We spent so much time anticipating the East Anglia Yarn Festival and then it was on us and over in a flash. We had an absolute ball. On the Friday Mandy and I moved a large part of the shop’s stock to the Norfolk Showground, leaving the shop looking as though it had been burgled. One of my reflections is that we will not do that again, particularly as Shane, the framer upstairs, said we had loads of customers on Saturday. The set up went smoothly, with the help of our husbands and many cable ties, meaning that we were very relaxed when the doors opened on the Saturday. Which was just as well, because we were very very busy for most of the day and for much of the Sunday, usually a quieter day, too.
One of the joys of the Festival is meeting other retailers. We were very lucky with our neighbours. On one side we had Super Effective Fibres, the energetic Karl and his very laid back husband and on the other we had Weku Yarn, one half of which is Lydia who was a finalist in The Game of Wool. I felt almost guilty about my criticisms of the show, as she was absolutely lovely. They were launching their own brand of DK, so I had to purchase a couple of balls to try out. But there were also so many people that I now feel are friends – Shannon from Blue Fern Yarns, Ellie from Crafthouse Magic, Jenn from Fibreworkshop, Helen from Woolly Chic in particular, and that sense of being part of something is quite special.
The big draw for those of us who are fans, was Stephen West who had come to man his stall, Stephen and Penelope. I think the poor man must have spoken with everyone of the 2,500 people who came through the door. And yet he appeared interested and smiley all the time. Mandy had her photo taken with him, but will not have it published, so you will have to make do with one of my friend Ulli who impressed him with her gorgeous Foxtail Wrap. I spoke to him but did not feel that I needed to be photographed doing so! He is remarkably tall which was amusing in a space predominantly filled with women. He definitely stood out. One of my other purchases from him – I could not resist.
I go through those weekends high on adrenaline. I love them. I love seeing my existing customers and meeting new ones. I love seeing what sells (so much Knitting for Olive and Edition 3) and even what doesn’t (tapestry kits). I love looking around at all the amazing things that people are selling, in particular the other independent dyers. It is such a buzz. Thank you everyone who came by to say hello or to buy something. I really appreciate it. Biggest thanks, of course, to Mandy and my sister Alex for their help and moral support on the stand, and to Laura who is such an effective organiser of the Festival.
And then at 4pm on Sunday it was all over. I took down the stand and spent much of Monday putting everything back on the shelves. I have already applied for next year, so fingers crossed I will be accepted. And in the meantime, there is a good chance that I will be doing the same again, on a slightly smaller scale, at Yarndale in September.
