How to Plan Your Day at Yarn Fest

We’ve now reached the point in the lead-up to Interweave Yarn Fest where I get super, super excited. It’s time to finalize your plans and start getting hyped, and I’m here to help! I’m Andrea, Interweave’s digital editor and social media manager, and I’m a Yarn Fest super-fan.

Whether you’re planning, like me, to spend the whole weekend at Interweave Yarn Fest or just a single, blissful afternoon, I can’t recommend strongly enough that you go in with a game plan. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and let the experience carry you along. While you’ll still have a great time if that happens, you might find yourself feeling some FOMO (fear of missing out) or regrets after the event if you don’t make the most of it.

This guide is to help you think of everything so you can plan to have an awesome time!

Start Planning Now

Here are the steps I suggest you start taking now to get the most out of your experience.

Make an Agenda

For however many days you’re going, I recommend making an agenda that breaks down your time by the hour. Ideally, do this before you register for your workshops to make sure you don’t double-book yourself. Then you can fill in the workshops as you register and be sure you leave time to eat, shop, and simply rest.

Remember that the Marketplace is open Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for shopping. You’ll definitely want to leave yourself plenty of time to browse and shop. I always like to spend a little time on each day of the marketplace to meet vendors, familiarize myself with the yarns, and have time to go home and do research before purchasing.

Plan Your Workshops

Workshops are offered Wednesday through Saturday at Interweave Yarn Fest, and there are so many to choose from throughout those two days.

You can sort workshops by day/time, craft, skill level, and instructor, so you can fill gaps in your day, look for your favorites, or target a specific technique. You can also look at a PDF that has all of the workshop information for each event, but note that some of the workshops may be sold out. The information on the registration page will be accurate as to whether the workshops are available.

Only you can know what your stamina is for workshops. Some people prefer to focus on one or two techniques and maybe take multiple workshops related to one technique to avoid brain overload. Other people fill their days with workshops and try to absorb as much as possible.

Both approaches are completely valid—I encourage you to challenge yourself but also to take care of yourself. Choose a workshop outside of your comfort zone, maybe bookmarked with some lighter content for a mix of engagement and opportunities to rest your brain.

Workshop waitlists are available for any workshop sold out. Simply select the “Add to Waitlist” option next to the Workshop details and add your information. If a spot opens, you’ll be notified.

Don’t forget to learn more about your instructors and follow them on social media! Let them know you’re excited to see them at Yarn Fest and stay connected after the event.

Book Your Special Events and Marketplace Days

Don’t forget to purchase your marketplace tickets in advance, to save money on the door price. However, don’t forget that you will receive a FREE 3-day marketplace admission pass when you register for at least one 3 hour or longer workshop!

Stay tuned for information about demos in the Marketplace, where you can see some techniques in action. We’ll be announcing these closer to the event, and they’re included in the Marketplace admission. We will also have a Measuring Station at the marketplace, where you can have an expert take your measurements and get information on how to apply them. Also, be sure to check out our fashion show each day in the Marketplace, to see samples from Interweave Knits and more.

There is also a really fun special event that I highly recommend you add to your agenda. We’re hosting a trivia night on the Friday night of Yarn Fest Loveland, where you can flex your vast knowledge of fiber, textiles, and maker life. We’ll be giving away tons of great prizes, including door prizes just for attending!

Book Your Lodging

If you don’t live locally, the most convenient and special lodging option is to stay right hotel where the event is held. We have a special room rate, and then you’ll be attached to all Yarn Fest activities, shopping, and workshops. You never have to leave the hotel!

Learn more about the hotel and lodgings for the Loveland and MIlwaukee events and consider staying on site!

In the Days Before

A week before the event, I suggest you revisit your plan and start to get your materials together. I recommend you print your tickets and name badge from your order confirmation and bring them with you to the event!

Do Your Homework

If one or more of your workshops has homework, be sure to complete that before you go or on the plane. Your instructor will send you instructions if there’s anything you need to complete before your workshop.

Plan and Budget Your Purchases

You can find out about the vendors who will be at Loveland and Milwaukee in advance so that you can plan what you’re looking for! Setting a budget is never fun, but it’s a good idea to make sure you don’t overspend and that you leave enough money for your top-priority purchases.

You’ll find links to the vendors websites. Plus, be sure to check them out on social media to see what they’re planning on bringing to the show.

Pack Your Bags

You’ll know you’re almost there when it’s time to pack your bags!

What to Bring:

Be sure to double check that supply list for your workshops! You don’t want to be scrambling once you’re there.

Think About Food

Food and beverage service will be available onsite for you to refuel or to take a break. There are also many local restaurants and chains within a short driving distance.

At Yarn Fest

Check In at Yarn Fest

When you arrive for your first workshop or marketplace day, you can pick up your optional name-badge holder at the Yarn Fest registration desk. To receive a Yarn Fest Tote Bag full of goodies, you must purchase at least one workshop. Be sure to bring your printed workshop ticket to the Registration desk when you arrive at the event to receive your free tote bag. You can also sign up for more workshops at the registration desk.

Then you can take your workshop ticket and supplies directly to your classroom, or head into the marketplace.

Enjoy Yourself

The most important part of the whole experience! Remember, you’re here to have fun, learn, and make new friends. Be friendly, introduce yourself, compliment someone’s sweater—you never know who you’ll meet, from your favorite designer to a new lifelong friend.

Be sure to stop by the Interweave Community Scarf to add your row and become a part of Yarn Fest history!

I shared tons of tips to enjoy your day in this article (note that it was written leading up to last year’s event and a few things have changed!).

At the End of the Day

After a long day of learning and shopping, wind down in whatever way makes sense to you. For some, that’s retreating to the hotel room and hoarding your yarn purchases like a dragon—or practicing the new skills you learned in workshops.

For others, that means heading out to one of the many local breweries in the area and decompressing with new and old friends.

There’s also a Sip & Stitch event each night (except Friday) at the Loveland event, located in the Embassy Suites lobby. There will be light bites and beverages—both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. This event is free to all registered hotel guests.

Don’t forget to budget in some Ravelry time to document your stash and plan your future makes! You’re sure to be so inspired at the end of your experience that your personal knitting queue will grow significantly.

Remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy an event like Interweave Yarn Fest. This is just some well-meant advice from someone who is easily overwhelmed and who has been to the event many times. I’ve never had a bad time at Yarn Fest (like, it’s a hotel full of yarn and people who love it . . . how badly can that really go?) but each time I go, my experience gets better!

I can’t wait to see you there! I’ll be the one broadly grinning with multiple totes of yarn in my arms . . . oh wait, that won’t narrow it down at all. But I will be the one introducing myself as the digital editor and maybe asking if I can take your picture for social media. And I’ll be so, so excited to meet you, a fellow yarn nerd.

Originally published 3/4/2022. Updated 3/31/2023.