Coventry Farmer's Market

Today was one of those beautiful and rare days that happen in September. Just when you think summer is over, you get a treat. The temperature was summer-like, but of course the light is totally different, and by 5 PM, it has already cooled off. To me, these days are better than summer.

Once a year, the Farmer's Market of Coventry holds its Fiber Day. Besides the usual summer food produce booths, there are booths of yarn, fiber, animals, and special demonstrations and presentations. It is held at the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry. Nathan Hale is probably the most famous Connecticut resident. He gave up his life in 1776 when he was tried and hung as a spy. His famous last words, "I regret I have but one life to give for my country" are familiar to every American.

Ken and I set out from our home in Mansfield, 11 miles away, on our bikes. We arrived just as the market was opening. The very first stop was to see some adorable angora rabbits. Poor little guys were pretty hot already, but their considerate owner draped some cloth over their cage to give them some shade. Next were the beautiful and long-necked alpaca babies who refused to look at my camera. As always, you can smell the kettle corn wherever you happen to be. I was lured into a booth that sold both alpaca yarn and roving. I deliberated over the roving for the entire time, then decided that I already have lots of it at home. We bought some corn and tomatoes and headed home on our bikes.

These guys refused to look at me!

Can you smell it?
English tea treats and authentic Colonial garb.

Can you imagine this sock display?

I've been busy doing things that are not really related to my actual work, and when this happens, I know exactly why I am doing it. It's procrastination in the highest form. I decided I needed to dye some self-striping sock yarn. Why? I have no clue, but I had to do it. Now that's it's all dyed, I have to knit the socks from it. I am going to try the Strick-ly Socks method but do two at a time on two circulars. I have never been a real fan of this method, as I love my double points. The idea is there, so I have to do it. I have tons of other work to do, but these side-tracks happen to me every now and then, and I guess it's just my mind saying, "take a break." So I do.

Strick-ly Socks is now up at Amazon, and I gotten a few nice reviews. I've got to get to work on Strick-ly Shawls. There are some really beautiful ones I am working on, and lots more in my head. Here's hoping for another gorgeous summer day tomorrow!