Maryland sheep and wool?

[Captain Catnip]

Do any of you go to MDSW? I went last year and am planning on going back this year. My mom accompanies me usually even though she doesn't do any fiber arts. We usually stay a couple hours away in Deep creek them just drive up first thing Saturday AM.

[tacokick]

I haven’t in the last couple years but was thinking about it

[Captain Catnip]

Feb 16, 2018 13:22:02 GMT -5 tacokick said:

I haven’t in the last couple years but was thinking about it

I really enjoyed it last year and I did the ravelry stitch marker swap, that was nice.

I know to be more prepared money wise this time, too.

[mala]

I will be provided nothing major comes up. B and I go every year and she loves it. I have to stick to a firm budget or I buy ALL THE YARN. This year may be more hit or miss since I'll have a 6 year old and a 4-6 week old baby. But there's very little that would keep me away. Maybe I'll convince my mom to come too, though she can't knit much anymore. H has NO desire to come, I woudln't make him, he would get super twitchy.

[bex]

I have never been but kind of want to go this year. I only crochet semi-regularly but maybe some new yarn will inspire me.

[tacokick]

Feb 17, 2018 7:25:08 GMT -5 bex said:

I have never been but kind of want to go this year. I only crochet semi-regularly but maybe some new yarn will inspire me.

It was fun, I’m not a huge knitter or crocheter but my husband and I both enjoyed it. My tip is to arrive early and bring cash.

[Captain Catnip]

Feb 17, 2018 8:30:58 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Feb 17, 2018 7:25:08 GMT -5 bex said:

I have never been but kind of want to go this year. I only crochet semi-regularly but maybe some new yarn will inspire me.

It was fun, I’m not a huge knitter or crocheter but my husband and I both enjoyed it. My tip is to arrive early and bring cash.

My husband has no interest really, but my mom enjoys going and she does not knit or crochet. We always went to the local county agricultural fair, though, and my brother and sister raised goats/sheep for 4-H. She enjoys the animals and we both loved the food. I took about $100 last year but the one skein I bought was $60 on it's own; I am definitely going to take a little more this time. Also on ravelry (closer to the event) various yarn companies will post asking for people to help at their booth for a while; I'm considering doing that (and they usually pay in yarn...)

[bex]

Feb 17, 2018 8:30:58 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Feb 17, 2018 7:25:08 GMT -5 bex said:

I have never been but kind of want to go this year. I only crochet semi-regularly but maybe some new yarn will inspire me.

It was fun, I’m not a huge knitter or crocheter but my husband and I both enjoyed it. My tip is to arrive early and bring cash.

Good advice re: the cash! H wont have any interest in the yarn but I think the kids will like seeing the sheep and the sheepdog demonstrations sound fun.

[mala]

Feb 17, 2018 8:40:29 GMT -5 Captain Catnip said:

Feb 17, 2018 8:30:58 GMT -5 tacokick said:

It was fun, I’m not a huge knitter or crocheter but my husband and I both enjoyed it. My tip is to arrive early and bring cash.

My husband has no interest really, but my mom enjoys going and she does not knit or crochet. We always went to the local county agricultural fair, though, and my brother and sister raised goats/sheep for 4-H. She enjoys the animals and we both loved the food. I took about $100 last year but the one skein I bought was $60 on it's own; I am definitely going to take a little more this time. Also on ravelry (closer to the event) various yarn companies will post asking for people to help at their booth for a while; I'm considering doing that (and they usually pay in yarn...)

WAT!!!!!!! MUST DO THIS

B mostly goes to see the sheep & other livestock. She does love helping me pick out yarn though.

I budgeted about $120 last year, and I managed to stick to it. Do bring cash though, it's better for the sellers to not have to process credit card fees, though most will have a square reader if you run out of cash or don't want to carry that much. I do recommend if you're going in to buy yarn, bring an empty backpack (or leave space in your backpack) to put it in. It gets SO CROWDED that having a tote or shopping bag gets to be a real hindrance in some of the spaces. And if you have littles try to avoid bringing a stroller if you can. If you can't avoid it, bring a buddy who can stay with the kids while you go in the barns to shop, or just avoid the more crowded spaces. Some of them get absolutely packed by the end of the day.

[mala]

Feb 17, 2018 8:46:32 GMT -5 bex said:

Feb 17, 2018 8:30:58 GMT -5 tacokick said:

It was fun, I’m not a huge knitter or crocheter but my husband and I both enjoyed it. My tip is to arrive early and bring cash.

Good advice re: the cash! H wont have any interest in the yarn but I think the kids will like seeing the sheep and the sheepdog demonstrations sound fun.

