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The Two Ewes record together this week since Marsha is visiting Kelly for the NoCKRs retreat (last weekend) and the Big Sur 21-miler (coming up this weekend).\xa0 You'll hear about what inspired us at the retreat, the progress we've made on our current projects, and our plans to meet more listeners.\xa0 We also talk about the idea of Spirit Yarn.

The retreat was a great way for Kelly to get miles of spinning done! She worked on more of the yarn for her mother's Shibui Axis vest.\xa0 Two large bobbins were filled and that should end up being 4-5 ounces of yarn once it is plied.\xa0 Kelly also knitted on the Funky Grandpa cardigan that she is making out of handspun.\xa0 Both of these projects turned out to be great social projects.\xa0 Marsha worked on her Fairfield Cardigan by Michele Wang.\xa0 She also started the Shetland Crescent shawl by Kieran Foley, but made better progress on the sweater.\xa0

The projects at the retreat were so fabulous that Kelly was inspired to immediately queue the Mesa by Yumiko Alexander.\xa0 It is a versatile garment that can be worn as a cape or as a shawl or as a poncho. \xa0 She is also planning to make the Cancun by Erin Kate Archer.\xa0 This boxy sweater is essentially a lace sampler.\xa0 The version at the retreat was tunic length and very flattering!

Marsha was inspired by the colors at the retreat.\xa0 California knitters seem to use more colorful yarns than knitters in the Pacific Northwest. One item in particular caught her eye.\xa0 It was a beautiful version of the Stephen West shawl Exploration Station.\xa0\xa0 She was also inspired to one day take a trip with Kelly to Rhinebeck,\xa0 aka New York State Sheep and Wool Festival.

All that inspiration has led to some big plans!\xa0 Kelly plans to make the Edie Tee since Marsha's finished project looked so fantastic on her.\xa0 Kelly bought yarn that would be suitable while visiting the Continental Stitch in Morgan Hill just before the retreat to take advantage of the discount that they were offering NoCKRs participants.\xa0 Marsha has plans to make Ricky for All Seasons by Vera Sanon

Both of the Two Ewes purchased the custom dyed retreat yarn from Duren Dye Works. Kelly is thinking of making the two-color shawl Sj\xf8 by Katja L\xf6ffler.\xa0 Marsha is considering the Daydreamer Shawl by Janina Kallio. \xa0\xa0

Marsha and Kelly enjoyed the de-stash room at the retreat and came home with lots of Spirit Yarn. These are yarns that have been loved at one time, but now need good homes.\xa0 They contain such spirit and potential that just looking at them provides so much inspiration for projects to come.

Going to the Black Sheep Gathering?\xa0 If so, we have a meet-up planned for the afternoon/evening of Saturday, June 25.\xa0 We hope you can join us.\xa0 Listen to the show for more details.