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jaymeKnits
Permanent Resident
USA
1326 Posts |
 Posted - 04/25/2005 : 07:30:32 AM
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This will be my first time going and I am really excited. I have a bit of a stash addiction but I haven't bought any yarn in over 2 months in anticipation of this. I've been trying to figure out how much $$ to budget to allow myself to get what I really want but not so big I buy way too much (is there such a thing?).
So what does that number look like? Do you think a couple hundred is good?
(I only knit, no spinning. My sister is coming with me, fellow knitter and total Enabler)
Jayme |
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RoseByAny
Permanent Resident
USA
12598 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 07:54:12 AM
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You will spend everything you bring, so be VERY honest with yourself about how much you can afford. My rule is to never bring credit cards or the checkbook - not even in the car. It's just too risky.
I'm bringing several hundred, but I've been saving for months, and have a few "largish" purchases I know I'll have to make - a swift, some quiviut, and my antique wheel back from the doctor.
Again, don't bring it if you really can't afford to spend it.
"Choose your friends by their character and your socks by their color. Choosing your socks by their character makes no sense, and choosing your friends by their color is unthinkable."
http://RoseByAny.BlogSpot.Com |
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Lissa
Permanent Resident
USA
4942 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 08:06:51 AM
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Budgets? We don' need no stinkin' budgets!!!! Sorry - couldn't resist.
Lissa
"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian." --Dennis Wholey
Oh, and I now have a blog:http://knittnlissa.typepad.com/knittnlissa/ |
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isel
Chatty Knitter
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 08:14:38 AM
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This is my first time going to one of these festivals and I have no idea what to expect, even less think about a budget. I will only attend on Saturday, though. I am a little bit apprehensive...
What exactly will I see there? My BF keeps telling me to think about how much money I want to bring with me, but I have no idea ...
http://www.iselknits.blogspot.com |
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Spinnerella
Permanent Resident
1040 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 08:49:59 AM
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My experience with both Rhinebeck (my first fiber festival) and Maryland was that the first one was not so much of a problem. They are SO overwhelming and cause such sensory overload, that I had a hard time buying much of anything the first time. It's the SECOND time, whether that be the next day or the next year, that you have to be careful! If you bring $200, you will find reasons to spend every cent. I have bought spinning wheels at two of the last few festivals I've attended, so $200 sounds like a drop in the bucket. This year, I have signed up for enough classes to keep me out of trouble for all but three-four hours of MSW....but I have a list that will probably exceed the $200 mark. (Go through the vendor list and google the ones that seem interesting...check them out first. Or, go through the entire festival once, take notes, then go back. That way, you may not have time to overspend on impulse purchases!)
Marcia
www.spinnerellasattic.typepad.com |
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RoseByAny
Permanent Resident
USA
12598 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 08:51:06 AM
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What will you see? Everything. If it has to do with sheep, wool or fiber in general, you'll see it.
I mean it, only bring what you can afford.
"Choose your friends by their character and your socks by their color. Choosing your socks by their character makes no sense, and choosing your friends by their color is unthinkable."
http://RoseByAny.BlogSpot.Com |
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isel
Chatty Knitter
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 08:57:59 AM
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I can see how the overwhelming factor can take over. I get overwhelmed at my LYS, for crying out loud. Thanks a lot for your input...I will definitely bring some $$$ to splurge on something special. Granted, most yarn is special in my eyes.
http://www.iselknits.blogspot.com |
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yarnlover
Permanent Resident
1729 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 08:58:49 AM
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quote:
Or, go through the entire festival once, take notes, then go back.
But if you find something that you absolutely love, buy it then. If you love it, probably lots of others will too, and it might be gone when you go back. I learned this the hard way..... |
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Lanea
Permanent Resident
USA
5158 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 09:25:35 AM
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I am going to try (and probably fail) to spend under $100. If, however, my raise kicks in on the check before S&W, I might bring $200. Hence, I will hide in the Tuatha tent for most of the festival doing demos, with only short forays out into the very dangerous shops or the delicious land of lamb and good milkshakes.
I've been going to the American Craft Council show in Baltimore with the same group of friends for years, and we actually write rules for ourselves which our friends help us remember when the time comes. Past rules include: Simone is not allowed to buy scarves, no matter how beautiful, because she never ever wears them; Brigid must purchase something to use as a huppah before she can buy any glass or metal, otherwise she will find the perfect huppah and have no money left, and have no choice but to sell one of us to an artisan who wants an apprentice; Lanea must not be permitted to buy things she can make just as well herself, including shoes, bags, knitted or felted things, and beady-things, particularly when she wants to buy something expensive from an artisan just because they are nice/cute/funny/smart/wearing great shoes/playing a banjo/a smoking hottie of a bootmaker.
You can set a rule like "Don't let me buy roving unless it is dyed color x and there is enough to make y" or "My max is $xxx, and I am only allowed to break it if I find a used wheel that is perfect and a great deal" or "Do not let me eat more than x fried twinkies." The friends are not police in this scenario--they are just providing reminders of the rules you set for yourself. All rules have exceptions in such a wonderful marketplace.
http://crazylaneas.blogspot.com/ |
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franna724
Seriously Hooked
USA
633 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 09:49:50 AM
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Wow, your $100-plus budgets are way out of my league. I was thinking of browsing and getting only a couple of additions to may stash, since I can't afford to bring more than $50. Should I bother going? Or do you all go home with truckloads of stuff? I'm only asking because I have no babysitter and don't know if dragging my 4 year old is a good idea if everything will be out of my league.
Now I'm depressed.
