Stitches West 2015 – What a Blast!
I was so blessed to be able to attend the annual Stitches West in Santa Clara, Ca. last weekend. The location is about 45 minutes south of San Francisco, California. This is a super yarn event sponsored by Knitting Universe. The event was held at the Santa Clara Convention Center right across the street from the new Levi Stadium where the SF 49ers play. The event was a bit overwhelming. Walking into the Market Place you can see yarn as far as the eye can see.
Vendors came from all over the USA and some even from other countries like the land down under, Australia. Every type of yarn imaginable was on display from Acrylic blends, wools, bamboo, silk, alpaca, etc. It was a fiber lovers dream. I felt like the mothership was calling me home. : ) In all seriousness it was a great event. Not only are you able to see and purchase some of the most exquisite yarns but there are tons of other knitting and crocheting items available for purchase. There were over 300 vendors present. Stitches West 2015 was a great experience.
I was also able to meet some of the people I admire and follow on social media such as the awesome Kristen Omdahl and guess what she is as nice, awesome and gracious in person as she is in her videos. I have become an even greater fan. She was there with her new yarn line. She has personally selected the yarn (100% bamboo) which is some of the softest I have ever felt. She also has a new book which I immediately purchased. It’s a really great value. You get 21 beautiful patterns for only $24.99. Her yarn was a great value as well since you get the kit (2 different types) which has enough yarn to allow you to make a project, plus a purchase gives you access to great patterns to use with your new yarn. I purchased the kit as well and will be doing a video review of her products. Here is the link for her website Click Here I highly recommend them. I also got to meet Edie Eckman another designer I have long admired, among other great fun people. Check out the photo I took with a lady wearing her own Turkey Head creation. You could also purchase kits that had already been prepared with the pattern and all the supplies needed to complete the project. I thought that was really handy.
Many of the vendor display finished garments showing their yarn. The garments were exclusive. I only wish there were more crochet items. The event is sponsored by Knitting Universe so it makes sense that it attracts more knitters than crochet fans. Now I wish I had more time to make every single garment. There were spinning wheels for sale as well as spinning demonstrations. Jumbo Yarn winders which I purchased that can handle up to a pounds of yarn.. woohoo. I bought one of course. Here are some photos. After the event we took a day trip to San Francisco. We took the harbor cruise around SF Bay and around Alcatraz prison. We got to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge which was such a trip. It was a little nippy but we enjoyed it.
Below you will find a collage I made of some of the great products available at Stitches West 2015
