I knew knitting shows were fun, I really did. Thousands of knitters and crocheters wandering an event and showing off their beautiful handknits? What’s not to love? But Maker Faire? It’s like a knitting show that spans every possible handwork you can think of! I’d say the only thing they don’t have is explosives– but I would be wrong! They have cars– lots of cars and vehicles– art cars, alternative fuel vehicles, RVs whose sole purpose is to make you into a human pinball– everything! Bikes– there’s a whole area dedicated to bikes. It’s like a living, breathing mashup world.

Very big on letting kids play will all kinds of materials, they have an entire play area where the kids pull stuff apart and make new stuff! I donated a popcorn popper and an electric tea kettle to the mash, and hope that they’re aware of basic electrical safety when they start yanking out the wires!

It’s like if you went to the county fair and they said “OK, but everyone has to make something wild and crazy and fun” and then everyone did! If you’re ever in a city at the same time as Maker Faire, don’t hesitate, don’t balk at the ticket price. Go. It’s fun, and $25 (the cost of a 1-day ticket at San Mateo this year) is less than you’d spend in a day at the yarn shop anyway.

The Needlearts booth is next to an exhibit by the Wall-E Builders, who build and demo robots from classic movies. Like Star Wars. Yes, I’m demoing superhero masks next to R2D2.

And speaking of superhero masks, may I share a picture or two?

Sadly, I’m not as organized as the Yarn Harlot, so I’ve failed to get everyone’s name on my pictures (and it would be beside the point for a secret identity mask anyway). But up there? That top photo? Me, the amazing Cookie A, and a very sweet knitter… who had been trying to kinnear Cookie during her demo, and instead got to pose in this awesome photo opp!
These and all the other pictures from the show are in the handknitheroes tag at Flickr!
If you’re coming to Maker Faire today, we’re in Booth 261– that’s in the Expo Building, next to R2D2. You can’t miss us!

Shout Outs!

ReBelle has Handknit Heroes 2 in stock!

Joyarna is giving away a copy of Handknit Heroes on her blog! (It’s also mentioned in many blogs, like Mom’s Round Up).

Unrelated but funny: Nedroid has a knitting funny!