Gayle and I have just returned from spending the weekend at the Stitches West event in Santa Clara. Stitches West is a large retail needle arts event with a large market place and classes. We also worked at the Western Sky Knits booth, helping with set-up, sales, and tear-down. One of the best things about any large fiber event is the people watching. Or in this case, the sweater watching. Trends we noticed included combining two or more strands of yarn together to create fabric; colorwork sweaters are still popular; new textures, such as the slubby yarn we saw at Western Sky Knits; and we noticed that many dyers are bringing back non-superwash bases. There is so much to see at a show like this and even though we try to at least walk the whole show floor, we still miss things! But we had a fabulous time and enjoyed spending time with friends and listeners. We hope you enjoy our brief recap! - Sharlene Slubby fingering from Western Sky Knits The wedding dress we saw in the Forbidden Fibers booth Super Simple Summer Sweater by Joji Locatelli stitchinsenorita's Super Simple Summer Sweater Old School by Veera Valimaki Magnolia Chunky Cardigan by Camilla Vad Sorrel by Wool & Pine Sharlene's Sorrel Magnolia Sock from Western Sky Knits Ranunculus by Midori Hirose Gayle's Ranunculus Love Note by tincanknits Sharlene's Love Note Clio by Elizabeth Doherty Gayle's Clio Sheer V sweater by Jessie Mae Martinson Paper Daisies by Lisa K. Ross Calan Mai by Voolenvine Thank-you to our sponsor Western Sky Knits!

Puntilla by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Puntilla Maypop Hoodie by Susanna Winter Gayle's Maypop Handspun Hope - handspun yarn from Rwanda These felted animals are just adorable! Grace by Jane Richmond