I like to plan to get there at half hour after open. The years I've tried to hit it to park right at opening I've ended up in a mile of backup to get in. Arriving 30 min after open it was much less backed up. No matter what you do though, you're going to be waiting in traffic to get in. And parking is all on the open fields, not paved lots, so if it's rained just be prepared for some mud. Two years ago B and I had to wear hiking boots it was so muddy. Everyone else was trying to go around the worst of the mud, we were just like "whatever" and slogged right through the middle of it.

[Captain Catnip]

FYI Last year they started charging $5 entrance fee (which I don't feel is too much, but some do.) They seem to think this helped cut down on the lookie-loos from town and made it just people interested in the festival.


Soo...GBCN craft meetup then?

tacokick,mala,bex,

[mala]

Feb 17, 2018 9:52:21 GMT -5 Captain Catnip said:

FYI Last year they started charging $5 entrance fee (which I don't feel is too much, but some do.) They seem to think this helped cut down on the lookie-loos from town and made it just people interested in the festival.


Soo...GBCN craft meetup then?

tacokick,mala,bex,

I'm in.

Last year I think it was just over 12 that needed to pay $5? If I remember correctly. Last year you could also prepay and then bring our receipt to the gate to get in. I think there was an additional charge of like a dollar to cover the CC processing fees if you did it online. Or, you know, I could go to the website and double check all that for this year lol. #lazy

[Captain Catnip]

mala, That sounds right; I don't have kids with me so I wasn't sure about the kids.

I think last year it was in late March/early April when vendors started posting looking for help. I am in the MDSW group so I just check periodically to see when someone lists.

[drloretta]

I'm strongly considering going since my knitting retreat fell through

[Captain Catnip]

Feb 17, 2018 13:38:03 GMT -5 drloretta said:

I'm strongly considering going since my knitting retreat fell through

Liking for maybe MDSW, not liking the retreat falling through.  

[tacokick]

Feb 17, 2018 8:46:32 GMT -5 bex said:

Feb 17, 2018 8:30:58 GMT -5 tacokick said:

It was fun, I’m not a huge knitter or crocheter but my husband and I both enjoyed it. My tip is to arrive early and bring cash.

Good advice re: the cash! H wont have any interest in the yarn but I think the kids will like seeing the sheep and the sheepdog demonstrations sound fun.

Yes, cash was great—checking out was easy, everyone took it and it was easier to budget. My husband was an art major so crafty stuff is fine with him and the sheep stuff was super cute!

[tacokick]

Feb 17, 2018 9:52:21 GMT -5 Captain Catnip said:

FYI Last year they started charging $5 entrance fee (which I don't feel is too much, but some do.) They seem to think this helped cut down on the lookie-loos from town and made it just people interested in the festival.


Soo...GBCN craft meetup then?

tacokick,mala,bex,

I’m in if I definitely go! LOL.

[drloretta]

OK, I'm committed. I just booked my flight and car, and I just purchased my tickets for Sat and Sun!

[Captain Catnip]

Mar 27, 2018 15:08:04 GMT -5 drloretta said:

OK, I'm committed. I just booked my flight and car, and I just purchased my tickets for Sat and Sun!

Yessss!

[Captain Catnip]

I'll be there Saturday and am still waiting for my "work schedule" for when I'll be at Buffalo Wool Co helping out. I'll also be at the stitch marker swap they host. Do you guys want to try to meet up sometime that day?

[mala]

I'm absolutely up to meet up, as long as we make it. I'm loathe to commit 100% when I'll have a 6 year old and a 4 week old in tow. I might see if my mom wants to join me.

[drloretta]

I would love to meet up!

A stitch marker swap? Tell me more!

[Captain Catnip]

Mar 28, 2018 10:01:51 GMT -5 drloretta said:

I would love to meet up!

A stitch marker swap? Tell me more!

www.ravelry.com/discuss/maryland-sheep--wool/3749208/

[Captain Catnip]

tacokick drloretta bex mala still haven't heard from buffalo wool co, but when do you guys want to meet up? I'll be there Saturday.

[mala]

If we make it it will be Saturday. I have to convince h to come, I'm not sure I cam wrangle B and a 3 week old on my own

[tacokick]

I was aiming for Sunday but I might be able to make Saturday instead.

[drloretta]

I'll be there both days and am very flexible. Name a time and I'll show up!

[Captain Catnip]

Saturday I'll be at the stitch marker swap at 1 and then helping out from 2-4. Otherwise I'm open!

[mala]

Well, we're on our way. 30 mintues late, two onsies for the baby, two shirts for the husband, nonstop chatter from the 6 year old. H is NOT feeling it this morning, but he's here because I asked him to be. He wins brownie points as long as he can hold his temper.

[mala]

Apr 30, 2018 20:01:37 GMT -5 Captain Catnip said:

Saturday I'll be at the stitch marker swap at 1 and then helping out from 2-4. Otherwise I'm open!

Kiddo wants to see sheepdog at 11. If we make it in time we might watch the cheesemaking demo at 10. Otherwise, I'm open too