The Good
I took two great classes this year. If you’re near another
upcoming Stitches event and you haven’t taken these classes, I highly recommend
them.
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| Antje Gillingham Sample Scarf |
First, was a class called Fringed
Modulation with Antje Gillingham. Her lovely German accent reminded me of Heidi
Klum on Project Runway. I kind of wanted her to say “one day you’re in and the
next day you’re out.” The class takes
you through the steps to create a more-or-less patchwork scarf using variegated
yarn. There was some instruction, knit,
knit, knit, some more instruction, knit, knit, knit, a little more instruction,
and then we used the rest of the time to work on the scarf and ask questions as
needed. The room was super cold and at one point Antje took all of her scarves
and wrapped them around her legs and torso. She had us all laughing. It made
for quite a sight and I wish my camera phone wasn’t completely lame or else I would
have shared the visual with you. It’s a good class if you’re looking for a
great project to work on and even gift to someone for the holidays. Just be
warned, it’s not a technique class. You’ll use your basic skills to create a really
unique scarf.
Second, was a class called Join as
You Go Knitting with Lily Chin. I’ll admit that I was a little intimidated
by her at first. I mean she is LILY CHIN. She's a fantastic instructor, explained
everything very clearly and demonstrated with her giant needles and super bulky
yarn so everyone could see just exactly what it was she was trying to describe.
This is definitely a great technique class and something that I know I’ll use
in future knitting. She covers it in her Knitting
Tips & Tricks book, but it helps so much more to be able to sit in a
class with her and demonstrate it live.
The Bad
One of the big disappointments at Stitches Midwest came on
Friday afternoon after the marketplace opened to the public. It was incredibly
crowded. So much so that you could barely walk down an aisle or make your way
into a booth to see the goods. I don't recall it ever being so crowded. I managed to make my way down two aisles before I completely gave
up and went home. I returned the next day for my class and attempted the
marketplace again, but this time it was far less full than Friday. I can only
guess that the Friday people wanted to get there first to buy up all the
goodies so that the Saturday and Sunday people would have less of a selection.
Whatever. I guess that’s just human nature.
The Ugly
The biggest disappointment though came thanks to the Friday marketplace
attendees. I was pushed, I was hovered over, I was stared down, I had people
stand clear in front of me while I was looking at something, I was knocked around by oversized bags, and I was nearly
run over a few times by people using walkers.
Let me tell you a little something about
myself—I am probably the most polite, well-mannered person you will ever meet.
I was raised right. If I need to pass you or walk in front of you, I will say “excuse
me” or “pardon me” or just politely ask to get around you. If I accidentally bump into you, I will say “I’m
sorry.” I always say “please” and “thank you” and I will hold a door open if
you are right behind me. You get the drift.
The sheer rudeness of the Friday marketplace attendees
was kind of shocking. I understand that we’re all there for yarn, but hey, it’s
just yarn. They sell it EVERYWHERE. I won’t be going back on Fridays again.
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