fleece, roving, yarn, spinning wheel… the possibilities are endless.
Deb Said,
I love Lyle! What fun you had. So what if we had to have our own boring festival on my porch, alone, without you, or anyone els for that matter. Bitter – nah!
Karen Said,
Sounds like a perfect day!! That’s the best fleece answer I’ve ever heard. It would work great for yarn too!
Michelle Said,
It sounds like a wonderful weekend!
(wow, it really does look like Lyle Lovett…)
Leslie Said,
Looks like tons of fun!
Cheryl Said,
That fleece was so great. The rest of us just kept talking about it! What a find.
JessaLu Said,
mmm…you did have wonderful cookies.
)
It was a great day – and a wonderful fleece! ;o)
Knitnana Said,
Love the smiles!!! Obviously a fun time, and what lovely weather you had!
(((hugs)))
Mary in Boston Said,
I love the sheep named Lyle. Awesome. Wasn’t Saturday a glorious day? I went to the festival too, bought more yarn, and some maple cream. Yum.
Birdsong Said,
Can I borrow that witty retort as needed? Lovely photos of good times!
Danielle Said,
I’m bummed that I missed it! And your fleece — gorgeous!!! Drool-worthy, even.
Martha Said,
Look how long Cate’s hair got! And look at Jackie’s bump! And look at that fleece– my, that is gorgeous! Sigh.
Judy Said,
that cookie came at just the right moment!
anne Said,
nice! it looks like a great get-together and makes me miss you guys!
Hillary Said,
Nice recap. Sounds like you had fun.
Cookie Said,
Sounds like a wonderful weekend.
Teyani Said,
I completely agree about the “hanging out with fiber friends” being the best part of festivals. Looks like you had all the usual great bunch of folks. Very fun.
Lyle lovett .. heh heh – you crack me up. Such a perfect name for that sheep.
Laura Said,
It sounds like you had a perfectly wonderful and emergency free time! So how many fleeces DO you have at home Carole?
blogless sharon Said,
It was definitely a fabulous date with great friends. thank’s girlfriend
claudia Said,
Looks like a fun time, and I am sorry to have missed it.
Risa Said,
Terrific recap! I feel like I was there.
I love the answer on that fleece, which is gorgeous btw.