Vending At Yarn Shows - Is It Worth It For Me? Studio Vlog #69 ¦ The Corner of Craft

[@cathleenfry8710]

As someone who occasionally thinks about trying to transition from my current day job to more fiber stuff, I deeply appreciate the behind the scenes stuff. It helps remind me that it isn't for me right now and ups my respect for the people that do make it work even more.

[@natashalavender7758]

I was a freelance writer for four years and the self-employed life is hard! Financially and emotionally -- I was always so conscious that any working hours I took off meant no income, and it was up and down every month. Thank you for being so honest about your experience with the money side of owning your own business, positive and negative. It's something people who are thinking about taking the leap need to be aware of. (Also I have the same Lucy & Yak dungarees, you clearly have great taste!)

[@Songbead]

The hustle is so hard as a self-employed artist! It’s so often a patchwork of different elements and working out the time of each element vs what it brings in (both money/future money but also enjoyment and fulfilment). My jewellery online presence is fairly small so a good craft fair for me is a big chunk (relatively speaking) and the flip side of having a small online presence is that I don’t have to build up so much show specific stock as I will usually have a base line of pieces ready to go. I think it’s so great and refreshing that you’re open and transparent about money and financial balancing here, it’s really great to hear other people talk about it. And yeah, even as an introvert, I love meeting people at shows and interacting with them and seeing in person how they interact with my work. Totally get that! If you’re doing one show a year, maybe it would be possible to spread the prep over the year for next time, a tiny bit each month - I say as if I do that for my shows 😂 Good luck with east anglia! X

[@lisablues6885]

I would love more regular shop updates, so you have my support, Hannah 😊

[@thecornerofcraft]

Yay! Well that's very good to hear x

[@heatherwikene2586]

New to your channel but have really enjoyed having a sit and knit while I watch your videos each month. Very enjoyable. :)

[@woolleyally]

I’m so happy you’re going to be at EAYF; I missed out going last year (catching Covid the day before!) and missed out missing you! I still got some of your yarn bc I had a couple of lovely friends acting as personal shoppers for me! See you in March! 💜

[@NinaChristensen]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this and being transparent about earnings and all. It's something I've been thinking about myself. I'm an indie dyer for 4 years now and I think I'm at the point where yarn shows are starting to "cost" me more than they're worth in a way. Between dyeing for my sole stockist, dyeing yarn clubs and doing yarn shows I feel like I can never get around to having a nice and consistent shop update schedule. Especially doing yarn shows feel like it's interrupting my production. I do love meeting customers and seeing my "colleagues" in real life SO much. Even as a BIG introvert it's so awesome. It's really a dilemma. I'm thinking about doing just 1-2 shows a year tops, just to show my face and all. And maybe stick to 1 day shows so I don' have to spend money on a room too. Again, thanks for sharing. 💜

[@littlehomebirdali5614]

How refreshing to have someone chat about money being self employed and doing shows/markets. I gave up doing craft fairs as I just didn’t make enough money to how long it takes to prepare for them etc. Love watching your vlogs 😊

[@WoollenWytch]

I completely feel you with the viability of yarn shows. They are so tiring, not just the prep beforehand but actually doing the shows as well. I always have a huge headache after the weekend that lasts a few days from the shows. I also always have problems sitting on loads of stock afterwards. If I have a 'not as good' show as my base standard I get really disheartened and upset, and that's never fun. I've decided this year to scale back and only do 2 shows, Southern wool as that's been my best show for the last 2 years by far, and I'm doing Wonderwool again this year- which even though it was one of the lower saleswise, I really enjoyed because of the quality of other vendors I got to snoop around. But I will miss doing them at the same time. I enjoy meeting my customers and meeting new people even if the social anxiety is a bit much at times. It's definitely a hard one to decide.

[@nathaliebourre3578]

Good morning, Hannah! A huge pat on the back for so much straight forward, genuine and heartfelt honesty! Not many creators have this courage! Although it’s our hobby ( or lifestyle really…), we mustn’t forget that for you it’s your business and therefore, it has to add up in the positive, for sure! I shall miss seeing you at Yarndale but guess what, great interaction on KZbin will more than make up for it! And yes, my goodness me, cat food has gone up! 🐾🥰☕

[@TiredKnitter]

It's always interesting to hear the behind the scenes info, thanks for sharing!

[@thecornerofcraft]

You're very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it x

[@alicemerray]

You're not the first dyer I've heard say shows/festivals aren't financially all that great and I can completely see why. I can't really get to any at the moment, but even when I could, it was max one in a year - usually Woolfest in Cumbria because I could slot that in to a holiday in a place we love which gave my OH an incentive to want to go too, as he's my chauffeur. He never minded going to the show on one day, but we never did more than one & usually were only there for 2 or 3 hours, which I think is all you can really expect from a non-involved person - so it really wasn't where I bought my yarn. It's nice to be able to see the yarn in person (& meet dyers) but it's basically pricey for everyone! I wouldn't be surprised at all if dyers only went to the shows they can reach from home. Adding accommodation to the other up-front costs must be pretty galling.

