Sunday 15 November 2015

FESTIWOOL 2015......


Well what a fabulous event Festiwool turned out to be! Saturday 14th November dawned rather cold, dull and damp, so what what better way to spend it than at a wool and fibre fair. My great pal Josiekitten and I set off on the hour and a half journey to the North Herts College in Hitchin, in anticipation of seeking out some wondrous woolly wonders. We were not disappointed! 


The event opened at 10 a.m. and was stress free in terms of finding a car parking space in the ample car park. Besides the lure of woolly goodness, another attraction was Britain's oldest supermodel, the elegant Daphne Selfe; now in her late eighties. She took part in a short fashion show and also signed copies of her book, 'The Way We Wore:My Life in Clothes'. What an amazing lady!


I have to say that the organisation of the event was superb, with plenty of variety. There were numerous exhibitors, with every conceivable weight, colour and construction of yarn that you possibly need. In other words, there was something to tempt everyone! If it was hand-dyed luxury you were after, then you had to look no further than the end of your nose, to feast your eyes on the many yummy offerings on offer from an array of talented dyers. On the other hand, there was plenty to tempt, if it was colourful inspiration that you were after, from the many 'yarn shop' exhibitors, including the very friendly Wool-n-Things from Biggleswade, whom I have to thank for the lovely Christmassy sock yarn.  I loved the Sue Stratford stall and managed to pick a Christmas gift or two for family members. Her kits are really lovely!!! Yes, I WILL get a 'Fluppy Puppy' kit sooner rather than later!!! He was just adorable!



If it was knitting and crochet accessories you were after, then again, there was plenty of choice to be had; needles, hooks, gauges, bags, cases, DPNs or circulars, you could find it all. I kept my beady eyes open for some of the new Knit Pro 'Zing' DPNs to make sock knitting even more colourful and inviting. Guess what? I found some!


Wendy Fowler's wonderful yarn bowls are to die for; made so skilfully and prettily. They make a great ornament when not in yarn usage. Yes, I have one! SMILE


The facilities were excellent, with cheerful Coffee Shop staff and clean loos. There plenty of helpful organisers around too, to point you in the right direction. 


Oops! Nearly forgot to 'show and tell'! A day at a wool and fibre fair couldn't possible be complete with a few 'must have' purchases. I could have bought a car load, but restrained myself. The Christmas sweater book is by Sue Stratford and features a variety of fun, but tasteful, designs for children and adults. My grandchildren will be looking super festive next year!!! I have plenty of hand dyed, but always like to pick up something different and the pretty sparkly skein of 4ply sock yarn at the front of the photo from Rosie's Moments caught my eye. The grey base will come alive with bright flashes of colour. I can't wait to cast on! The other yarns also have a reason to be, with the two WYS skeins becoming Christmas socks (the red for the heels and toes) and the gorgeous Opal adding a bit of sparkle to my own toes during the long, dark post Christmas winter days.

All in all we had a lot off fun and can't wait for next year's event. Thanks to all the organisers; you did a brilliant job! Thanks to the exhibitors for bringing your wonderful woolly goodness along!

6 comments:

josiekitten said...

It was a fabulous day, wasn't it? Looking forward to our next yarny adventure together! Have a good week. xx

Molly the Airedale said...

What a fun, fun day and Miss Daphne is just gorgeous!

Tracy said...

YARN HEAVEN!! Be still my fiber-bedazzeld heart!!*SWOON* What a SUPER event... so glad you got to take us along with you, Ros! LOVE those yarn necklaces!! ((HUGS))

Willow said...

Ooooo! So much softness and color and everything fibre! Thanks for taking us along on this adventure.

melissa said...

oh wow!!! what an amazing day!!
love all the colors and textures in all your amazing photos!

claire said...

what a dream!! thanks for bringing us there with these amazing photo collages!