Issue 59 Very Important Knitter

Veryimportantknitterarea
Go to a
show!
fters often leave shows
With so much to see and do in only a few hours, cra
the most of your day.
feeling they missed something – here’s how to make
T
he doors are about to open, and while
the great hall is quiet, there’s an
atmosphere of anticipation. The
stallholders cast a critical eye over their stalls,
finish their coffee and tidy away a few loose
skeins: the knitters are coming!
As the range of knitting and
craft shows has expanded over
the last few years, and the
shows themselves have
grown to include more
stands, more yarns and
more workshops, the
question every knitter asks is:
which shows are you going to?
Shows come in all shapes and
sizes, from a cluster of stands at a local
smallholders’ meet or guild open day to
massive events with hundreds of stalls
representing dozens of different crafts.
It’s an amazing opportunity to examine
yarn, needles and notions in
person, as well as meet up
with fellow crafters, learn a
new skill or develop an
established one – and even
do a bit of shopping. Here are
our tips for a smooth,
successful day out.
Visit our stand at Ally Pally
to see some of our knits!
I’m looking
forward to
gathering yarn
and inspiration
As a designer, I always look out
for inspiration, and seeing what
other people have created is
hugely inspiring. I love seeing the
new design students’ shows and
the latest works from more
established artists. Different
things catch your eye – it might
be the colour in an embroidery
piece or the texture in a painting!
Top Tip Wear comfy shoes –
there’s a lot to see!
Kirstie McLeod, Technical Editor
22
SimplyKnitting October 2009
Before you go
Plan your shopping
Very few people have as much money (or
time!) to spend on their hobbies as
they’d like, so set a budget and
make a list of the projects you’d
most like to knit, along with the
materials you need to buy.
Make sure you have a few
options available; if you
definitely want to knit yourself
a cardigan, but have three
patterns using different yarns to
choose from, you’ll be in a good
position to stick to your budget.
If you’re planning to buy yarn to knit as
gifts, you may want a
separate list (and a
separate budget) for
your presents.
Plan to splurge
A day at a show should be enjoyable,
so make sure you’ve got room in your
budget to buy a nice lunch, an irresistible
skein of yarn, or at least a cup of tea and a
piece of cake.
Take a friend
Going to a show with a friend is great. You
can share your excitement about your
hobby, congratulate each other on top finds
and you know there’ll be someone willing to
watch your bags when you nip to the loo.
However, if you’ve got different interests,
you may find yourself missing out on stalls
you really want to examine more closely.
Make a deal before you get there to spend
some time apart, whether it’s just shopping
different stalls in the same row or splitting
up for a couple of hours.
I’m looking forward
to learning
something new
I’ve learnt a lot at shows.
I’ve started to knit continental
(Olympia), cross stitch (last year’s
Ally Pally show), drop spindle
(Woolfest) and had my first go
on a wheel (Wonderwool) – and I
haven’t even gone to any
workshops! Top tip Take cash
– when you run out, you’ll know
you’ve hit the end of your budget.
Elizabeth Bagwell, Reviews Editor
Know thy stash
Are you running low on sock
yarn… or could you outfit an
army? Do you always buy teal
but never wear it? Need
just one ball of red
DK before you can
start that toy
pattern – or have five
you don’t know what
to do with?
Knowing what’s in your stash
will help you fill the gaps in your collection,
and avoid buying duplicates. Remember: it’s
not a bargain if you never use it!
Know your bargains
There’s nothing more disappointing than
struggling home on the train with an
awkward bag of a beautiful and unusual
yarn only to discover your local yarn shop is
selling it cheaper.
Before heading off to a show, explore
what’s available to you locally and online, so
that you’ll be able to spot a must-buy when
you see one!
Workshops are a great way to
learn or improve a skill.
Book a workshop
Veryimportantknitterarea
When you get there
Get a show guide
Take a few minutes to read through the guide
and highlight any stalls, demonstrations or book
signings you really don’t want to miss.
