The yarn stash has grown considerably, thanks to the annual “Yarn Quest” that’s put on by seven yarn shops in the Salt Lake Valley. Thought I’d share some pictures of the swag for those of you who are as excited by wool as I am:

Some Cascade 220, purchased at Unwind, which I plan upon using to create another Aran Scarf, this time for myself:
Rowan Colourscape Chunky, picked up at The Unravelled Sheep. An impulse buy because it reminded me of Penguin for some reason. Not quite sure what I’m going to make with it; probably a scarf for the cute girl:
A handful of skeins of Tahki Cotton Classic, found at The Wool Cabin, intended for a Sweet Pea Hat and a Happy Trails hat (Ravelry link):

Some Knit One Crochet Too “Crock-o-Dye,” purchased at Black Sheep Wool Company, in a colorway that matches Bluebird’s new winter parka, for which she is lacking accessories:
Mmmm, Koigu. Believe it or not, all three of these colorways will be in the same project and will probably end up looking quite fabulous. That’s the magic of Koigu. I don’t know why it works that way, but it does. I plan upon using this to make a beautiful linen stitch scarf that I saw on display at Blazing Needles:
Shibui Stacatto, colorway: “50’s Kitchen,” also from Blazing Needles. I saw it and grabbed every skein of it from the display because I just absolutely fell in love with the colors. I think they make a cute “little boy” colorway…I’m leaning towards using it to make a cardigan for Monkeyboy:

Some Berroco “Vintage,” destined to become a Pembroke vest for Monkeyboy, chosen after Kamille pointed it out for its machine washability and economical price:
A special treat that I picked up at Three Wishes Fiber Arts–a merino and tencel fiber blend by Greenwood Fiberworks (fittingly named “Vancouver”)–for me to get my spin on.I only possess a hand spindle, so spinning hasn’t been a big focus of mine. However, at knit group, Kit showed me an easier way to wield the hand spindle and thus re-ignited my interest in the craft.

Bluebird wants some Mommy-made yarn as well, and chose some fiber at Three Wishes in a colorway that suited her, Mountain Color’s “Gold Rush”:

The purpose of Yarn Quest is to get you to visit all seven stores (hopefully parting with some of your money) and get your Yarn Quest card punched/stamped so it can be entered into a drawing for all sorts of delicious knitting goodies.

They also had a kids’ card, which Bluebird diligently presented at each shop and is now holding her breath over whether or not she’ll win a prize. (If she’s inherited her mother’s luck, she will not win a thing.)

It was fun to spend two whole Saturdays with just her (and Monkeyboy, as I’m his sole food source), travelling about and chatting and just being together. It’s hard to find one-on-one time with my children, so I was pleased that we could bond over something that interests me so much. Penguin is looking forward to tagging along with us for next year’s Yarn Quest because she wants some quality time with Mama as well.

She’s been requesting knitting lessons every since we walked out of the first shop together. I was planning on teaching her this winter, but might bump it up as a result of her newfound enthusiasm. Heaven knows we have enough inspiration, in the form of yarn and fiber, to keep us happily engaged for many months to come!