I tried something new this year for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. It was precipitated by the experiences of 
previous years when I felt completely overwhelmed and out of touch with all of the sights, the people, and the things around me. This year I made a conscious effort to be fully present in the moment – a mindfulness practice of not being overexcited and overanxious and just really focusing on the here and now. I just let it flow naturally. And I have to say, it definitely made for a lovely and meaningful experience.
I got to meet generous people who offered their time to come up and say hello. It meant so much to me, so I thank you. It is truly a pleasure to see so many friendly and welcoming faces. This festival is such a highlight of my year for many reasons, but it is definitely the connections with people that mean to most. Spending the weekend with my best friend Jenna definitely sweetens the pot… I visited her in Seattle in March, and just a few weeks later, she is here to see me (and to go to the festival, of course!)
…and of course, the yarn. Practicing mindfulness at a commercial event can be a challenge. Obviously, the point of the festival is to celebrate the animals, their fiber, and the arts surrounding the uses of said fiber – and you celebrate all of those things by pulling out your wallet and taking things home with you. So, I thought that the best way to take this mindfulness aspect into a commercial event was to truly think about my purchases, and to support the companies/shops/farms that I bought from. I went in with the intention of buying from small local farms and dyers- my definition of local expanded a bit, but nevertheless kept to the “small” qualifier, because nearly every vendor at MDSW is a small business, often family-owned and operated. I wanted to support the local economies of my state, Maryland, as well as the few surrounding states. My parameters expanded down to North Carolina, and up to Maine, and hopped over more than a few to Minnesota, but I am happy with what I got and the vendors that I supported.
1. Shetland Tweed fingering, 2. Hoodie + Pendant, 3. Handspun Wool,
4. Folktale Handspun, 5. Three Waters Farm Handpaint, 6. Pucker Brush Farm Handspun,
7. RoseSpring Farm handdyed, 8. Angora/Wool handspun, 9. Tess Raw Silk,
10. Noro Cash Island, 11. March Hare fingering, 12. Tess Merino Worsted
I still did enhace the stash by quite a bit, but believe it or not, much less than previous years. The Noro was the only commercially available yarn I bought, and that is because the deal was almost too good to believe. Noro has that power over me…The vendor highlights for me were definitely 1) Jennie the Potter’s booth. Jennie creates amazing pottery, buttons, and pendants. I bought one of her pendants and two sets of buttons that I have not photographed yet. She is so talented, and I am now officially a huge fan 
and 2) ever-present love for Melinda and her beautiful yarns as Tess Designer Yarns. I was tempted by so so many, but came home with a beautiful blue merino (more story on this later!) and a lovely golden raw silk. The thing that was so special about both of these booths is that I got to talk to both Jennie and Melinda for awhile and get to know them better. It is wonderful to make those connections. They both do such amazing work!
I didn’t take as many photos this year as I usually do – maybe because it was rainy and overcast – but you can view what I did take over here. I had the opportunity to meet some really amazing people that I got to talking and did not even get a photo… I regret that, but I don’t regret the chance to talk more with them.
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So, for all of this talk about me procuring new yarn, I thought it was about time I did another contest around here – a chance for YOU to procure some of your own! Plus, I would love to hear from some of you that rarely comment but tell me that you read my blog (you know who you are!)
The new cowboy kerchief from Morehouse Merino (who sadly does not come to MDSW anymore…) The winner will be able to choose between the two colorways in the middle of the photograph: the gray/yellow or the maroon/blue combo. I will choose the winner randomly by Wednesday afternoon (May 6th) at 4pm EST. If you like, you can leave me a comment telling me more about a time when you were completely “in the moment” – whether it be while knitting, spinning, doing yoga, or just about anything else. I would love to hear about it
~Thank you~
The moments immediately after I wake up are usually the only time my head is clear enough to experience being in the present– I admire the way the sunlight streams through the blinds as I soak up the warmth of the body next to mine, appreciating her presence and feeeling fortunate that we are starting another day together.
I’ve actually found myself in the moment more than usual lately, and I think it has a lot to do with the emergence of spring! I’ve been going for a lovely stroll around my neighborhood each night checking out the blossoming gardens and the birds everywhere. It makes me feel happy to be alive and living in the northern hemisphere where spring is so dramatic.
My best experience of being in the moment has to be when I was nursing my daughter. I’d waited so long for her, and there was no guarantee I’d ever have another baby, and I knew I was not going to waste a minute of it. Plus, I knew she needed my undivided attention; so, I have lovely memories of just sitting, knowing nothing else was more important than this, enjoying my little girl. I remember times when she was quite small, just learning to smile, and would break off nursing just to smile at me.