[@stitchlightly5995]

I've seen where some people have dried their sourdough starter out into chips and will rehydrate a chip directly into a dough and it will still work. Not sure if this is something that Mario would find useful with the bakery. I love my sourdough, but she mostly lives in the fridge. Her name is Ramona.

[@thimbleandthreadmake]

I really appreciated this video! So good to know what's going on with others, I've made the decision that I won't vend at shows. I just can't see how I could make them pay with the amount of outgoings and I know I'd be so disheartened if I didn't sell much. You do you!

[@gaildawkins9508]

I have been doing markets and craft events and will be doing some yarn shows this year so I completely understand where you are coming from. It can be quite disheartening if you put so much energy and time into what you love and not to get some financial reward. I hope to see you at the East Anglia show. Please do more regular shop updates. Love the video. :)

[@0501Amm]

Its really interesting to hear your views on yarn shows and thank you for being so open. From a customer perspective, its sometimes hard to snag yarn from favourite dyers during busy yarn show season if you are not physically going to shows so I would love less shows and more shop updates. Yarndale is one of the closer shows to me but I'm reluctant to go because I have a disability and I have heard its not very accessible (although things may have improved recently?). I hope you have a successful EAYF!

[@lisanne8525]

Thank you for talking about this!

[@anxiety_arcade]

EAYF this year is my first show vending. Im so anxious, the stress of the whole thing doesnt seem worth it. But im a tiny business and like you mentioned im hoping it will help get my name out there. Totally makes sense that it might not be viable long term, the preparation is very intense.

[@thecornerofcraft]

Don't be anxious. You'll likely over-prep, but it does mean you have stock to sell when you get back. Events are amazing for networking and meeting new customers! And some businesses do a lot of events - the more you do, the easier it is to top up the stock each time - I just dont think it's a good fit for my business x

[@cmarie8099]

I love just listening to you natter on 😊 beads brought me to you but you are like so many of my (now) far away but RL friends who are SO into Fibre arts (including one thar rises her own sheep just fot the wool and a few that now raise alpacas!) Good luck with all of your endeavors ❤ love from the frozen part of Wyoming, USA

[@ildonoa3928]

There is this weird idea in society that people who have a business or occupation which incorporates a skill which can also be used in hobbies (sewing, painting, beading, dying yarn, etc.) should be "grateful for the opportunity" to make their living in a creative way. This whole idea makes me LIVID. Just because your work is creative does not make it "not work". Please see, "hand-beading eleventy-billion berries because it is what the PEOPLE want". I am absolutely certain you could never bead another berry for the rest of your life and not miss it. We should all be grateful you keep doing this work, and all it entails, rather than finding a nice, cushy office job where you take home a steady paycheck and someone else is making the hard decisions and trying to predict what the relevant market is doing for the next fiscal year. Thank you for continuing to make beautiful things. I will happily support you doing what you feel is right for your business, as anyone should.

[@thecornerofcraft]

Thank you for this comment. I never want to come across as ungrateful or complaining (and I have received that feedback from people before...) but it doesn't mean it isn't hard in its own way. x

[@ildonoa3928]

@@thecornerofcraft 1) Everyone complains, including people who have never worked a day in their life. It appears to be an intrinsically human trait. 2) While I believe feeling gratitude for your life is part of finding happiness, feeling gratitude does not PRECLUDE complaining. Please see item number one :)

[@seseaghito]

Ahahhaha that's because 16 degrees in Sicily is cold weather!! Hope you enjoyed Italy, my country. I love Sicily although I know it can be a bit chaotic. Couldn't have helped you with hand dyed yarn shops. It's not really a thing here, you can find some hand dyed stuff in big northern cities, but I normally shop on Etsy for Italian based dyers. Lots of love So happy I'm finally up to date with your videos!!

[@karoljelbert8147]

Lovely vlog …..

[@LilyRoseKnits]

I appreciated your frank chat about money - most people are struggling right now so it must be so hard without a consistent income. It's your business, do what's best for you!

[@seseaghito]

I also struggle being a tea drinker in Italy. We can do coffee, we can't do tea. Do not order tea in Italian cafés, 9 out of 10 it will be disgusting. I have tea shipped to me all over from England, and I always pack my hand luggage full whenever I visit.

[@meganbassett553]

That logic checks out! More collections are hard to resist too :)

[@bethpaschal7859]

Thanks for sharing this information! It is helpful

[@thecornerofcraft]

You're so welcome xx

[@pppetra]

Also.. so glad you did take some time off. To recharge cause december must have been very intense. And talking money.. 2000 euros used to stretch us a month easily.. we had now 3 months of 3000 euro been spent..on nothing but basic needs..

[@dirtyhippie]

Enjoyed the podcast. I'm preparing for a craft fair in April myself so I understand the struggle

[@thecornerofcraft]

Ooo fun! I hope it goes well for you x

[@helenperry4898]

This video was awesome. I am about to dip my toe into dyeing so it was nice to hear some of the money side.

