On the weekend I was on the Yarncamp in Frankfurt on the road, have finally met many faces to so far only virtual contacts, learned a lot of new things in terms of knitting and around and talked to me for two days just continuously nice. The four-hour train ride back did me a world of good to sort out my impressions and to prepare myself mentally for the chaos to come after two days of mommy withdrawal.

Left image via Instagram from mach_was.

A barcamp - and that's exactly what Yarncamp is - is a so-called un-conference, where there is no schedule, but rather the sessions are planned spontaneously at the beginning of the day. This means that a bunch of people who are willing to give a talk propose their topics. A hand is then used to indicate who is interested in that topic. Sometimes it works the other way around, e.g. someone in the room asks for a session on "sewing together" or on "fair isle".

Photos: 1. mine from the workshop Paper Piecing with Nala-knitted. 2nd photo via Instagram from DIY Owl. 3rd photo via Instagram by nala_knits. 4th photo via Instagram by my.ling.

Saturday was planned quite quickly with the 80 or so participants, then it was off, spread over four rooms. It was explained how to knit a labyrinth sweater from just one strip with a little (more) math. Julekulers were knitted, Knit Pro needles were tested, beads were knitted, paper was sewn, it was explained how to make sweaters to measure, knitted pieces were sewn together, Guerilla Knitting actions were presented, figures were crocheted, it was shown how to make a beautiful new ball of gradient yarn from yarn remnants, Faire Isle knitting was done.Faire Isle, explained blogging and social media, informed about actions like "1000malwillkommen", "bloggerfuerflüchtlinge" and "knit a square", crocheted with fingers, admired the wonderfully colorful knits of David Wasser, discussed the new German online store of Loveknitting, an English start-up, and much more.

I was totally happy that Bine from Fritzikreativ recognized me from the side as soon as I entered. She has enriched my to-knit list immediately again by two projects, I mean what a dream is Bitteschön this Monterosa after Isabell Krämer? Please definitely finish knitting!

The sessions were great, but at least as great were the many nice conversations. With Carina aka Crochet Monster, of course, already on the train ride (which I just realize her 30TageChallenge a little out of sight, *wink*). And then with many new and old contacts like Jasmin from Mienchen Mienchen, Lisa from BLV Verlag, Lutz from Maleknitting, Rebekka from queens handmade, Steffi from Schachenmayr, Pia from Akizu, Tanja Steinbach, David Wasser, Henri from Loveknitting, Chris from Write Create Practice, Kathi from my-ling and many many nice knitting enthusiasts without blog or site.

Without sponsors such an event can not work, they are to be thanked as a special thanks for the financial support of the event and the beautiful filling of the bulging goodie bag.

Last but not least: Thanks to Rebekka, Romy and Lutz for the great weekend, the great idea for the Yarncamp and the great organization!