Get Felt Up at NeedleWork Unlimited (its a felting contest!)

I stopped into Needlework Unlimited yesterday to pick up stitch markers large enough to slide on #19 needles. A simple purchase, less than six dollars.

Now, does anyone think that I went to my favorite yarn shop, made a six dollar purchase and left? I'll wait....

Ok, now that we all realize that it is not possible to practice restraint in your favorite LYS, I confess that I did purchase a large fish hook for the cables on my sleeveless Best Friend Sweater, a ticket to the Sally Melville lecture in April, a skein of angora/merino blend, and 4 skeins of some Manos del Uruguay yarn in the most fabulous kettle-dyed colors.

This was my first experience with this yarn and I am now a true fan. I found out that this yarn is handspun and kettle-dyed over wood fires by women in the countryside of Uruguay. While no two skeins are exactly alike I did manage to find a couple that are close enough that they look like they are from a similar dye lot.

I am way excited about working with it. I think I shall use it for the enterlac scarf on my list for the year. (speaking of which, I'd better get cracking on that list!)

Needlework Unlimited Felting Contest

Karen at Needlework Unlimited has come up with a wonderful way to brighten up an otherwise dreary month. NU is holding a felting contest! Go into the shop between now and March 22 and vote for your favorite felted piece. The winning entry will receive a $100 gift card. I voted while I was there on Saturday and I must say, there are some true works of art on display. Karen has them mounted on the wall to protect the pieces from being overhandled (hence the "Felt Up!" reference) The shop also has a plethora of books on felting if this inspires you to try your hand at this useful skill.