Day 1 of the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival was amazing!  I started the day with the Color Lunch.   The Color Lunch opened at 10 am with a box lunch (turkey and cheddar).  We also got swag bags with some Berroco yarn, a color wheel, some quilting squares, and other little goodies.  I sat at a table of ladies from around the State and another from West Virginia.  We had a great time talking and getting to know each other.  The Color Lunch started with a block printing craft by creating patterns on stamps and making stamps on cloth.  This activity was presented by Nora Peters of The Stitch Party  Then we did another color exercise by Julie Stunden to see how colors react with each other.  Oh, and did I mention that I won a prize too?  A set of circular knitting needles!  Now I really need to learn how to knit.

My block stamping experiments

I won these!

Color exercise by Julie Stunden

We were allowed on the floor before the rest of the festival opened.  I walked over to the Fiber Forward Exhibition.  Some really amazing knit and crochet projects are on display there.

I strolled up and down the aisles, just to see what was there.  So many vendors!  I was in heaven surrounded by so much yarn!  And there was even a yarn Winnebago (it’s actually a mobile yarn shop, great idea)!  I need one of these in my backyard.  What do they call them?  A Her Shed?  Yeah, I want one!

After a little time on the floor exploring, I went to my classroom for Crochet Lace and Cables with Robyn Chachula.  We started off with some post stitches and cables to start in a couple of swatches to start.  Then we went into a Foxglove Stitch swatch.  She was very knowledgeable and taught us about how post stitches can be used to keep the shape of the lace over time.  She also taught us about the different fibers and they react with post stitches.  I enjoyed this class and felt that it was right at my skill level to help me improve my technique.  Note to self, when talking a class to learn something new, don’t use fuzzy yarn.  My first two swatches came out pretty good, but I’ve done post stitches and cables before.  The Foxglove pattern was a bit more challenging, not difficult, just need a little more practice to get the pattern down.  Really beautiful though!  Robyn has her own website, crochet by faye with patterns, classes, blog, etc.  Check it out!

After class I went back down to the floor.  I’m not planning on spending too much money this weekend.  I’m on a strict budget, but I did buy a few items today, including one of Robyn’s books and a t-shirt from her shop.

OK, time to get some rest so I have energy for tomorrow.  Tickets are still available at the door and you can still sign up for some classes.  If you are in the area, come check it out!  Oh wait, I have to finish getting my steps before I can get some rest.