Now it's official. A yarn swap event is in the making. The guest list has been drafted and the location has been determined. So what are the next steps? This second installment of two covers the actual process of exchanging yarns at a yarn swap, entertaining guests, and details that will make the event fun and memorable.
Making the Trade: Actually Exchanging Yarns at a Yarn Swap
There are a couple of different ways to approach the actual swapping process. The first way is to set out each fiber along a table and let everyone look at what is available before beginning to trade. Then each guest can draw a number and will get to pick one yarn at a time in the order of their assigned number. For example, if Mary Jane draws number 1, she gets to pick her choice of yarn first. Then Jody picks second because she has number 2 and so on. The number of yarns each guest brought will determine how many times it is necessary to go through this process. If guests have each brought three yarns,
the process will be repeated two more times after the first round. It is best in this case to re-draw numbers for each round so that Mary Jane doesn't always get to go first. It also helps to set a time limit for selection so that no one stands for minutes at a time trying to make a decision. Having thirty seconds to grab the yarn of choice will make the process seem more like a game and will keep guests alert and involved. This method is the probably the most egalitarian way to handle a swap with many guests.
If the group is smaller, say eight or ten people, each person can show what they brought and then just talk through the swap. In this instance, Jody might tell Mary Jane she wants the boucle yarn and Stephanie can ask for the wool from Martha. If there are two people who want the same yarn, they can barter with the yarns they still have or play a game such as "rock, paper, scissors" or "eenie, meenie" to choose who gets it. Other guests could also vote on who gets to keep it by making the candidates describe an example project and then voting for the person with the best idea. This keeps the process
lighthearted and usually works best with small groups.
How Much Time to Plan for a Yarn Swap
Much like the location discussed in the first installment of this article, the length of time to hold the event will also be determined by the number of guests attending. If it is a small group of a dozen or fewer, an hour or two should be sufficient. If it is a larger group where guests are selecting numbers and choosing items one by one, about three hours should be allotted so that everyone has time to look through what is available before the trading begins, go through the swap process, and then still have time to visit afterward.
How to Entertain at a Yarn Swap
If refreshments or a meal will be served, it is best to do so after the actual swap. There is always a risk of someone spilling coffee or punch on a skein of beautiful yarn if drinks are sitting on the table. State on the invitation that food and drinks will be served after the swap so that guests know what to expect. It is helpful to be specific about the type of food and beverage, such as light hors d'oeuvres or cake and punch. Most guests will appreciate not having to juggle a plate or cup while they shop for the yarns they want and they can then put their treasures out of harm's way before they indulge.
The Finishing Touch: Details That Make a Yarn Swap Memorable
There are also small details that can be inclulded to truly make the event memorable, such as having guests sign in (so that names and email addresses can be captured), by providing each guest a pre-made nametag and by placing notecards and pens at each table for guests to exchange contact information. If possible, either the host or a trusted attendee should take photographs during the event and post them in an online gallery where guests can download their photos. This gives the host an opportunity to follow up with guests in the short-term and keep in touch for the long-term.
Deciding how to trade yarns and entertaining guests during the yarn swap may seem like a lot of planning, but if it is executed well, the event can be fun and successful for everyone who attends. A knitting and crochet yarn swap is not only a great way to refresh a yarn stash without spending money on more yarn--it is a great way to make new fiber-loving friends.
Read the first installment here: knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/swap_your_yarn_stash
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