Vogue Knitting Live, Chicago.

Holy moly.  I hardly know where to begin. I was beyond excited to learn that Vogue Knitting Live was coming to town; of course, I had to go; I had high expectations; it didn't disappoint. My pal Narayani and I headed downtown to the Palmer House early Saturday morning to take full advantage of the market place. I've been to Stitches Midwest and local fiber fests before, so I had a good idea what to expect. The market can be a bit of a sensory overload if you walk in without a plan. Our approach was to take a lap before we decided what we wanted to buy. It mostly worked out. I love to look for yarn varieties I don't have access to at my LYS. I think it's really fantastic to have a tactile experience with new yarns and see samples knit using them before ordering them blindly online. 

We were able to test-knit qiviut in the yarn tasting area...which might be the only time I'm ever able to knit with this delish fiber; although, the idea of a year long yarn diet to save for a sweater's worth did cross my mind (1,090 yards = $490!)   We were also able to check out yarn spun from 100% mink (ethically collected; I asked) paper yarns and steel yarns.

We dropped in to visit the Windy City Knitting Guild and added a couple rows to Maureen O'wool. 

There were a variety of fiber artists displaying their work. Kelly Fleek's sculptural hat creations were among the most unique and whimsicle pieces we saw. 

Narayani and I both wanted to take these felted friends home with us to admire forever, and ever. 

The knitted presidents collection (many more not pictured) were the most patriotic knits we saw. 

And, there was this llama chair.... 

We had the pleasure of meeting designer Ann Weaver, (Ravelry), and she was lovely enough to sign a copy of her book White Whale Vol.II  for me. 

After the market, I listened to the Yarn Harlot talk about how amazing knitting is for our brains. 

Then, I took a class with Josh Bennett that was WONDERFUL. He might be the most adorable knitter in the universe; I'd watch the Price is Right with him any day. ;-)  

I came home with yarns from Habu Textiles. This booth was my favorite. The yarns are completely unexpected and unlike anything I'm used to.  The grey is a cotton yarn destined to be this pattern. And the white/black is a yarn constituted from 100% Rayon. It's going  to be this jacket when it grows up. Both of these are yarns I wouldn't have gravitated to without having seen them in action. 

I grabbed a bag of Louisa Harding Willow Tweed in a 50% off bag sale; SCORE!

I couldn't resist coming home with a skein of sock yarn from Karida Collins' Neighborhood Fiber Company. The colors in her yarns are SUPER SATURATED and amazing. I was drawn to them like a moth to a flame.

Last, but not least, my copy of Whit Whale V.2. 

I left feeling completely inspired- Such a great day! Please, please, please Vogue Knitting Live, come back soon.