YarnCon Chicago

YarnCon 2009 Was a Blast!

2009-10-17T19:16:00.001-07:00

What an amazing day! We want to thank all our wonderful vendors for making YarnCon such a great show. We couldn't do it without you! We'll bask in the post-show glow for a short while, but we already have big ideas for next year.

And now, a nap. Ahh.

YarnCon on the Radio!

2009-10-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

If you were listening to 88.7 WLUW in Chicago this past Thursday morning, you might have heard a piece about YarnCon on Outside the Loop Radio! The show's producer, Mike Stephen, interviewed Sara about the show and what we mean by the "yarny arts."

Missed it? Listen to the archived version!

See you and your yarny selves tomorrow at YarnCon 2009!

YarnCon 2009 is One Week Away!

2009-10-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

Somehow, September and October have flown by, and the third annual YarnCon is now just a week away. We're excited for you to see our lineup of vendors that we can hardly stand it. Have you seen the 2009 list yet?

And workshops! Whether you're looking to learn to knit, learn to spin, or make a unique felted pin or beaded toggle for an FO, we've got you covered. The $3 show admission grants you free access to all the classes, although one or two have extra fees for materials.

On top of it all, we're happy to present the Craft Lounge for the second year. Sit, relax, knit, spin, crochet, or just revel in your new acquisitions at our comfy round tables in the West Gym.

See you next Saturday at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse!

Vendors, Workshops, and Volunteers, oh my!

2009-09-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

YarnCon is less than 3 weeks away, and we are working fast and furiously to make sure it is the best YarnCon yet. Thanks to amazing vendors and workshops, we are sure it will be. You can see a preview of what awaits you this year on October 17th at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse by checking out the vendor and workshops links on the YarnCon website.

We also have a handy-dandy volunteer sign-up page for anyone who would like to help us out on the day of the show. In exchange for a few hours of helping us and our vendors we will give you free admission, yummy coffee and doughnuts, and our eternal gratitude. Plus, working on YarnCon is a lot of fun! You get to hang out with like minded people all day and be a part of something we all enjoy. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at info (at) yarnygoodness.com Thanks!

2009 Vendor list available

2009-09-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

We’ve posted our 2009 vendor list at the YarnCon website!

We have several fabulous new folks on board this year, along with many of our favorite crafty artisans from the past two years. It’s going to be a great show.

We’re still working on the workshop schedule, and we’ll post it soon.

YarnCon site Visible to IE7 Users!

2009-08-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Egad. Apparently those of you on PCs using IE7 as your browser were unable to view the YarnCon website for a while there, but we've fixed the problem. So if you've noticed a big blank white space where YarnCon info used to be, check it again.

Apply, even! We're almost full to bursting, but we have a few spots left for those not making the trip to Rhinebeck that weekend. (Trust me, we won't be making that scheduling mistake again. Sigh.)

Another fabulous WWKiP Day!

2009-06-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who braved the rain and came out to knit in public on Saturday. I am actually glad it rained, since it meant we actually got to try out our rain location, the Chicago Cultural Center. There was plenty of room in the cafe, and the people who work at the Cultural Center were very welcoming, and hope that we come back, hooray for knitting in public! There was a lot of foot traffic in the Cultural Center, as people came in out of the rain, so we were, as usual, a tourist attraction. Now, onto the pictures!

WWKiP Day -- Saturday, June 13

2009-06-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Need an excuse to grab your needles and knit outside? Join us in Millennium Park this Saturday from 12-4pm (or anytime in between) for Worldwide Knit in Public Day!

We'll be in the grassy area behind the Chase Promenade -- along Randolph, just East of Michigan Ave. In the event of a rainy day, we'll walk down Randolph to the Cultural Center and meet in their cafe.

We're ba-aaack

2009-04-02T11:04:00.001-07:00

Hello Yarny Friends, we've been busy raising and having off-spring this winter (a huge congratulation to Sara and Lane on the birth of their ultra-cute future knitter, Maggie!), but we never stopped thinking about YarnCon, and the yarny fun to be had this year (OK, maybe Sara might have had occasion recently to not think about it for a little while, babies will do that you.)

First, an announcement. YarnCon will be held on October 17th this year, not the first weekend in October as we had planned. We tried, but the Park District has other plans. C'est la vie. We will carry on, and we hope you will join us for the third annual YarnCon at the lovely Pulaski Park Fieldhouse! We are getting ready to update the website, and get the application together, so vendors, get ready, the application goes live on April 15th! If you would like to host a workshop or demonstration, or a book signing, please contact us at info@yarnygoodness.com.

