Monday 12 November 2018

Nottingham Yarn Expo 2018

I visited the very first Nottingham Yarn Expo last year and was so impressed at the way it was set out and the number of exhibitors, over 100, that I decided there and then that I would return again this year. Unfortunately, my trip there yesterday was quite disappointing. Instead of the market place being held on two days over the weekend as it was last year, it was only open on the Sunday as Saturday was reserved for workshops. That was fine, I wouldn't have visited both days anyway and I was free to attend on the Sunday. What did disappoint me was the fact that several of the advertised exhibitors were not there. Some may have dropped out several weeks ago, I admit that it's a while since I looked at the list online, but tickets were on sale at the time these dyers were still being advertised. I checked the online exhibitors list when I got home and some businesses are still on there even though they weren't at the show. It was so much smaller than last year, yet the admission price had increased. I didn't find the shopping experience as relaxing as last year either, it's quite a large venue so it was nicely set out last year meaning there was no hustle and bustle but this time the stalls on the upper floor were squashed together and at times it was hard to tell where one person's stall finished and another began. It was much better on the lower level though. I was sorry that I didn't get to sample the wares of dyers such as Norah George, Lay Family Yarn and Beehive Yarns amongst others, all these dyers were originally advertised but weren't there on the day.

Disappointment aside, I did manage to do a little shopping so I'll show you what I brought home with me.


Jellybeans Yarns is new to me, I haven't come across this yarn company before but I was so impressed by the gorgeous colours which were available. I bought three different semi solid colourways, Golden (one of a kind), Midnight and Red Ember, but it was very hard to make a choice as there were many which took my fancy. The colours are more saturated than these photos show, I could have spent a fortune on this stall and I'm sure I'll be buying more from this dyer in the future.


I picked up a couple of Christmas colourways, Little Elf from Dina's Home of Crafts on a stellina base, there's got to be a bit of sparkle at Christmas time, and I also picked up Fairy Lights, this year's Christmas colourway from West Yorkshire Spinners. I'm not sure I'll get either of these knit up in time for this Christmas as I've got other things on my needles at the moment but I'll be able to knit up some socks ready for next year.


I went to the show knowing that I'd like to bring some mini skeins home with me to add to my Scrappy Blanket. I picked up a bundle of 10 gram minis from Down Sheepy Lane and an odd 20 gram mini from Snuggly Stars Yarns.


Helen from Giddy Yarns and the Giddy Knits Podcast was exhibiting for the first time at Nottingham and it was lovely to finally meet her as I've been watching her podcast since she started it. I believe I was one of her very first customers when she started her yarn business too. My Dorothy In Oz Socks were knit in Giddy Yarns and I have another four different colourways from Giddy Yarns in my stash so I didn't buy any full skeins from Helen on this occasion, however, Helen's four year old son, Arthur, had dyed some mini skeins especially to be sold at Nottingham with all the profits going to him so I had to have one to add to my blanket. These were being sold under the Kiddy Yarns logo rather than Giddy Yarns, how cute is that? There's no surprise that there's plenty of purple in this colourway as it's Arthur's favourite colour. I did peruse Helen's stall though and I have to say that her Lost At Sea and Loganberry colourways are on my wish list.


I'm really pleased with my purchases but I'm not sure it's a show I'll go back to next year.

As you know, Eleanor is at university in Nottingham so we paid her a visit whilst we were in the area. We turned up with a bag of supplies for her so she'll be eating well this week. It was lovely to see her.

46 comments:

  1. Brilliant yarns, such lovely colours. makes you want to start loads of new things. Love the mini skeins.

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    1. I've got some ideas for new projects but I want to finish what's on my needles first. I'm being very disciplined with myself. I'm pleased with the mini skeins, they'll go nicely in my blanket.

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  2. I've never been to one of these yarn exhibitions although I do read about other people's visits. Your yarns look scrumptious! And Arthur's lovely colour choices are so sweet. I look forward to seeing your knits. Best, Jane :)

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    1. Yarn shows can be a bit overwhelming sometimes, so much yarn under one roof. I've learnt to have an idea of the things I'd like to buy before I go otherwise you can get a bit sidetracked.

