Last weekend, I manned a table at...
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| photo courtesy of YarnCon.com |
I came, I saw, I knitted. And I sold! Finally, I feel like I have the right amount of inventory for a show of this size. I met a girl who does roller derby. I met a 12-year-old vegetarian who appreciates the cruelty-free nature of my art. I met a guy who balanced a skein of yarn in his hat. More about him later.
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| photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonrat/ |
The event took place at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, a large recreational building that is part of the Chicago Park District. Other craft fairs happen here, and the photo opportunities alone are enough reason to set up there. Unfortunately, I didn't get to be a resident in the super cool photo-op room, but maybe next year.
Handmade knit/crochet tables like mine were vastly outnumbered by booths draped in yarn, and ready-to-spin fibres. Although it's always nice to have a partner at these fairs, I was glad to be stuck at my station, unable to blow my whole paycheck on these amazing materials.
Also, I was surrounded by experienced knitters. They could take one look at my designs and figure them out in their heads. Those who couldn't, asked if they could purchase the patterns. Note to self: You need to write and publish patterns on Ravelry! Maybe one a month for a year. Fruit Suits, Schneeds, perhaps the Fox Scarf. I kicked myself a little for not having some nice printouts to sell. Lesson learned.
Also, I was surrounded by experienced knitters. They could take one look at my designs and figure them out in their heads. Those who couldn't, asked if they could purchase the patterns. Note to self: You need to write and publish patterns on Ravelry! Maybe one a month for a year. Fruit Suits, Schneeds, perhaps the Fox Scarf. I kicked myself a little for not having some nice printouts to sell. Lesson learned.
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| photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonrat/ |
Pictured above is the gym where I set up shop. Can you see Mannequiña in the back corner? The coordinators and several vendors came around throughout the day to make sure we were okay, and asked if we needed a coffee break. One such visit was paid by a coordinator's husband, who told me all about their recent adventure at Yarn School. I really think I'm going to save up some pennies and go next year. This couple renovated an empty high school in Kansas, turned classrooms into dorms, and now teach one-week classes in spinning, dyeing, and felting. It sounds like summer camp, and I can't stop thinking about it.
My next door neighbor at the fair was Fabi and her Amigurumi creations from Polka Dot Umbrellas. I only wondered for a moment why she doesn't use plastic eyes like in my Foxy Woxy scarf. After checking out her Etsy shop, my suspicion was confirmed that her designs are 100% baby-friendly, no choking hazards. Smart cookie, that Fabi. The red lobster is my favorite. If you know anyone having a baby, even if you need something custom, look her up.
And finally...
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| photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonrat/ |
He's the perfect husband. This young man strolled through the 'Con, displaying a new color scheme of his wife's yarn every round. I don't know any other hubbies out there who sacrifice their Saturday to literally act as a walking advertisement for a craft booth. Bravo, yarn guy! You deserve a beer.
1 comment:
So awesome, Breezy! I hope you sold well at the show. Those are tough days, fun and tough at the same time.
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