Day Four: Wrapping It Up

I have to apologize for the lack of pictures in this post. While I was up early and was able to mosey about getting ready for the last day of Sock Summit, I forgot my camera which was next to my computer from the previous day's download. So I have no pictures of the Luminary Panel event that happened in the afternoon or other shots.

The last day had an air of finality to it. People knew it was the last day and for many it was a combination of disappointment and relief. There were many tired folks wandering in and out of the Marketplace doors. The staff were mustering up their last dregs of energy to keep everything moving smoothly. Vendors were smiling through their exhaustion, pushing for that last sale that meant one less thing to pack home. But throughout the venue there was still this aura of pride and joy from the event.

In the morning I people-watched as I spun on my wheel in the lobby. I finally hooked up with NeedleGrrl, who will be moving back to Portland some time next year (and is so looking forward to that!). I ran into Ray, the director of Confluence, who was there with his boyfriend. I showed more newbie and wannabe spinners the spinning process and answered questions. At last it was my class with Anna Zilboorg on Turkish socks. It was a delightful lecture on the motifs and design, and I came away learning a new cast on that made a decorative tuft on the toe.

In the afternoon, folks gathered in the ballroom for the Luminary Panel. It was to be a discussion of various questions posted by the event hosts and convention attendees. On the panel were Lucy Neatby, Cat Bordhi, Deborah Robson, Anna Zilboorg, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Meg Swanson, Barbara Walker, Judith McKenzie McCuin, and Nancy Bush. At the end were the closing remarks, and Tina and Stephanie were so grateful for everyone who participated.

During the Luminary Panel, we were not allowed to have our bulky items in the ballroom, so I had to fetch my wheel from the storage room. I was about to leave but found my friends gathered inside the ballroom. In the front of the ballroom there a few of the panel folks signing autographs and chatting. In the back of my mind I had an idea so I was looking for a Sharpie. Deb A happened to have one in her hand, so I borrowed it from her. When I left the ballroom, I had a few signatures on my wheel.

The perfect ending of an amazing weekend.