I have never attended a stitching festival, can someone tell me about it? It is only for cross-stitchers (which I am)? and/or what other needlecrafts? I am a beginner quilter too, occasionally regular sewing and also crochet. I wouldn't mind learning some other stitches, embroidery maybe. My cross-stitching skill is self-taught, maybe I'd learn some good tips and techniques? It sounds interesting (esp. nice way to spend a fall weekend in Hershey) but I'm hesitant to sign up. I've been to some other craft shows (a recent bead show comes to mind) and was disappointed. Any info would be appreciated.
I agree with Sue, that I've enjoyed CATS in Hershey. I attended the old festivals before they bit the dust, Spirit and Heart of Cross Stitch, as well as CATS since the beginning. This will be my 5th year in Hershey, and I love it!
As far as the classes are concerned, there is a nice variety of techniques as well as levels. The classes run from about 1 3/4 hours to 2 3/4 hours, with maybe a few a little longer.
I don't feel that the classes are that expensive for the most part. If you price workshops and classes that the national guilds sponsor, they can be quite a bit more expensive. For example, ANG and EGA charge a flat fee to register (@ $300) and then you have a kit fee on top of that. I recently attended an EGA region seminar and some of the kit fees were over $100, depending on the fibers used. I took two inexpensive classes, one didn't have a kit fee, and the other was minimal, but some of my friends paid over $100 for their kits, so to me, the class fees for CATS are not too bad.
Remember, stitching can (what do I mean "can", "is") be an expensive hobby/addiction/stress reliever, whatever.
If you can manage the cost to go to Hershey, by all means GO!!!!!
I have my class confirmation in hand, my plane ticket, and my hotel reservations. I also get a five day visit with my daughter in Connecticut out of the deal. Not bad!!!!
Hershey is really a wonderful location for the festival, and if we continue to support the festival and the vendors, they will be able to make money and continue to offer us this wonderful weekend of stitching enjoyment.
So, bottom line, if you can go, do so.
Happy Stitching.
Marianne T. in WA state, anxiously awaiting my Hershey weekend
I'll second that regarding the class fees. An even better deal are the "Little-Bit-O-Classes" (formerly Make It and Take Its) that are offered in the shopping mart. Yes, you have to pay to enter the shopping area, and yes, there is a minimal fee for some of the mini-classes (although some are free), but you get all the materials, instruction, and often enough hands-on time to finish a project or come really close.
I used to hit the various festivals > I agree with Sue, that I've enjoyed CATS in Hershey. I attended the old
I attended my very first CATS festival in Las Vegas in April. I met a couple of the other people from this group there, Tia Mary and Darla, which was *really* fun!
I can heartily recommend going. TM said LV was quite a bit smaller than the Hershey site but it was also the first time they had it there.
It's a great place to learn new forms of needlework (I finally learned how to tat, which I'd been wanting to do for *years*) and to expand on techniques you already know. The cost of the classes is well worth it. You get lots for your money. My stash of Anchor floss and perle cotton received in the classes grew by leaps and bounds while I was there! :) The market is a *great* way to get some s.e.x. (Stash Enhancement eXperience), too (although in my case it's getting to be more SABLE--Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy).
The teachers are also great. They're very knowledgeable, helpful and fun to listen to.
And, as Jim suggested, do make an @ badge. Tia Mary's is incredible! :) You can see mine on my webshots needlework album (search for ndjoan)...it's towards the bottom and has a horse on it.
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