Shannon gave me the opportunity to work as her assistant this weekend down at Knitters Connection in Columbus. Of course, I jumped at the chance and we left bright and early Friday morning and got there just in time for her 9 am spinning class. I’m no great shakes at spinning, so I was looking forward to helping as well as learning. The thing that I really love about being around a group of fibre people is that I always learn something from them, even if it’s a different mind set - the way we all approach fibre is slightly different and I adore looking at things from all the different perspectives. I hope it makes me a better designer, I know it opens up my eyes each and every time.
I have to admit my resolve to NOT get a spinning wheel was severely shrunk during this class. Don’t get me wrong, I want one with a passion, however I know me. Two years with a wheel and I’ll have the sheeps and be living out on some farm somewhere. Not the best deal for Benjamin and his utter fear of the outdoors! But the motion of spinning appeals to me, the mechanics of the wheel as it turns is incredibly soothing and the creation of yarn - well, all I can say is “WANT!” I can _see_ myself spinning. However, I can see myself spinning to the exclusion of all else <g> so for now, I shall lust from afar 
After the class we left Columbus and went down to Athens, which is about 70 miles south. The countryside down there is stunning. Lots of hills and trees and old farm buildings, not to mention some seriously delightful slate roofs. The colors were inspiring and the shapes to die for. Athens itself is a beautiful campus and it was hilly. I miss hilly towns. This one reminded me of Conisborough in Yorkshire. I used to live at the bottom of a hill that was staggering, but having to walk up and down it two or three times a day made me the fittest I’ve ever been.
Saturday morning was Nuno Felting class. I had no real idea how this was done other than the abstract basic details. Watching the group learn and seeing the lightbulbs go off when they saw results was wonderful. We pretty much tore up the convention center by taking over the bathrooms to “thwap” our felt creations against the sinks! It looked like something out of CSI, but felty and soapy rather than bloody and gooey.
I had a super fun weekend, lots of giggles, lots of good food, a trip to the North Market and new friends. Who could ask for more? Oh, and I _didn’t_ buy any yarn!
