SkipNorth 2012

I've been trying to find a picture that sums up this year's SkipNorth. I think this might be it.

The intensity in Kate's regard as she works out if the yarn is skinny enough (technical term) for her needs is evident. Then there is a hint of elbowing about to break out on the left as the British Breeds display came to general attention. This is Coldspring which is just one of the many places we visited. It was, in my humble opinion, a very good SkipNorth.

There were new experiences, such as the amazing County Alpaca Farm.

This was quite amazingly informative and fascinating and they were so kind to us.

Then there were the more familiar sights, such as Winghams.

Nic and I even fitted a sneaky visit to Bonds as well before the main holiday began...

A rare treat!

This is all surrounded by beautiful Bronte countryside.

And my haul? Modest, by the standards of previous years. A few skeins and balls of wool, already logged on Ravelry. Some lovely fabrics...

The blue and the art deco ones are destined to be skirts. Both came from the amazing Bombay Stores along with some other notions and sparkly delights.

One or two cards of buttons and some patchwork packs from Bonds.

A mere 20g of amazing handspun from Winghams which my photography skills have succeeded in robbing of all its glory.

Don't ask me what I'll do with it. Just *adore* it I suppose.

Those of you with more time than sense will find all my photos here. I'm tempted to just go on posting them endlessly but I'll restrain myself.

Nic and I have taken the rare step of looking into dates for 2013 already and will be rejigging the format as this will be our EIGHTH SkipNorth - amazing to think we've been going that long and also a lovely reminder of how long Nickerjac and I have been friends. We've both seen quite a few changes during that time but SkipNorth remains a delightful constant (at least when I forget the organisation that needs to take place before we get there to make sure everything opens and arrives and happens when it should, that no one goes into anaphylactic shock and that everyone has access to volumes of tea, coffee and cake that would make Kirsty Allsop weak at the knees.

One more photo - she was my favourite.

So cute!