We're also very excited to be organizing the Millennium Park gathering for World Wide Knit in Public day. As some of you might remember, last year we had a huge gathering, and got lots of attention from the Park security. We've been working with the Park District this year, and they are going to help us find a nice, shady space in Millennium park for our gathering this year. Because this is a free event, and we are not renting the space, we have to wait until May to find out the exact location in the park. Keep an eye on this blog, and the Windy City Fiber Folks group on Ravelry for more details.

We're looking forward to wonderful year of creating with yarn, we hope you will join us.

Quietly busy

2008-11-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

Although we've been quiet here on the blog, we can't stop talking about our plans for next year. We love producing YarnCon, and organizing other yarny events throughout the year, and we want to bring Chicago more of the Yarny Goodness. There are so many talented and creative fiber artists we want to bring to your attention, and we are working on fun new ways (including YarnCon, of course) of introducing them to you. But, we can use your help, while helping you get some holiday shopping done at the same time. Please help us raise funds by purchasing our limited edition YarnCon print.

Each print is signed and numbered by Chicago artist, Alex Uribe. For a mere $30 you can have this great poster, and know that you're helping promote Chicago area artists. Thanks!

Thank you for a great second year!

2008-10-06T07:56:00.001-07:00

Thanks go out to everyone who helped make YarnCon 2008 such a big success: our fabulous vendors, amazing volunteers, and all the enthusiastic shoppers and supporters who came out by the hundreds! It was a really great day, thanks to our wonderful Chicago crafting community.

More pictures available in our Flickr pool (feel free to join and add your own!):

http://www.flickr.com/groups/yarnconchicago

Want to make sure you're in the loop for next year? Email us at info@yarnygoodness.com, and we'll keep you up to date.

YarnCon is almost here!

2008-09-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Things are getting exciting over here as we get the final pieces in place for YarnCon 2008 on Saturday, Oct. 4th!

We have great vendors, classes and more in store for you this year. We're so thrilled that we commissioned a commemorative poster, designed by Chicago artist (and my brother), Alex Uribe. Want a peek?

These hand-printed posters are signed and numbered (there are only 30, and #1 is being raffled, so you'll want to buy yours early) by the artist. Isn't it lovely? We'll have them for sale at the front along with the YarnCon shirts and pins.

We can't wait to see you on Saturday!

Support for a fellow yarn lover

2008-09-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

Our friend and fellow knitter, Kristy, is raising money for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. She and her husband are participating in AIDS Run / Walk Chicago 2008, and she is giving you a major incentive to donate: a knitters raffle! Check out details on donating and all the great prizes you can win at kristyland.

Check out our great vendors!

2008-09-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

We've posted the vendor list for 2008! Hooray! There are still more updates to the list to come, so please keep an eye on it. It keeps getting better!

Less than a month to go!

the YarnCon Family's newest member

2008-08-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Things have been pretty slow around this blog in the past month or so, and sometimes that's just how it goes. Sometimes other life events take precedence over even something as fun and exciting as our beloved YarnCon...

...like Natalia having her baby! He's here, and he's a doll. Details and a super cute pic are available here:
http://www.evil-eye-emporium.com/wordpress/

In the meantime, YarnCon plans are still humming along. The big day is less than two months away at this point, and we need you! (Yes, you!) If you're interested in volunteering (i.e., indulging your yarn fetish for a day in exchange for a small amount of work), please email us at info@yarnygoodness.com.

We're a thing to do!

2008-07-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

YarnCon is mentioned as a "Thing to do and apply for" over at Handmade Nation. We, of course, could not agree more. Although the application deadline has passed, we do have a waiting list, so if you were thinking about, you can still get an application in for a vendor spot. We are also looking for people who would like to share their fibery knowledge, so if you would like to teach a class, please contact us.

We're really excited about how this year's YarnCon is shaping up. Not only will there be the fabulous vendors, but we also have some exhibitions in the works, a Stitching Lounge where you can hang out with like minded yarn-lovers, and even more good stuff to come!

WWKIP Day

2008-06-17T09:46:00.001-07:00

We had a fantastic turnout at WWKIP Day in Millennium Park on Saturday. At least 93 people were in attendance throughout the day! The weather was picture perfect, and security was baffled. We actually did overwhelm security a bit, but the end result is that we will work with the park to have an even better spot in Millennium Park next year, in the lawn, with actual shade! We want to thank Kate, Lis, Katie and Captain for helping us put this year's event together. They came to us with new ideas which really made this year better than ever, and were there to help throughout the day. Also, thanks to Kate's boyfriend for making the sign:

Photo taken by Sara.

