Conventions or Fairs

Pros
Buying yarn at a convention is nearly a must, the breadth of offerings makes your head spin and the need to purchase is overwhelming-something about the fiber fumes. The yarns offered are amazing and often the only place you can find them to touch them. The prices can be reasonable since the vendors are often the manufacturer so there is no mark-up. This may also be the only place to buy the yarn outside of the internet, because they are directly sold to the consumer or they do not produce enough to be sold at retail outlets.

Cons
Have you ever gotten back from a vacation with a souvenir and said, “What possessed me to buy this? I have 15 just like it. I will never use it. I’m allergic to angora.” Well that can happen, you get caught up in the thrill of the hunt and forget that even though that hank of 1500 yards of lace weight yarn was a fabulous deal...you don’t knit lace. And if you have a problem with the fiber, it may be difficult to get a response from a vendor from a distance (small possibility, but it is possible-author digression-I’ve never ever had problems with yarn bought at a convention however).

The Internet

Pros
Ah, the internet, the variety is enormous, the colors nearly unlimited and the prices generally not too bad. They are open 24/7 and frequently throw in free shipping if you buy a minimum quantity. Generally you can find what ever you want, when ever you want. If a shop carries it chances are there is an internet seller also, and since their overhead might be lower than a yarn shop, it may be cheaper. In addition, some yarn is only available on the internet. I can’t say enough about the convenience and the variety it is all good.

Cons

Okay, there is really only one important con to me...you cannot touch the yarn. You just can’t. Just because the content is 60% silk 40% wool, it doesn’t mean you will like the way it feels. It is an arbitrary standard, but with a stash the size of mine, I have to have some standards. I like to feel the yarn I’m going to knit with for hours, hours and more hours, so if I don’t like the way it feels, it will end up in the to be finished never pile.

Conclusion
This article is obviously my personal opinion and may not be yours at all. I’d love to hear about your experiences with buying yarn at these different venues, join me in the forum and share them.