Getting Ready for the Festival

Yesterday was the first day of general registration for the CreativFestival, which is a big craft show here in Toronto. It features vendors and classes in all sorts of crafts, from knitting to glass bead making and nearly everything in between. Sadly, though, the amount of needlework classes has been steadily falling, and at last year’s show there were about three or four needlework vendors. And, you’d think that would mean that there aren’t many classes for me to take. Well, thankfully, there are lots of things I’d like to learn how to do. 🙂

This year I actually registered for the largest package even though I was fully expecting to register for a much smaller package. But, I was so tempted by a full day course in learning to use my serger to make clothing that I knew I needed to take it. (And, if I took private lessons to learn the same thing, it would have ended up costing much more.) I’ve also signed up for a class about using different serger feet, and some seminars on choosing the correct sewing machine needles and basic machine maintenance.

Knitting is also important to me, as I’m sure you know. So, I signed up for a class with Fiona Ellis called Factured Fair Isles. Sound interesting, doesn’t it? I’ve also signed up for an intarsia class with Charles Voth, yet another technique I’ve been wanting to learn.

Lastly, and most importantly, are the needlework classes. Firstly, I’ll be taking a biscornu class with Lorene Salt. And then, I’ll be taking five classes and one seminar with Jennifer Aikman-Smith of Dragon Dreams. That, friends, is the highlight of the Festival for me and the main reason I am going.

Now all I have to do is gather my supplies and wait patiently for October. There’s a lot happening between now and then (maybe a trip to the zoo, a short vacation in Las Vegas, another family event, birthdays and anniversaries), so I’m sure the time will speed by. But, still, I wish it was happening tomorrow. 😉