February
marks the first of the big yarn shows so we thought now might be a good time to
showcase the shows up until the summer and tell you more about what each event
has to offer.
Yarn shows
are a great opportunity to meet up with friends, see exciting new products and
brands as well as restocking your stash (of course!).
This show
takes place in the Maltings in Farnham, just off the M3, a lovely location. It
is a bit of a rabbit warren of a building but that means that every time you
turn a corner there is a lovely surprise. Amanda Perkins has a special
exhibition including some of her most memorable designs.
What to
look out for: The talks are a very interesting feature and this year include
Alison Ellen, Susan Crawford and a PomPom magazine Pomcast with Veera
Välimäki.
Tickets: £7
in advance/£9 on the door
Just like
it’s big sister in the Autumn this show, at Olympia in London, is a cornucopia
of crafts from knitting and crochet to felt and patchwork with some papercraft
for good measure. This year there will be over 2oo exhibitors so make sure you
get there early!
What to
look out for: UK Hand Knitting will have experts on hand to help solve your
knitting and crochet problems.
Tickets:
From £13
Based at
the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, this event describes itself as a
Festival and it certainly has that kind of atmosphere. It will be celebrating it’s 11th
year in 2016 and features some wonderful Welsh artisans as well as indie brands
from around the UK and beyond.
What to
look out for: Flock Gathering – a chance to get together at the end of the
first day to knit, crochet and natter.
Tickets: £10
Woolfest
was the first British Yarn show, according to it’s website, and is clearly a
favourite with visitors travelling from all over the UK and even from Europe to
the beautiful town of Cockermouth in Cumbria. The event is a showcase of wool
and wool related crafts and there is always so much to inspire you. What is
particularly nice about this show is to see so many Scottish exhibitors and a
large amount of felt artists who are very inspiring.
What to
look out for: Lots of livestock; rare sheep breeds, goats and alpacas who are
paraded around the main ring for you to admire and learn more about.
Tickets: £8
This event
takes place in the grounds of Redbourn Upper School, Ampthill in Bedfordshire.
It may not be the biggest show but the variety of crafts is comprehensive and
you will often find new, smaller brands launch themselves at this event. The workshops feature tutors from all over
the world and the organisers work very hard to come up with some unique
opportunities to learn more about your preferred craft or even try a new one.
What to
look out for: The sheep shearing demonstrations are always worth watching.
Tickets: £8
Why not leave us a comment about your favourite show and why you love it?
I am in love with your needles espesially your Zing needles, I want to also try your crochet hooks. Please start selling the Zing's in the US.
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