Nottingham Yarn Expo 2017

Hello Creatives!

As an ecologist my job takes me all over with lots of overnight stays, and the last location I was placed at was Leicestershire! The area of Leicestershire that I was based at was only 45 minutes away from my old home grounds of Nottingham, and coincidentally was also over the days of the Nottingham Yarn Expo 2017, which I 100% could not miss!!

I bought a ticket online as soon as I found out, and once I’d finished work on Saturday (11th November) morning I quickly got back to my hotel, freshened up, and was off on my way to the expo!

The venue was filled with colour, beautiful hand dyed yarns, crafts of other sorts and passion – everyone was wearing one of their own handmade items, and many took a break to continue knitting or crocheting their latest projects!

I spent close to 4 hours there, taking time to look at every stall, and squishing every ball of yarn I possibly could! (The alpaca merino mix is still my favourite)

I managed to capture a few photos at the beginning of the event, because as time went on, the more engrossed I became!!

Some people even made all their yarn from their own sheep!

I also managed to find some t-shirt yarn! Which although I didn’t buy, I now know where to get!! The yarn below is one that seriously caught my eye! I was so close to purchasing it but I just couldn’t do it as I didn’t know what project I wanted to use it for, and it was so bright and exciting, it would have to be a project to gift! (Christmas is coming around so perfect timing!) I did however then sign up to their mailing list and got a scratch card, in which I won 10% off my next online order… PERFECT!

One thing I really did notice, was that the majority of the stalls at the expo were more about knitting than crochet, and there were a crazy amount of example knit socks! I would never had said this before, but it seriously inspired me to give knitting a go – again… for the hundredth time – but this time using the magic loop technique on the laced knitting needles!

As much as I wanted to purchase one of the home dyed yarns, they did average about £15 per skein, and I seriously didn’t know if the whole sock knitting thing is something I’d stick to/enjoy! So I figured I’d pick up some needles, and a cheaper ball of yarn (that still creates a wicked pattern) and give it a shot. If I stuck to it, then I’d go online and buy buy buy!

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Here’s the yarn and the stall I purchased it from! I’m very excited to start my socks, and I’ll keep you updated on how that goes!

Here’s all my purchases from the day, and I’m impressed with myself for not buying endless amounts of wool!

P.s. that little gadget is a row counter, if you hadn’t already guessed! And it attaches to your finger – I love it!

After attending my first yarn expo, I can’t wait to have a google of more yarn or craft expos around me, i thoroughly enjoyed it!

I’ve attended to photograph the business cards of the stall in each photo and placed it below the photo, just incase you want to have a nosy at their websites! I have a few other cards that I picked up along the way that I didn’t manage to capture a photo of their stall, but if I find myself using them, I’ll definitely give you all the details!

P.p.s. I’m still buzzing from this event, is that super lame?

Until next time,

Lana xxx