Meager Stitches Haul

Posted on October 15, 2007 by knittingpatterns4you | 5 Comments

I went all the way to Stitches and all I got was stuff I really don't need or could have bought online . . .

On the left, 3 skeins of Neighborhood Fiber Co's sock yarn (don't ask me why I keep buying sock yarn, it's ridiculous) in some gorgeous colorways. On the right, 5 skeins of Berocco Peruvia to knit another Laura, because I want to show one done in solid yarn. And on the bottom, the grand prize, Kaffe's new book which I hadn't yet seen in person. A must-have for all of us knitting book collectors!

I have to say I was extremely disappointed in Stitches this year. I've been going to stitches for the last 6 years, always on Sundays, and I am certain that this year there were significantly fewer shoppers in attendance. There were also fewer vendors this year (I didn't keep last year's brochure so I have no way to check, but I'm pretty sure), and a lot less of that excited buzz you usually experience walking around these things. And with the exception of Neighborhood Fiber Co, I didn't see anything new or exciting -- just a lot of the standard stuff everywhere.

Long time blog readers know I rarely say anything negative here, but this was a serious let down. I have looked forward to Stitches every year since I became aware of its existence, and followed it from Philly to AC to Baltimore religiously. I've even worked as a vendor at 2 different Stitches in the past! I considered not going this year because of the Baltimore location (while we're on the gripe-fest, I have to say that I hate the Baltimore convention center! Give me AC any day, a much shorter drive and parking right under the building!), but it's kind of a tradition and I talked myself into going. I did have fun spending the day with my friend Shana, but I could have done that right here in NYC!

Unless something major changes, I'm not going next year. And I can hardly believe it.

Posted in knitting


5 Responses

Melissa
Melissa

October 19, 2007

I missed Stitches this year. I’m glad I didn’t miss anything, but it’s a shame…

Shana
Shana

October 16, 2007

At least the weather was gorgeous and we had a nice drive. :-D

Sue
Sue

October 16, 2007

Ooh, I want that Kaffe book! Want! And the blue sock yarn in the middle looks yummy!

Lola LB
Lola LB

October 16, 2007

I agree . . . it was definitely smaller this year. I remember last year the aisle numbers went up to 1000, at least, I’m pretty sure of that. Glad to hear it’s going to be in November that year as it’s my Birthday month.

Karida from Neighborhood Fiber Co.
Karida from Neighborhood Fiber Co.

October 15, 2007

I agree with you on Stitches! Though I had great sales, I was not as impressed with the shopping. And as a vendor, I know there were more people last year. More shoppers and more vendors. The show was roughly half the size of last year, and I think it’s directly linked to the timing. Last year it was in November (and it’ll be in November again next year). This year, it was the week before Rhinebeck. Personally, I love the closeness of Bmore, but the Convention Center is awful. It’s expensive parking, crappy planning for vendor teardown, and between the marathon and the football game, getting there was problematic on Saturday and Sunday. Anyway, glad you liked the sock yarn!

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