Fabulous Woolfest!

Phew!

I feel like I haven’t stopped for days. First there was the news at the beginning of last week that WHSmiths and Tesco want to stock the 10 monthly issues of Yarn Forward! We’re still on a high. Then we made all the announcements on Wednesday to the knitting world – thank you everyone for all your supportive comments. Then Thursday was the loooong drive to Cumbria, Woolfest stall set up and checking in to our very lovely hotel – The Ouse Bridge, Bassenthwaite.

 

On Thursday night we had really big, flappy butterflies in our tummies. We’ve not had a stall at Woolfest before, so didn’t know what to expect. Would it be busy? Would people like the magazine? Would people buy subscriptions? Would there be a good chocolate stall?

Well, yes it was busy, the stand was packed with people most of the day; we barely got time for a loo break and eating lunch took two hours as we stopped to talk between bites. It was lovely to see and chat to so many of you when you came to collect your issue, and it’s great to put names to faces on the subs list.

We’re happy (and relieved) to say that everyone liked the magazine. Everyone shared with us the fantastic news of YF going on the shelves of Tesco and WHSmiths. The most important thing we wanted to get across is that our principles are not changing. Yarn Forward will still continue to have only 10 pages of advertising, it will always have 100% original and interesting patterns, and we will always include fabulous features from all corners of the fleece and fibre world. We’re passionate about yarn and we want to convey that to you.

And we did sell lots of subscriptions. Our database is expanding so quickly now, it’s a good job that we’ve got Dee onboard to help send them out. This morning, the first job in the office was to make sure that all the subs copies for those who didn’t come to Woolfest were sent out. Expect them in the post by the end of the week. (The lovely ladies in the Post Office were so quick at stamping up all the envelopes, they really deserve a medal.)

Finally, there wasn’t a chocolate stand per se, but there were some fab treats on offer. The ewe’s milk ice cream was just divine! And the homemade cakes on the stand next door just melted in the mouth. Think I’ll be getting out the Davina  fitness DVD again to work off those gained pounds!

Unfortunately we didn’t get as much time to look around as we’d have liked, but did manage to escape on the odd occasion. There were so many fabulous yarns on offer, and I’ve started my foray into the spinning world. I bought a cheaper drop spindle and after one night I was hooked and invested in a faster more balanced one. Maybe next year I’ll get a wheel…

Another great part of the show is the animals that are on display. I became very attached to the angora goats – I’m ‘just looking’ at the property pages for a local small holding, as DH shakes his head. Kerrie was keen to smuggle out a cute Herdwick sheep. Luckily I’d bought too many rovings to fit anything else in the back of the car. And you have to feel sorry for the Alpacas. They turned up all fluffy and cuddly, then after the shearing demos, they were reduced to very skinny creatures.

So that’s Woolfest 2008 over. Thank you so much to the Woolclip team for all your fabulous organising skills. The atmosphere in the building was fantastic.

Next stop iKnit London on 6th September, will we see you there?

xx

(posted by Kerrie, written by Lou.  WordPress is not co-operating on Lou’s mac at the moment)