Beads At A Fiber Show - What?!?!

This week I am going on a really long road trip ... packing up the van full of beads and supplies and hitting the road.  Where am I going?  Well, I am going to a little town northwest of Chicago called Schaumburg, Illinois.  Why would I choose such a lovely location?  The answer is easy, it's the location of Stitches Midwest!!

Now, many of you may have no idea what Stitches Midwest is, while others of you are drooling just thinking about it.  Stitches Midwest is a convention for fiber artists ... knitters, crocheters, weavers ... you get the idea.  Think of Beadfest for knitters on steroids!!  Any type of yarn, fiber, supplies, books ... you can get practically anything you need (or don't need just want!).

Picasso finish size 6 hex cut beads

So, why would I, a bead vendor, be going to this event?  It is actually a very good combination. There are many ways to use beads in knitting and crocheting and lots other techniques.  If you think about it, I bet you can name many ways these two things can be combined.  Picture beaded bags, beaded fringe on bags or clothing, beaded scarves, beaded shawls, macrame decorations. Many designers and teachers have incorporated beads into their projects, and the classes are an excellent place to learn more about these combining beads and fibers.

I have to admit, when I was first approached about vending at a Stitches event many years ago, I was skeptical. But I decided to take a chance, besides I love to knit and I could shop at the same time if I was not busy!  So off I went with my little car packed to the roof to the Atlantic City Convention Center.  I got into the lined of vendors and I realize I was being laughed at by everyone in their giant trucks, vans, commercial vehicles, and big rigs. Oh well, I thought.

So I set up and prepare for Market Preview Night.  The Stitches events always open for a few hours one night early for the attendees that are already there.  It was like those films you see of Walmart on Black Friday!!!  People rushed in, walking quickly to places they wanted to see and to get the lay of the land.  I started writing up orders like a fiend and did not stop until they closed the market.  It was unreal!!  Once I dragged myself back to the hotel room, I added up my sales for the few hours of the market.  I could not believe it!  I had made more in those few hours than I had ever made at a weekend bead show!!!!

Lovely cotton gima yarn

As the weekend progressed, I sold out of more and more beads.  Once people saw what they could do with seed beads, there was no stopping them!  When I packed up to leave, I had half the amount of containers than I had brought with me.  It was the greatest feeling.  Also, needless to say - I never got to shop for yarn!!!  But I was okay with that.

So, I am leaving for my road trip, plan on having a good time, and to take advantage of a relationship that works great together - yarn and beads!!

Now,