My most in the moment happened 4.5 yrs ago when we found out we were pregnant after 5.5 yrs of trying…since then it is when I see small joys in the eyes of my girls. I am also in the moment when knitting for someone else – it makes me think of that person and reflect on why I am knitting this particular item for them:)
I bought a small knitter’s loom at MDSW last weekend, and I have been having a blast learning how to use it. I have been very mindful and in the moment and totally focused on passing the shuttle through and beating and watching my new scarf come to life. Sometimes it’s hard to be mindful during activities that you have done a million times, so it’s nice to try something new!
I am really enjoying your posts about yoga (and always love to read about your knitting!). My local yoga studio recently offered a three-week workshop called Yoga and Knitting — it was great. I had just started the Kata Meditation scarf from Tara Jon Manning’s Mindful Knitting book, so the timing was ideal. I learned so much in just three weeks and am hoping to try some of their other classes as well.
I had fun looking at your photos on Flickr — you picked up some lovely yarn!! I wish I could have been with you at the festival!
I don’t comment much, so “Hi!” It looks like you had fun at the festival.
I find I am most mindful when I am travel. The day-to-day is what distracts me. When I am someplace new, I am alert, mindful, in-the-moment and I love it.
I really enjoyed reading about your mindful MDSW experience. I had similar parameters when I went to Rhinebeck a few years ago: buy from small producer, and focus on things I couldn’t get at home. It made my decisions a lot easier and the day much more relaxed.
Great give-away, but since I’ve already won 2 contests in a row, I’d rather give someone else a chance at a prize.
man i’m still bummed i missed jennnie the potter’s booth! it was great to finally meet you on saturday. i’m sorry we didn’t a chance to chat some more. hopefully we’ll get to spend some more quality time together soon
I really wish I had made it down to the festival this year. Sigh. Maybe someday!
The only time I really manage to be “in the moment” is when I run. My mental health and well-being improves ten-fold when I am running. I should try to be more fully in the moment more often.
That’s a good thought-provoking question. I think for me, I’m really in the moment when I’m spinning. I’m still fairly new-ish at spinning, so I really have to think about and feel everything that I’m doing.
Sounds like you had fun, good for you supporting the local economy! smile
I find i can be completely in the moment at various times….gardening, knitting, doing massage at work…. unfortunately my mind usually wakes up as soon as my head hits the pillow!
I almost never comment, but since you asked…
I find myself in the moment when I’m doing math (well, I’m a math teacher) and when I’m doing the dishes by hand.
I loved the yoga sequence that you posted for Earth Day! Thank you for sharing it!
I like to enjoy the festival two ways – time alone, and time with wonderful friends (like you!). In my solitary time, I can interact if I choose or have more tunnel-vision and pass through the crowds. I have found the act of choosing yarn can be quite focused and mindful for me – I really shut everything out and it is just me and the yarn. And time goes by before I know it!
I find it is easier for me to be in the moment when nature is involved, something as mundane as weeding, or staring out at the birdfeeder waiting for that bluebird to come by. Our kitchen window faces due west and I frequently find myself gazing at a beautiful sunset and I try to just “be here now” and enjoy the changing colors.
In the moment . . . hmmm I think that’s when I am knitting! Otherwise, I am TRYING to live in the moment!!! xo
I read your blog, and I really like it, even though this is my first time commenting.
I’m an actor, and there are times when parts or scenes really click into place for me and I’m just there, not worrying about what it is that I’m doing, and I’m just in it. When I did Much Ado About Nothing, the scene after the wedding in act 4 was always like that and one of my favorite things I’ve ever done on stage.
Actually, I am most in the moment when knitting. When I am reading a wonderful book I get really involved. Some of my happiest times are out on hikes, but there are so many different things to concentrate on then. But I am in the moment there.
Anyway, I couldn’t make the festival this year so I am living vicariously through your blog.
Thank you.
Lurker surfacing here. I tend to forget to comment on people’s blogs most times. Guess that’s what bloglines will do to a person. For me, lately, in the moment has been when I’m sitting behind a friend’s spinning wheel. I sold my own about a year ago now, I guess, but never did anything about all the fiber I have. A friend up here in my new city is letting me use one that she has. I sat down at the knitting group this past Friday with a big bundle of fiber and got so into it that when I looked down 4 hours later, I had spun the whole bunch up. It felt very meditative and just plain great.
I have to admit that I am a lurker as well, have been following your blog for a few years now but have never left a comment.
I am most in the moment when I am jogging or in yoga class, although I try to slow down and practice mindfulness in all that I do.
Mindfulness and being in the moment are things I am just learning in my fifties. Twenty years of raising a large family, law school and struggling to stay afloat caused me to focus on the externals of life far too much, but even then I took time out spiritually – it’s what’s kept me alive For me, the last time I was “in the moment” was singing alto in my church choir’s practice of a Bach Cantata. It’s like being one strand in a bit of beautiful fabric – my idea of heaven, no matter what one’s theology or lack thereof:)
I’m so glad you wrote this post – MdS&W is a terrific event. I have gone a couple of times – I live in Ellicott City, but often the experience is overwhelming, bringing forth confusion, greed, exhaustion, and a host of other not-so-good emotions. As a result, I have avoided going the last two years and have missed out on what could be a fun experience. I will try your approach next time I do go, and I will start well in advance of the days of the festival.:)
Thanks again,
Joan a/k/a FSK
Hi!
