I had not been to the MSWF for a while. I did not have any intention of purchasing yarn, but wanted to look and feel what was currently available on line. After all, I could have changed my mind for a pair of socks. I also had a short list of supplies I wanted to purchase. While I was able to purchase the items on my list, perusing the booths was difficult. I felt the biggest problem was the crowds. It was difficult to easily look at the items the vendors so carefully arranged in their spaces. I felt very pressured to get out of the way of the other shoppers. I really did want to see and feel the yarn. It just didn't happen that way. The prices were  "pricey." Over all, I was rather disappointed.

 I guess my experience is the backlash of popularity. When knitting was not very popular, yarn and supplies were hard to get. Today, there are many yarn and supply choices, but I'm not the target market. Sigh. 

The best part of the day, was the time spent with DH! 

I avoid many activities due to overcrowding. I don't know what the solution is because without the crowds the shows wouldn't happen. Perhaps the show directors need to work on their layouts so that the crowds flow better and give more space to each booth at the same time. And vendors make their set-ups difficult to navigate also, when you walk into their space but then can't get out as 10 other people have followed you in and trapped you there. The thrill of the anticipation is always there when I read about an event, but then second thoughts about crowds always put a stop to it. Edey

I sympathize with you. In our area of the state there is a huge blueberry festival every year over labor day weekend. It has grown to be such a huge festival that thousands of people come every year and the same thing happens as with the MSWF. I only go to the blueberry festival about once every 5 years because it is so crowded. The only thing I can enjoy is if I happen to be at Walmart on the Sunday of the festival, when they have their hot air balloon race. It's so completely beautiful to see all of those hot air balloons in the sky.

Plymouth!!  : )   Yeah, it's a bummer when an annual festival that's enjoyable becomes no fun due to huge crowds.  Last June I went to Chicago to the Old Town Art Fair with my neice.  Last time I had been there was back in the early 80s.  Was worried that it'd be insane, and there were a lot of people, but it wasn't too bad.  You were able to go into the booths, check out the art.  I'm glad it wasn't a let-down.

I belong to Ravelry. The group of knitters closest to my house had some members who attended it. They said that it was expensive to stay at the motels and to eat the meals out.

I live within driving distance (four hours) to the MSWF. We (DH and I) packed a complete lunch, but ate out at a great Mexican restaurant on the way home, which was not expensive.  We came home that evening. I may attend another time, but not in the near future. 

I joined Ravelry. I check the forums often for research. Although there is a wide range of ages and interests, I will remain a lurker.

Please, tell us about Ravelry.  Edey