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  3. lovely yarn selection, I've never been up there and actually haven't been to a yarn so for a couple of years now.. hasn't stopped be buying yarn though! will look up the yarn companys, love those those minis

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    1. It's so easy to buy anything you want at the touch of a button these days, I have to be quite strict with myself. I don't think it beats seeing yarn in the flesh though, I do like to have a good fondle before I buy.

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  4. It still sounds wonderful and look at all the lovely things you were able to buy. Gorgeous yarns.

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    1. I'm really pleased with all my purchases and I've discovered some new dyers too so I'm sure their yarn will feature in my future.

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  5. Oh you must have had so much fun!!!!!!

    Plus, getting to visit your daughter. :-)

    ✨✨✨✨

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    1. I'm a bit like a kid in a sweet shop at yarn shows, I could definitely overspend if I don't keep tabs on my purse. Seeing Eleanor was the icing on the cake.

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  6. Love the yarn, I have paid a visit to all and will be going back again. I foretell that my Amazon wish list will be growing somewhat very soon.

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    1. It's all so tempting, isn't it? I was very impressed with Jellybean Yarns, I'm looking forward to casting on with that.

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  7. Oh what a shame for you Jo. I was going to go this year but then the date clashed with a post baby baby shower for my son's partner. At least you got to see your Eleanor and find a few bits and bobs to take back home. Sounds like I didn't miss too much.

    Mitzi

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    1. I hope the baby shower went well and that little Freddie is home with you all soon. I couldn't believe the difference from last year, such a shame as it was a wonderful experience last time. Still, I'm very happy with my purchases. We didn't stay as long as we would have done so we got to see Eleanor for longer instead.

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  8. Such a shame that so many had pulled out. On the plus side so many beautiful yarns and a joy to visit your daughter.

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    1. I don't know why so many of the vendors had pulled out but it was a shame. It was nice to see Eleanor whilst we were there and she was very pleased with the goodies we took with us.

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  9. Well at least you got a fabulous stash of yarn. Shame about the exhibition though.

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    1. I'm happy enough with the yarn I bought but as you say, it's a shame about the exhibition, especially as I'd enjoyed it so much last year.

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  10. Sorry to read the show wasn't quite as you expected, but I do love the yarns you have bought, the colourways look great.

    Plus - how lovely to see Eleanor, it can't be too long until the end of term!

    All the best Jan

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    1. The yarn from Jellybean Yarns is stunning, I can't wait to make something with it. Seeing Eleanor was an added bonus, I think there's five weeks left until she breaks up for Christmas.

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  11. Great new wool stash.
    I was hoping to visit it this year but of course it was Remembrance Day and my friend was reading her poem at the memorial service so i didn't make it.
    I bet Eleanor was pleased to get a mum hug xx

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    1. I think there were a few people who missed out due to Remembrance Day services. Eleanor enjoyed our visit, especially as we took her some goodies with us.

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  12. That feeling of disappointment can make the day not quite as good, but you seemed to be able to find lots to look at & meet someone you'd followed on social media with the added bonus of a few purchases and a catch up with Eleanor. Some of those yarns are certainly pretty. Have a lovely week, keep warm & take care.

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    1. I think it's a case of making the most of it. I'm very happy with the yarn I bought but it was rather disappointing to find that quite a few dyers had backed out and weren't there.

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  13. It's so annoying when you get to an event only to find that many exhibitors have pulled out! You'd think given that that it would be cheaper. Love your buys, and that a little boy is dying yarn! That had me smiling. Glad you got to see Eleanor and took her a red cross parcel!xxx

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    1. Isn't it lovely to know that such a young child's artistic flair is being encouraged, I'm sure there'll be a Kiddy Yarns square in many blankets. It was a lovely end to the day getting to see Eleanor.

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  14. Very disappointing for you, I would be unhappy too.There must have been people who made long trips to attend...not good.
    I think it's a good idea to give feedback to the organisers and list your concerns as constructive criticism, with the hope that improvements will be made next year.
    If no one informs them of problems nothing will change.

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    1. There seemed to be a few mutterings about how the show wasn't as good as last year and I agree, the organisers should be made aware, though I'm sure they'll already know as there were only about half the amount of exhibitors as last year and many areas weren't in use. It really was disappointing.