I am a stand-in-the-back sort of reader.
I actually felt in the moment today when I taught my 10th graders how to write a cento.
I have been reading and enjoying your blog for a bit now but have never commented. I think I am most in the moment when I hit my “zone” while running. If I am working on a “mindless” knitting project I can achieve that “in the moment”, too. Thanks for a great blog!
Lolly – I’ve been reading your blog nearly as long as I’ve been knitting (about 4.5)years). It’s been great to watch our knitting progress to where it has – particularly to watch you progress as far as you have – your weight, your marriage and your yoga practice…you go girl! I found that I was totally in the moment today as I shared with a friend (who happens to be a cancer survisor) that I was starting to knit chemo caps for another friend currently battling breast cancer. Some people have a way of bringing you into the moment:)
I used to comment more, but I am guilty now of hit and run reading. But I also appreciate your thoughtful and creative posts. You definitely are full of inspiration for many people. It’s wonderful to read about your growth in yoga and weaving and knitting.
Last year when I attended Rhinebeck, I knew it would be different. The first 2 years I went were hurried and wonderful in their own ways, but last year I spent 2 days taking a spinning class on Thursday and Friday. I woke up on Saturday at my sister’s house, 17 miles away from the festival, and had coffee and breakfast and got there right before opening. I calmly walked through, made thoughtful purchases, all with projects in mind, and concentrated on fiber. I returned all of the purchases to my car and unencumbered, enjoyed the wonderful food and people and fiber. I took time to sit and watch the border collies, and missed my 7 year old’s company immensely. At 3:30 I said, that’s it, although I had planned to stay all weekend and do the Ravelry party, but I had accomplished all I needed and wanted to and wanted to top it off with being with my family. I’ll never forget that trip, but next year want to bring them with me. Thanks Lolly!
This is my first comment but I have read your blog for quite a while. I am inspired to try new things as I watch you “grow” in your interests.
This was the first year I missed MDSW in many years. My birthday almost always occurs that weekend (Tess of Tess Yarns shares the same date with me as I have discovered shopping at the booth over the years) and attending has always been a kind of birthday present to myself but, unfortunately, not this year. So my experience with mindfulness comes from being home thinking about the festival. Often, during the weekend, I would stop and think about what I might have been doing or seeing at that point. I revisited pictures I have taken over the years particularly in the animal barns. I also revisited my stash and was amazed at how much of MDSW has come home with me over the years. This helped me to enjoy the festival experience without having actually been there.
Thanks for taking the time to produce such an interesting blog.
What a gorgeous shot of the alpaca! Aren’t they so character filled?! I love it
I’ve been trying to be more mindful in most things – exercise (feeilng my body as I exercise, my breath, my flushed hot skin, any uncomfortable parts etc..), my knitting (I can’t seem to slow down to be truly mindful, but am focussing much more on the current rather than letting my mind wander). I feel calmer when I can achieve a little of this. It seems to make life calmer, not because you’re more in control, but simply because you’re enjoying or experiencing every little moment for exactly what it is, very honest.
Oooh I always love living vicariously through these fabulous fibre festivals! Can hardly wait to visit one some day or have something similarly excellent come down here to Australia!
Lovely to have a givewaway – how spoilt we are! I like the yellow and grey combo
Hi Lolly!
I’ve been reading your blog for some time and your knits often inspire me – I don’t complete quite as many, but just love the choices and colours!!! Thank you so much for the time you put into your writing and picture taking!
In the moment – for me it is often that time just before sleep, when I have crawled into bed and am not quite ready to sleep. If the right yarn, hook/needle and pattern are near, I may cast on – the last few have not been successful, but more because I am grabbing the wrong combination of yarn and needle.
I love the blues of your new stash!!!
Sharon
I find I am most easily “in the moment” when I am doing something physical. This most often happens when I run. I feel my feet moving and concentrate on my breath going in and out, feel the beat of my heart. Bliss.
Love some of that yarn (especially the handpainted blue)….there aren’t a lot of spring fiber festivals in my area (Oregon’s Willamette Valley)….although even if there were I wouldn’t be able to buy that much yarn anyway…hellO student budget!!!
Anyway, enjoy your yarn!
I remember being totally in the moment searching for shells on Sanibel Island. We were on vacation and completely engrossed in finding treasures!
One of my “in the moment” times is first thing in the morning before I get out of bed. I spend a few minutes snuggling with my dog and looking out the window. It sets a good tone for the day!