[@littlesammyf7380]

Oh Hannah I totally understand how this is, I’m so excited to see you again at EAYF this year, you make amazing things and are a favourite dyer. Virtual hugs 🤗

[@aquilaclark814]

Thanks for this video.. so kind of you to be transparent and honest, that is a lot of help to us who are small business people.🥰🥰 it was very interesting🥰🥰

[@bkuwahara]

It's great to hear what the thought process is behind these kind of decisions. Another great video!

[@elizabethroberts1484]

I enjoy a yarn show visit, usually 1 or 2 a year. I can understand it is a huge amount of work, worry before, let alone the set up, vending & exhaustion afterwards. If you do one a year I hope you enjoy it more.

[@beesandyarn]

I really enjoyed this video Hannah ❤ so amazing to see people sharing this stuff so openly! have been a bit all over the place mentally lately so haven’t stayed on top of all my KZbin videos, but I hope to catch up a bit before uni starts next week 🥰 xx

[@britdowson8324]

I totally understand you wanting to withdraw from yarn shows. I had a business and did shows for years. It’s exhausting and not worth all the work. Do what’s best for you:)

[@ollywoodknits]

I went to a few yarn shows last year and I loved every one! I spent maybe $200 CAD at each which isn’t an insane amount and got a ton of shade from non-yarn people for what I spent… but that’s the whole point lol these shows can’t happen if we don’t support the small businesses that invest in them. They pay for their tables and transport and even a large stock for that specific event (& all of that takes even more time). It doesn’t hurt me to set aside $200 to spend especially if I’d likely spend it online for whatever project I want to knit. I wish I could visit England so I could support you at a show! ❤

[@claretrevor8111]

And I completely understand the love and frustration of self-employment… it’s amazing and terrifying all in one.❤

[@pppetra]

I know most vendor with online shops close the shop on monday, pick the orders on monday and ship them, pack up their stock and build the booth. Have the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday show. Do stock inventory as soon as possible and adjust stock on their onlineshop and open again. So they close the shop for up to 2 weeks for a 4 day show. They may keep some stock apart untill after a show, new colors, new base, new product. That way combining the onlineshop and the festivals/shows is easier to them. Year round they have their shop filled, and they have no large amounts only on shows taking up space.

[@pppetra]

In my country people do it this way. Not saying you should do this.

[@thecornerofcraft]

In theory, that would work, but in the past, my stitch markers have all sold out so quickly online, so that's not an option. It's really the stitch markers that are the time-consuming part! The yarn is much quicker to build up x

[@fionacreates]

I definately enjoyed your Resistance collection last year, looking forward to what artistic yarn wizardry you perform this year. I'm NOT a yarn dyer but I work in comics, and some folks I know make a lot of money doing comics shows but for me it always seemed like a lot of stress so I understand your position completely. Gotta do what makes sense for you.

[@claretrevor8111]

Glad you enjoyed your travels. It’s good for the soul. I started the calico quill shawl, got to triangle 3 and so confused myself on picking up stitches that it’s in the Time Out Bowl. Right now working on a modified Garter Marler in grey worsted… and a sock, there always a sock, right?

[@WoolyWoolverinePodcast]

Cat mouth’s definitely count! So expensive 🙀

[@creativitybytrisha6819]

Being able to interact with customers is always fun but if it doesn't make financial sense it makes sense to not do shows anymore. So many tough choices to make as a business owner

[@AnnikenAllis]

My best shows were 2017 & 2018. Yarndale & Unravel were best. I only do max 3 a year. Income has dropped at shows for most people, I think. There are too many shows & too many indie dyers (I'm not an indie dyer). I think some shows will fold as businesses stop doing shows due to fall in sales. My problem is I live in Cornwall so everywhere is a long way to go & shows down here are small.

[@stuffthings3481]

Oooo do a rant vid I love rant vids

[@thecornerofcraft]

I'm not sure I have much to rant about 😂 x

[@stuffthings3481]

@@thecornerofcraft dam lol

[@nicci_knitter1557]

💗

[@heidiclarke2333]

I think Yarndale is a victim of its own success, small good shows are great but they grow and become impersonal, husband says the same of fishing ones. That said I'm coming to Norwich! And I think the M11 is shut/ blocked somewhere almost every day 🙄

[@littlebishesstitches_yarn]

Thanks for sharing your side of the pros and cons of vending. I have started getting a bit more into vending and am hoping, as you mentioned, to create a more of a presence ☺️

[@thecornerofcraft]

They are so good for networking and they do work well for some businesses! I just don't think they're right for me now x

[@littlebishesstitches_yarn]

@@thecornerofcraft I totally understand. When the gutt says nee instead of yay, it’s the right decision. When you have a business you have to reflect and see what works for you and what doesn’t. Otherwise it just doesn’t work. See if that happens with me. I live in a slightly isolated city where hand dyed yarn isn’t really what everyone knows about/cares…Without my website I don’t think anyone would even know Im alive 😆But as I would like to grow my business, I have to see what my options are beyond the website..

[@clarewilliams5907]

you're only one person - you can't do everything - you know - you tried last year and the online shop suffered....... Your shop is relatively cheap to operate compared to going to shows -so concentrate on that .... Maybe one day when yarn shows are to the same capacity as pre covid then it might make sense to go to them - Yarndale was nowhere near as crowded as pre Covid days