Anna |
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jaymeKnits
Permanent Resident
USA
1326 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 10:11:45 AM
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Thank you for all of the input. I think I'll bring a couple hundred cash and then have my sister carry my check book with strict rules that it is to be used for extreme emergencys only. And I will only buy things that I can't get at my LYS.
Anna,
I would still go even if I couldn't spend anything. From what I hear it's worth just seeing everything. Plus, how often do you get to surrounded by that many people who enjoy the same things you do?
Jayme |
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angelcooper@hotmail.com
Gabber Extraordinaire
541 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 10:20:04 AM
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Anna, you should bring what you can afford and then shop wisely to spend it well. From what I understand, you see LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of good and unsual stuff. And you get to touch and feel. And if there is something that you want and can't afford, get a card, a color and order it later from the vendors.
Now cheer up!!!! - there is shopping to be done!!!!
Angel
Knitting and spinning in the Shenandoah Valley
My blog - http://vaknittingangel.blogspot.com/ |
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Ivynforestsmom
Gabber Extraordinaire
465 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 10:21:30 AM
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quote:
I was thinking of browsing and getting only a couple of additions to may stash, since I can't afford to bring more than $50. Should I bother going? Or do you all go home with truckloads of stuff? I'm only asking because I have no babysitter and don't know if dragging my 4 year old is a good idea if everything will be out of my league.
Anna, you'll be able to make some purchases within your budget. 
I can't say how excited your 4 yo will be to be there, though. They have some things going on that my kids (8 and 10) enjoyed last year... the sheep barn, the sheep shearing and herding demos. There's music. So if your little one is into that kind of thing, or is a people-watcher, she/he may hold out longer for you. The promise of cotton candy for good behavior may be a good tactic to use here. 
Yvonne |
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RoseByAny
Permanent Resident
USA
12598 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 10:23:35 AM
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My first year I could only spend $30, and that required some serious budget shifting on my part. That's all I brought in cash.
I second what Angel said - this is a fantastic chance to learn - you can try spinning wheels, feel yarns that you've only seen on the internet, see techniques, see the craft entries, learn about the whole process. It's great fun, no matter how much you have. Like I said, I'm spending a lot, but I've been saving specifically for this event, and have chosen to get several things (like the swift) here rather than pay for shipping, so I have the most options.
Come, no matter how much or little you have to spend.
"Choose your friends by their character and your socks by their color. Choosing your socks by their character makes no sense, and choosing your friends by their color is unthinkable."
http://RoseByAny.BlogSpot.Com |
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Lanea
Permanent Resident
USA
5158 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 10:29:37 AM
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Anna, I too have gone to MD Sheep and Wool with very little money to spend many many times and always had a blast, and I've also gone and spent far less than I budgeted and still had a blast. The festival is so full of great ideas and interesting, talented merchants and artisans, and many other folks who just love sheep and wool and goats and alpacas and llamas.
http://crazylaneas.blogspot.com/ |
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BessH
Permanent Resident
3095 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 10:32:10 AM
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You can have fun on $50. I'm not even sure you would actually have more fun with $500, unless you knew how you wanted to spin it. Whatever you do, don't spend money you don't really have to spend on fiber. The guilt might make you hate the treat you bought yourself.
Maryland is an event that every fiber lover experiences at least twice. Spinnerella has it right, too - The first time I went I only spent $30!! Really. Truly. Those of you who know and love me can pick yourselves up off the floor now.
We shan't discuss what I've done in later years.
And dont miss our KR picnic lunch to the left of the main gates. That is free
Bess
http://likethequeen.blogspot.com |
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franna724
Seriously Hooked
USA
633 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 11:28:52 AM
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Thanks guys! I knew you'd make me feel better. I guess I shouldn't back out now since I convinced my husband it's what I wanted to do for Mother's Day. (He was hoping for dinner or something like that. He supports my yarn habit, but just doesn't understand it.)
And since you mentioned cotton candy, my daughter will be all for it. She has mentioned wanting to see sheep and wants to learn to knit (but doesn't yet have the patience) so I think she'll do fine. Maybe I'll spend my money on something to make her, so she can help me pick out some yarn. That'll keep her interested.
Thanks again fellow knitters. I guess I'll see you there. :D |
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Lissa
Permanent Resident
USA
4942 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 11:30:23 AM
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Think of it as a learning experience. You'll see all different types of fiber animals, see fiber in various forms, from right-off-the-animal to yarn, see acres of commercial yarns, and local vendors who make/dye their own yarns, spinning fibers, etc. You can try spindles and spinning wheels to see if you like them, explore the auction tent, pet alpacas and cashmere goats, watch working sheepdogs, get ideas for future projects. Whew - that's a full day, and I haven't yet spent a nickel!
Lissa
"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian." --Dennis Wholey
Oh, and I now have a blog:http://knittnlissa.typepad.com/knittnlissa/ |
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mokey
Permanent Resident
15375 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 12:01:26 PM
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I've not been to this specific event, but I certainly agree that it is worth going to these events if only to look around. I did that the first time I went to a large event - spent the afternoon looking about and then bought later on.
"I firmly believe the Bible is the misinterpreted word of God." Mokey
www.femiknits.blog-city.com |
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sbrandspigel@gmail.com
New Pal
4 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 12:08:36 PM
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I'm excited about the festival too! The website doesn't say if there is an entrance fee. Does anyone know?
Thanks!
Sara |
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RoseByAny
Permanent Resident
USA
12598 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 12:13:07 PM
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Free Free Free!
"Choose your friends by their character and your socks by their color. Choosing your socks by their character makes no sense, and choosing your friends by their color is unthinkable."
http://RoseByAny.BlogSpot.Com |
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