MD Sheep & Wool

Where to even start!?

I have wanted to go to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival for years, and after a couple nudges from Natalie (host of the wonderful Bark n Knit podcast!) we were all systems go for the trip.

The trip was wonderful from beginning to end.  I'm going to give you some highlights, so grab your favorite cuppa and get ready for a fun post, which will be photo heavy!

We arrived at the festival at 10:00 on Saturday morning.  This is one of the largest fiber festivals anywhere, so I had to take a photo of the parking lot/field to give you an idea of the scale of this event - and this was only in ONE direction.  There was an equal amount of cars behind me, and the parking was also across the road to get in, too.  Hundreds and hundreds of cars.  This doesn't show the tour bus parking, either!

Here is a pic before we started to melt from the 90+ degree heat.  We ate and stayed hydrated throughout the day, believe me!

The first line of business was the Podcast Meet & Greet, as Natalie was a participant and of course we wanted to support her and the other fab podcasters!

Meeting the fabulous "Knitmore Girls" ~ Gigi and Jasmin

Michelle and Natalie, Natalie of course being the wonderful host of "Bark 'n Knit"

The amazing Jackie of "KIPing it Real"

Next was going to see some of the delightful fiber animals.  They're all so sweet!

We also checked out the auction that was going on.  There were amazing looms and wheels there!

We attended the Fiber Crawl after party, hosted by Guido of the "It's a Purl, Man" podcast.  We had a great time! 

Us girls in party mode.  Lots of knitting, chatting, and snacks!

On Sunday we went back to the festival for a little while, but we were all leaving to travel home by the afternoon, so I definitely took it easy so I wasn't sweaty and tired for the long drive.  I enjoyed taking photos, visiting with friends, and taking in the Sheep Dog Show as well as the Sheep to Shawl competition.

Met up with my novel-writing muse, Amy, author of blog "Mrs. Darsie's Menagerie"

The women Harley riders that were competing in the Sheep to Shawl competition

Announcer and sheep dog owner at the Sheep Dog demonstration, which was amazing!

My favorite picture of the whole weekend! Michelle, Amy, myself, and Natalie

This was truly an amazing weekend, despite the 90+ degree heat and the huge crowds.  Nothing beats spending time with people that keep you inspired on a daily basis!

Now?  Back to reality as soon as I can come out of my friends and fiber coma....