And thanks to everyone who came out to knit, crochet and spin in public. We had a wonderful time, and we are already looking forward to next year.

It was a day of great successes, including the yarn swap run by Katie, and a collection of yarn, books and tools for Interim House run by Lis. So successful that we need your help to ship this generous donation over to them. If you could please give a few dollars to help us ship everything over, we would be eternally grateful. Any money collected that goes over the shipping total will be sent to Interim House as well.

You can contribute to shipping by clicking on the paypal donation button below:
Check out how much was collected over the course of the afternoon:

And more was added after the picture was taken! As you can see, we really can use your help to pay for shipping, that is a whole lot of yarn! Thanks to everyone who contributed.

You can see the rest of the pictures at the Flickr WWKIP Day Chicago 2008 Pool.

YarnCon can't stop planning events

2008-06-09T12:19:00.001-07:00

How much do we love playing with yarn? So much that we are back again, this time bringing you World Wide Knit in Public Day in Chicago. WWKIP Day has been celebrated in Chicago's Millennium Park for 4 years now, and we took over organizing the event last year. This year we have additional help from some fine ladies we met on Ravelry.

Join us for a fun filled day of knitting and crocheting and spinning in public on June 14th (this Saturday) from Noon to at least 4pm in the pavilion behind the "faces" fountains in Millennium Park. We suggest you bring something to sit on, sunscreen, and plenty to drink. Of course, given our location, there are lots of great places to get something to eat and drink, so the choice is yours.

The first 100 people to stop by our welcome table will receive a Yarn Crawl in a bag! There will also be a yarn swap, and collection for Interim House, so bring that yarn you know you're not going to use, and trade it or give it to folks who can really use it. There will also be a group sewing up Afghans for Afghans rectangles (7" x 9"), so if you have those, or are looking for easy knitting while you chat with your friends, bring those rectangles along.

We'll also be accepting applications for YarnCon, so if you have been thinking of applying, but haven't gotten around to it, stop by and see us at the welcome table! We'll even have the forms printed and waiting for you, so no more excuses!

YarnCon Chicago Wants You!

2008-06-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

We know you are out there, you make yarn, yarny tools and accessories, create new patterns, embellish lovely items with yarny themes, write yarny books. You just need somewhere to sell those goods. Well, what are you waiting for? Apply to be a vendor at YarnCon 2008!

Perhaps teaching or demonstrating your craft is more your style. You are in luck, we need you as well. Drop us a line at info@yarnygoodness.com.

We want YarnCon to be the event you turn to for all things yarny. To hang out and play with yarn, to learn about yarn, to buy and sell yarn and yarny tools. But we need your help to make it happen. Last year was fantastic, but we can't stop there! We know there is more yarny love to share!

YarnCon loves YarnSchool

2008-05-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it took me so long to post about Yarn School. It could have something to do with the fact I have had a hard time tearing myself away from my spinning wheel and all of the wonderful fiber I brought back with me.

We had such an amazing time at Yarn School, we didn't want to leave. As if learning all about making yarn by hand from really talented people (we were a bit star-struck at getting to meet Adrian from Hello Yarn, Sarah from Maisy Day Handspun and Jennifer of Whirled Yarn) wasn't enough to make us giddy, being surrounded by like-minded people, the freedom to experiment with an almost limitless supply of fiber, and being fed fabulous food was enough to make us want to move in. Thanks to Nikol and her fabulous helpers for putting together a great event.

We came home with bags full of fiber, cameras full of pictures, new yarny skills, and even more enthusiasm for this year's YarnCon*!

*I didn't know I could get even more excited about YarnCon!

Yeay for Bobmas!

2008-04-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

So, how did everyone enjoy Bobmas Eve, and Bobmas day? Sara and I had grand plans of visiting a number of Yarn Stores on Thursday, but Chicago is large, the weather was bad, and traffic was worse. But, we did manage to attend two parties that night, and I was able to attend one Bobmas day party on Friday.

On Bobmas Eve we visited Knitting Workshop at its fabulous new location.

We were welcomed to join the knitters at the table, once we had a chance to check out the new store, and grab some snacks.

The other reason we could not visit more stores is that once you are surrounded by knitters, and have your own knitting out, the time flies, and you are in no hurry to leave. But, after Sara finished weaving the ends in to her lovely new scarf, we decided it was time to visit at least one more shop.

From Knitting Workshop, it was off to Loopy Yarns. The night was winding down at Loopy (they stayed open late for us, how cool is that?), but there was still much fun to be had, and cupcakes and Bobtinis to consume (I stuck to the yummy cupcakes), not to mention yarn to fondle.