Spot special deals
Many stallholders offer discounts at shows, and
you’ll save on postage by buying in person, so it
can be quite tempting. If you know your
bargains it should be easy to see if a show
special is a deal you want to take advantage of.
Try something new
Taking a workshop with an expert is a great way
to learn a new technique or try a new craft… but
it’s not the only way!
The fibre crafts are very
visual, and it’s really
inspiring to watch
someone show off
their art. Stalls run
by local guilds and
larger companies
are a good place to
start when looking
for demonstrations
and the enthusiasts
running them will often
Spinning at Woolfest
be happy to chat.
–a fab time to learn.
Try a new craft – you can
buy the tools to start spinning with a drop
spindle, cross stitching or making cards for less
than a tenner. Pick a quiet moment to ask any
questions you have. Many vendors are crafters
in their own right and will be happy to tell you
why they chose to stock that product.
Check out the artworks
Both stall holders and special exhibitors bring
their best work to the shows, giving you the
opportunity to see
amazing fibre arts of
all descriptions.
It’s a great way to get
inspiration for future
projects, from colour
choices to themes to
techniques. Remember,
though, if you see
something you love, it’s
The Crochet Coral
polite to ask before
Reef was on show at
taking a picture!
Ally Pally last year.
Foldaway Trolley Bag,
£9.97, Lakeland ref 22218
Stop, think, buy
Pause for a second before you
snap up that gorgeous yarn
and ask yourself three simple
questions:
1 Will I knit this soon?
2 Am I buying enough for the
sort of project I want to make?
3 Is this a unique opportunity?
If the answer is ‘yes!’ to all three questions,
you’ve got a hit on your hands. If it’s ‘no’ to one
or more, you might want to take a moment to
have a look round other stands and come back
with a clear idea of the alternatives in mind.
Say ‘you’re great!’
With more and more shopping being done
online, it’s great to see the people who sell or
make the yarn we use and love in person.
If you’re visiting a stall and have bought
from the shop before or love their
hand-dyed yarn, say so! It will mean a
great deal to a small business to know
their customers are happy.
Test drive a big item
If you’re thinking about buying a big ticket
item like a sewing machine, a spinning wheel
or a really nice knitting bag, then you’ll want to
see it in person – and try before you buy.
A show is a great place to compare products,
and most vendors will be happy to talk you
through the features of their products or let you
have a go yourself.
I’m looking forward
to discovering new
talent
I love seeing the new
designers and talented artists
exhibiting at shows. We’re off to the
Knitting & Stitching show, and it’s
going to be great. There are so many
talented people out there!
Top Tip Get there early and visit
your favourite stands first,
Remember,
while the venue is still
if you have a
quite quiet.
subscription problem,
you need to email
Debora Bradley, Editor
Find a show
near you
Upcoming craft shows
around the UK.
18-20 September The Stitch &
Creative Crafts Show Surrey
Visit www.sccshows.co.uk or call
01822 614671 for more details.
24-27 September Creative
Stitches & Hobbycrafts Exeter
Visit www.ichf.co.uk or call 01425
277988 for more information.
1-3 October Creative Stitches &
Hobbycrafts Cardiff
Visit www.ichf.co.uk or call 01425
277988 for more information.
8-11 October The Knitting and
Stitching Show London
Visit www.twistedthread. Meet the
Simply
com or call 020 8692 2299
Knitting
for details.
team
!
22-25 October Crafts for
Christmas & Hobbycrafts Glasgow
Visit www.ichf.co.uk or call 01425
277988 for more information.
29 Oct – 1 Nov The Knitting and
Stitching Show Dublin
Visit www.twistedthread.com or
call 020 8692 2299 for details.
5-8 November Hobbycrafts &
Crafts for Christmas Birmingham
Visit www.ichf.co.uk or call 01425
277988 for more information.
19-22 November The Knitting and
Stitching Show Harrogate
Visit www.twistedthread.com or
call 020 8692 2299 for details.
27-29 November Creative Crafts &
Gifts for Christmas Edinburgh
Visit www.sccshows.co.uk or call
01822 614671 for more details.
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