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  15. What a disappointment but at least you've managed to find some pretty yarns to knit up into something great and popped in to see Eleanor too. x

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    1. It wasn't a wasted day, as you say, I still managed to find some lovely yarn to bring home with me and a trip to Nottingham is always worth it to see Eleanor.

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  16. At least you got some lovely yarn purchases :-)
    I went to Yarningham this year and I was disappointed with that too, it's a bit of a let down when you have got yourself all excited about something. A bit naughty not to let people know that dyers have pulled out,

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    1. I think the most disappointing thing was that it was so good last year and for it to be so different this time around, added to that the dyers who had pulled out. It's a real shame as I think they'd got it right last year.

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  17. I LOVE your yarns. I feel a major binge coming on. OR at least a long yarn Christmas list

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    1. Ha ha, I've been making a yarn Christmas list just today. A wander around Etsy is fatal.

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  18. That's too bad about the show. The same thing happened to us a few years ago at a Makers Fair - the first time we went it was amazing, but the following year, we pretty much zipped through it as the vendors/activities were a disappointment compared to the prior year. Still, you managed to pick up some lovely yarn - all that squishy goodness and the colours are just beautiful!

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    1. The show was a disappointment but the yarn I brought home certainly isn't, I love it all. I did get introduced to some dyers which I hadn't come across before so it wasn't all bad and my Christmas wish list has grown a bit.

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  19. A yarn event sounds great with so many small businesses under one roof, but it's a shame that some were not there. That's disappointing. You came away with some lovely yarn, however, and it was nice that you got to see Eleanor on the same day.

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    1. It was a day out if nothing else, just a shame that it wasn't as good as I was expecting, but seeing Eleanor and spending a little extra time with her more than made up for it.

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  20. Those jellybean yarns are in such beautifully rich colours.
    How wonderful that Arthur was selling his wares too!
    How frustrating that the organisation wasn't so good this year, I wonder how many others won't think about returning.
    Glad you got to catch up with Eleanor too.
    Lisa x

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    1. Jellybean Yarns were a highlight of the show for me, I could have spent a fortune on their stall. I love to see children being encouraged where craft is concerned so I had to support Arthur by buying one of his mini skeins, it's a lovely colour and will look great in my blanket. It will be interesting to see what happens next year, I wonder if the organisers were disappointed with their efforts this year as the show certainly didn't match up to last year.

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  21. What a shame the exhibition had changed so much from last year. But, what beautiful yarns you bought home with you! I love them all, and I adore the fact you're planning knitting for next Christmas already! And jelly beans with your Jellybean yarn - a nice little touch.
    xx

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    1. I've read a few posts about other people's thoughts on the show and they're very similar to mine, it was such a big difference to what it was like last year. I could use the Christmas yarn to knit for this year but I've got other things on my needles at the moment so I know I wouldn't get them finished in time and I hate having to rush so I'll leave it for next year. I love the extra little touches, like the jellybeans, which many independent dyers add to your purchase.

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  22. Such a shame your experience of the exhibition was not as you expected, but you did find some really scrummy yarns. So lovely that you caught up with Eleanor, I´m sure she was very pleased with her bag of goodies xcx

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    1. Although the show wasn't as good as last year, I did still manage to bring some lovely yarn home with me, and seeing Eleanor made a trip to Nottingham well worth it.

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  23. It was so lovely to meet you at Nottingham! It's been interesting to hear varied feedback from the show. A lot of customers were disappointed in the size of it this year. But I know that last year a lot of vendors didn't manage to make any profit at all because the footfall was low in relation to the number of vendors. It'll be interesting to see what changes they make for next year.

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    1. It was lovely to finally meet you too, if there's one thing yarn shows are good for it's bringing people together. I think my main disappointment in the show was that advertised vendors weren't there, I know that there were less exhibitors to what there was last year so why bunch them all together when so much space was available. The shopping experience was great last year but it just didn't work for me this time round, which is such a shame as I didn't hear one negative comment last year. As you say, it'll be interesting to see what the organisers make of it and if they make any changes next time round.

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