I always read, but rarely comment. I’ve never been to a fiber festival, so part of me is insanely jealous!
I love the Cowboy Kerchief – I think I’ll buy a kit if I don’t win!
I was ‘in the moment’ when I met up with dcknitdiva at the front gate. We had a fantastic time at the festival. We chatted a lot about our lives and what brought us to the festival year after year. We were both on a limited budget and were very careful about what we bought and the purpose of the purchase. At the end of the day, we hugged and went our separate ways knowing that we had a fantastic day and will meet again.
One of my “in the moments” while I’m in the tub in the morning. Normally when I wake up in the morning, I don’t turn on the tv or the lights. I just run a bath and just sit there with my eyes closed…this is how I wake up in the morning.
I wonder if I would have gone to the MSWF if I still lived in the area. It sounds a little overwhelming, but I like seeing others’ reports!
Hey! It was so great to see you the at the fest! You really do look fantastic. You should be really proud of yourself! xoxoox C
I’m one of those readers who doesn’t comment.. One of my fav mindful moments: riding my bicycle through the city of Montreal, in the early hours of the morning last summer. The air was cool, the light was perfect, the sparrows were chirping, and the streets were almost empty. I enjoyed everything about it.
I am in the moment when knitting and running–insert needle, wrap yarn, pull through and one foot in front of the other. They feel equally good.
Somtimes I feel “in the zone” when I knit. Stitches are flowing from my fingers and the pieces just grows and grows. Then there are times when every stitch is a struggle. Some very intenses “in the moment” moments actually happen at work. When I am interpreting huge loads of data for example, I can get so absorbed that I don’t notice what’s going on around me at all, which is quite a thing considering that I share an office with 6 other students and my desk is the one closest to the door!
I have had a strange and not really good day at all. While walking home (flat tire on the bike…) after classes in the rain I turned on my mp3 player, listned to a podcast about knitting and forgot where I was. It felt great. I came home, jumped right into my jammies and under a blanket still listening and now knitting too. I know I should be doing stuff, reading, planning dinner, but I don’t care. Today I’ll just stay here in the moment and try to fell good…
Love your finds, especially the blues and the Noro. #12 is absolutely fantastical.
So sorry it didn’t happen for me this year. XXOO
I started to be “in the moment” when I discovered small art quilts. This took a lot of pressure from me. I experience this feeling of beeing capable and things are flowing.
I started an online-project (monthly.fabric.pages) and wish to have more time on hand – and less distraction of the outside, in my case the job, because this does hinder the creative juices.
Now I wonder how can read and follow all your comments?
Great your attempt to take it “off the mat”.
Hey lady,
I loved what you purchased at the festival. What colors. Someday I will be able to go to more of them. I currently have 2 1/2 jobs and knit and spin on the side. I would love to just have my one job and sell my handspun yarns. I love reading your blog and others. That is my relaxation at work…oops don’t tell my boss…..
Enjoy your yarns and can’t wait to see what you use them for. I’m sure they will be wonderful.
I love reading your blog, but this is the first time I’m commenting. I just love your perspective and your photos!
I often feel in the moment when I run. It amazes me that my body can propel me forward so fast, and I feel the sweat on my skin, and my breath hard but even, and I drink in the sun, and the sea breeze, and the birds singing, and the sound of my shoes on the gravel. It doesn’t happen every time, but I love when I can let myself be in that moment.
It is such an ordinary thing that I was doing while I was in the moment. My husband and I were at the local store buying some plants to put out in front of our house. We were just talking about how we wanted the planter to look. We continued this in the conversation in the car from the store and actually creating these planters out front to make the house look nice.
What a gorgeous kerchief–and a cool idea for a contest! Lately I’ve been completely in the moment when tending my garden. Growing things has always seemed really intimidating to me, so the small successes of plants growing and thriving–even from seed–has been quietly and surprisingly empowering.
I am usually a lurker and have commented a few times with a couple of questions here and there about your F.O.s but you never respond back
So I just continue to lurk, but love those scarves!! I’ve been into them lately! The orange/khaki is fab!
Occasionally I do get into the moment in yoga class when everything feels like it’s clicking together. While writing a term paper a few weeks ago I got into a moment where the writing just flowed and made great sense.
Wow, I didn’t realize I had a whole back log of your posts to catch up on! I really agree with your assessment of the festival this year – going in with few expectations and just going with the flow really made for a great event. Talking with the vendors definitely made the day special, especially Jennie. I hope she’s there next year with a babe in arms! I’ve been using my mug for tea everyday and it’s been a great reminder or a lovely day with you
I can definitely say that I was in the moment during the two great concerts I attended over the last two nights. One of the best things about live shows is how they can really wrap you up in the music and the moment, make you feel like you’re making a connection with the musicians and other attendees. It’s so special.