Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, it’s off to Frolic we
go!
We knit, knit, knit all winter long, The stash is running low.
Yes! The yarn and fibre festival season is upon us, kicking
off with the
Toronto Knitter’s Frolic on Saturday April 27th, and ending with the
WoodstockFleece Festival (aka Woolstock) on Saturday October 19th.
Pace yourself, it’s a long season.
It’s important that you prepare yourself so that your stash
and bank account are not overwhelmed by the end of the season. Keep focused; you are seeking out vendors
that have unique products that are not easily sourced in your own turf, or an
absolute bargain that just can't be left behind.
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Take Stock of
What You Have
Although my stash is comprised of all weights and colours of
yarn, I have a weakness for fingering weight, especially those from independent
dyers. I suggest that you pull out your
stash, weight by weight, and take stock.
If you are concerned about your other half actually seeing how much you
have, send them on an errand to Home Depot or Canadian Tire, or a similar happy
place that will keep them out of the house for awhile.
I pulled out all the easily found fingering weight yarn, not
including yarn designated for socks, and took a picture. I say easily because, when I looked at the
photo later, I realized that some things were missing.
The back row of this photo includes lace weight yarns,
which is also a weakness of mine. This
will serve as a reminder to me of how much I already have, but also what
colours I don't have. If you are trying
to find a specific colour to pair up with a stash skein, take it with you so
there is no guessing. Colour changes
with lighting, so make sure the colours match up at time of purchase.
Also, take stock of Buyer’s Remorse items. These are the impulse purchases that were
made previously and now you wonder; why did I buy that?
Step 2: Know the
Quantity Needed by Weight
Do your research in advance for the amount of yarn needed
for projects. If shopping for project
specific yarns, take the pattern with you to make sure you are buying a
sufficient amount to complete the project.
This is extremely important when you come across a bargain that you just
cannot refuse. Remember, it’s only a
bargain if there is enough to complete a project, or it pairs up nicely with a
previous bargain stash item where you are shy a few hundred yards to do
anything tangible (refer back to Step 1).
Step 3: Budget
The best way to stay on budget is to take cash and leave
your credit/debit card at home. Yeah
right. It’s good advice, but get realistic,
that’s not going to happen. I do take
cash, but keep the credit card close at hand; just in case.
Step 4: Choose Your Shopping
Companion Wisely
Shopping with an enabler can be deadly. If you enable each other, then you better
have enough trunk space for all your purchases.
Make a pact with your buddy and talk each other down when impulse starts
to take over.
Ok, prep steps are done, it’s time to Frolic!
Event Rules
Rule 1 – Do Not Buy the First Thing You See!!!!
Resist the temptation, no matter how much it takes your
breath away! I guarantee that if you
walk a few steps more, you will see something else that is equally
breathtaking. This can definitely lead
to buyer’s remorse later on.
I must tell the story of Annette at Woolstock. This was Annette’s first yarn fair and she
had expressed concern of being out of control at a venue such as this. Before exiting the car, we had a pep talk to
reinforce the mission – to seek out unique products not readily available to us
at our local yarn stores, and/or to source absolute bargains. In the line to pay our admission, Annette
spied a display for a pattern book to make a Canadian province blanket. She gasped, jumped out of the entrance line
and hopped into the queue to purchase the pattern book. We had yet to enter the vendor marketplace
and Annette had already made her first purchase! We had fun a lot of fun that day.
Rule 2 – Remember Preparation Steps 1 – 4
Is it the right colour?
Is there enough to make that sweater?
Can I purchase this yarn locally?
Will I listen to my friend when they try to talk me down? Is it so special that I don't care about
steps 1 – 4? Did my credit card get
approved?
Post Festival
After an exhausting day at the marketplace, it’s time to sit down
and relax in the lounge, pull out your purchases, and compare finds.
Ooh and aah as you take in the loveliness of
the colour and texture.
They are
treasures that you cannot wait to start knitting. What's this? A yarn tasting table - a cornucopia of lovely fibres. Ooh, how delicious. I've got to get some of that, so back to the marketplace we go, but remember Rule #2 ... or not. After all, you are on a mission.
Now, book your calendars for
the next event --
The Prince Edward Country Fibrefest is only a month away.
As soon as you get home, unpack your treasures, add them to
the stash and repeat preparation step 1 in readiness for the next one. Now relax, pour a glass of wine, and start
knitting!
Now, wasn’t that easy?
Have fun and see you at the Frolic!
