This trip was so much fun! It was my first time on an air plane, first time traveling alone and staying in a hotel alone. It was AMAZING! I will totally do it again and hopefully soon.
This was not my first fiber festival. I have been going to Estes Wool Market for about 10 years and have been going to Interweave Yarn Fest since the beginning. Stitches was however the most fun. Part of that I know is being away and on my own. I will try to compare driving verses flying more objectively for you without all the other bits crowding in.
Driving to a festival really does have it's advantages. I have not driven far enough from home to have to stay over night somewhere before arriving at my destination. Keep that in mind. The biggest difference is how you pack. When I drive to a festival whether I am teaching or just enjoying I can bring anything that will fit in the van and that's a lot of stuff. I am getting better about how much I bring. I try to use most everything I bring at least once. Yes there are still some items that are back up in case of... There will always be those. I do bring both wheels and next time I drive will also be bringing my electric wheel.
The area of packing where there was little difference was the clothing. There were 2 fashion shows at Stitches. One to attend and one to participate in. There was also a Pajama Party. I had to have something for all of those. I also had to pack Dolores and all her outfits.
I did manage to get everything to Salt Lake in 2 carry on bags. The return trip home was a different story. I did check a bag. That was because of how much I bought from vendors in Salt Lake. That is another advantage to driving, plenty of room, unless you buy something large like a ewe or spinning wheel then it could get ify.
For me the difference in vendors was good. I did know a couple of vendors, but mostly I got to meet some new to me people. Locals in Utah and then some from states further west that haven't been to the festivals in Colorado.
Over all it was fun and exciting. I got to meet and take classes from Franklin Habit, had dinner with Marly Bird from Red Heart yarn and got to see the guys from Leading Men Fiber Arts again. While staying some what local for a fiber festival is nice, I would highly recommend planning well and going to one that you fly or take a train to. It makes it even more special to know that even farther from home that are crazy woolly people just like you.
For 2020 my husband and I will go to Yarn Fest if they have it. Are planning Salida and I want to go to Toas. We'll see where the Lord opens doors.
If you have never been to a fiber festival of any kind, please, please go. Yes it will be a bit overwhelming when you first walk in to the vendor area. There are a lot of choices of yarn, fiber and tools. Many festivals have hands on areas and some activities that are only for children. Some festivals in the warmer part of the year also have animals and for many that do, this is an opportunity for ranchers to sell animals and 4-H-ers to show theirs. To help with all the choices on the vending floor I recommend doing a full round of seeing everything before buying anything. This prevents buyers remorse. If you do see something on round one that you can't live without and it may not be there in 30 minutes, then you have a decision to make. You know yourself and shopping habits best, good luck. After having gone to a couple of festivals I now go in with a list of things I am looking for such as tools. I will make a list of yarn wanted with the project info attached. The one thing I always buy is a skein of sock yarn. That will be for my show socks. I have a pair from each show for the last 3 years I think.
Be sure and thank the vendors. I got a behind the scenes look at Stitches Salt Lake. I helped a vendor tear down and pack up. Watching the other vendors and overhearing conversation I learned a lot. The time, effort and trouble they go through to make that booth pretty and fun is a lot of work. Depending on the venue, the parking is hard to find and can be another expense we don't even think about. They put in a lot of time and effort.
For Stitches Salt Lake I finished my Journey to the Cape sweater. On Thursday night, the night before the fashion show I finished my "Love you too!" socks. Before coming to Salt Lake I decided I needed a skirt to go with my sweater. I don't sew unless I have to. I designed this A-line skirt all by myself and am pretty proud of it. I wore all these to the fashion show, on the run way on Friday night. It was a bit scary. I have done fashion shows before. There is one at Yarn Fest. That on is easy though, you walk around all the tables and show your piece. A real runway with marks of where to stop, bright lights and a camera at the end was new, hard and fun. That I will do again too, some day.
I also finished Dolores' newest outfit. I used the mattress stitch on it just as I did on my sweater. I talked about the mattress stitch on Instagram and have been planning videos. I was going to do the videos while in Utah but lost one of the balls of yarn. I did find it before I left but have just been too busy to record. Hoping to get those up by the end of the week. Watch IG to find out when and where I decide to post them.
I finished a test knit for Ioarma but can't share any more than that here because it is a secret and she hasn't said when she is releasing it or anything. I will say it was a very fun project with some traveling stitches.
My Bonfire Poncho from Little Woolly Things is finished but haven't had light to get pictures with the snow we had come through this week. Too cold to go out and do it too.
I am still hard at work on my Boho Wreath sweater and That's My Jam wrap. They are both do on the 15th and I should make that.
I picked up another sweater test from Jill Karina that I will start when those 2 are completed.
I am still working on my own designs as well and am planning to release a new one on the first of December. It will be a small piece that can be made quickly as a gift or for yourself. I originally made them from 100% yak yarn. Since Bijou Basin has gone out of business though I wanted a yarn that was still available and have chosen Luna Lace from Deep Dyed yarns. This design uses 15/0 seed beads. I love them in this colorway and can't wait to be finished.
I am furthering my education in designing and taking the next step. On November 18th I will be starting the online, Blueprint class with Shirley Paden. I also have the companion book that as I understand is currently out of print. I have never designed a sweater before. I only started knitting sweaters just this year. I am excited to see what comes of this.
I'm also working on my drawing skills, as many places that you submit designs to want a drawing idea of the finished piece; be the submission be for a fashion show or pattern to publish. My sister suggested a book by Christopher Hart and it is helping. Now I just need to do it more so that it sticks.
After being snowed in for about 4 days, it is nice to get out and feel some sunshine.
Stay warm or cool where ever you are.
Until next time...
Happy making!
