Sock Summit - Day One, Let the fun begin!

Sock Summit Day One has already beat expectations. I was in an all day class taught by Melissa Morgan-Oakes on knitting two socks on one circular needle. We didn't quite get to finishing the socks with kitchener stitch but I hope to have learned enough to tackle a pair of socks on one long circular needle... on my own! Class attendees had the special privilege of going to the Marketplace early - there were over 150 vendors showcasing the most exquisite selection of hand painted yarns, spinning and fiber materials, knitting accessories, needles and more. The market is worthy of a entire blog entry so watch for it soon! The Opening Reception provided an introduction to the esteemed instructors and a humorous narrative of how Sock Summit came to be - from a wild concept to full blown, successful implementation. An especially memorable moment for me was soon after the event began. When we had arrived at the convention center, Candace noticed a sign on the door that Assistive Listening Devices were available. I have an unexplained, profound hearing loss that began a number of years ago (well into adulthood) that continues to worsen. I struggle with the impact of it each and every day. On a whim, I decided to ask the convention center staff if I could use such a device during the Opening Reception event... they brought over a small pocket size amplifier and headset that had been tuned into the microphone system that the presenters were using. OMG. OMG. OMG. I was astonished at how well I could hear the speakers! Every single word was crystal clear and understandable. I haven't experienced that in 8 years! I burst into tears as I was overtaken with sheer joy in terms of feeling that I was included and could be a full and engaged participant in what was going on around me. That feeling had been lost for so long and it was overwhelming to get it back, even if for a short duration. Oh my goodness... I looked back at my friends and they were wiping tears from their eyes and cheeks. They are all so very, very dear to me and I love them all.

Candace and I had the honor of meeting the very gracious Barbara Walker. She is the author of the widely regarded Treasury of Knitting Patterns (Blue, Red, Yellow and Green books) that are the indispensable cornerstone of any knitter's library. She is beyond amazing and has the utmost respect of knitters worldwide - not just for her accomplishments, but for the body of work in knitting and other pursuits that she has shared with all of us. We also had a fun conversation with the always kind, genuine, and colorful Lucy Neatby. Her DVD's on knitting techniques are superb and extremely well done. Meg Swanson and Lucy are the best of the best at using technology to teach and communicate.