On Friday I took a trip down to Beverly to check out the Bobmas fun at My Sister's Knits. Right away I was greeted with Grandma's super comfy love seat, cupcakes and tea. What I had planned as a short visit became a longer one, but not long enough in my opinion. I had a great time meeting Carol, and her lovely Golden Retrievers, Goldie and Cody, plus a great bunch of knitters. I can't wait to go back.

We obviously need more yarn holidays!

Maybe you wanted still another place to celebrate?

2008-04-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

Then here it is:

Mosaic Yarn Studio in Des Plaines will have their Knit & Crochet Night on Thursday from 6-8pm, with added Bobmas goodness. Added goodness includes free pizza and 20% off sock yarn, including Koigu!

(I must remember to not eat before leaving for all of these parties!)

I've already created a flickr group for pictures of the festivities, so please take your cameras, and add them to the group.

And a celebration on Bobmas Day!

2008-04-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to add yet another place to celebrate the fun that is Ravelry, My Sister's Knits! They will have their celebration during their Friday Knit Night, and it will include cupcakes! Who doesn't love cupcakes?

My Sister's Knits will celebrate Bobmas (Raverly’s one year anniversary)
on Friday, April 11th
Why not do it during our open Knit Night?
So from 6:30pm - 8:30pm there will be a 20% store-wide discount & a prize for those of you who shop.
Cupcakes & Tea will be served.
Hope to see you all there.

Another place to celebrate Bobmas Eve

2008-04-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition to the list of places to celebrate Bobmas Eve on April 10th, Chix with Stix!

Chix with Stix
7316 W. Madison St
Forest Park, IL 60130
Phone: 708-366-6300

Chix with Stix will be open until 9pm, and serving wine, snacks, and 10% off all yarn. Plus, Howie will be there as Bob’s Proxy!

So, how are you planning to celebrate? Will you go to your favorite LYS? The most local? Or are you planning a yarn crawl? I wish I could teleport so I could visit them all at least for a few minutes.

Bobmas Eve celebrations!

2008-03-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

This post isn't about YarnCon per se, but it's in support of the yarny arts without a doubt. In honor of Ravelry, Natalia and I asked the Chicagoland LYSes if they'd be up for each hosting their own Bobmas Eve party (to spread the love around our rather large city), and the response has been fantastic! We've heard back from 8 stores so far. Below are the details. If you don't see your favorite store, call 'em up and ask them if they're planning anything!

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Arcadia Knitting
1613 W. Lawrence
Chicago, IL 60640
773-293-1211

Arcadia is pleased to join in the Bobmas Eve celebration! Come by for fun and festivities -- we'll be open until 8pm.

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Knit 1
3823 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
773-244-1646

Knit1 will be open until 9pm on Thursday, April 10. Come celebrate the first annual observance of Bobmas Eve and enjoy snacks, beverages, and a special sale on select yarns in honor of the event!

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Knitting Workshop
2115 N. Damen (new location!)
Chicago, IL 60647
773-929-5776

The Knitting Workshop will be open until 9pm on Thursday, April 10, and welcomes all Ravelry revelers. Come join us for light refreshments -- wine, cheese, etc. -- and celebrate Bobmas Eve.

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Knitwerks
1934 S. Wabash
Chicago, IL 60616
312-949-9276

Knitwerks will be open and celebrating Bobmas Eve with snacks and lots of knitting fun! Come join us until 8pm.

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Loopy Yarns
719 S. State St.
Chicago, IL 60605
312-583-YARN (9276)

Loopy Yarns' Bobmas Eve party will be from 6 to 8pm with selected sale yarns and beverages. We will be closing early to host this holiday celebration for Ravelry members!

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nina
a well-knit shop
1655 w. division st.
Chicago, IL 60622
773 486.8996

For Bobmas Eve, Nina will be offering:
- Wine & Nibbles
- Ravelry FO Fashion Show (a chance for people to wear and show off finished objects they've posted on Ravelry)
- Prizes
- 20% off all purchases during the evening (from 5-8pm)

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Sister Arts Studio
721 W. Wrightwood
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 929-7274

Bobmas Eve Mother & Daughter Creative Night (ages 7+)
April 10th - 6:30 - 9:30
* Bring your daughter...if no daughter bring a sister or friend!
* Bring your current needle work project; knitting, crochet, felting, tatting, embroidery etc..
* Bring a beverage or snack to share and receive 10% off your yarn or craft-kit purchase!

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Woolly Lamb Yarn Studio
6007 N. Nina Ave.
Chicago, IL 60631
773-631-6208

Woolly Lamb will be participating in the Bobmas Eve celebrations, as well! Please call our shop for details.