Knitting & Stitching Show @ Alexandra Palace *Saturday 13 Oct 2012* - MEET UP [smile]

[Practicallyperfectnot]

Would you like to meet for lunch, say at 1300? Ideas please where would be best to meet! The Tea Room can be booked for £21 per head but is there anywhere else to sit down and munch? It would be great to meet other Woolly Hugs knitters.

Ideas please!
Thanks

The show is usually heaving with people (I am always irrationally annoyed by those trailing wheely trollies and wearing huuuge backpacks).

There are usually areas at the end of the main hall where they sell teas etc with large round tables that you can sit at but they are often very busy. There are also sometimes some 'picnic' areas set out away from the main exhition. They are quieter but often tucked out of the way.
The queues are often long and refreshments expensive ish. We always take a sandwich and bottled water (can get hot in the halls). My DSis and I will often go and sit outside to eat if the weather is nice enough...it usually is. It's nice to get some fresh air.

The queues for the loos are looong!

Wear comfy shoes as you will be doing loads of walking and collect lots of flyer/business card type things for the stalls selling stuff you liked but didn't buy at the time...most have websites and you can order later after seeing things IRL.

Don't forget to have a look at the textile art stuff, it is amazing!

THANKS!

Where shall we all meet at 1300 - suggest taking picnic as you suggested - any good spot for a first met up before finding a spot to hopefully sit down?! Must pack cake!

I think I will raid a M&S for a picnic when I get to London - I will have all of the morning to potter around and try not to get lost! How are we going to recognise each other? I have one suggestion - I have some crocheted brooches I have made, and could send you each one - they are all the same design, so we'd recognise them.

SDGT crochet brooches - fab! (smile). We may spot each other before 1300! What fun!

Anyone have an idea where to meet at 1300? I hope to receive by post the show's catalogue so should be able to look at a map.

Catalogue sent by post a week before show.

Once you enter Ally Pally you generally have to go through some doors- where you show your ticket - and along a corridor area, then into the exhibition halls (if that makes sense)...the corridor area would probably be the best place to meet.

There is a bit of space (usually with a display or two) just inside the doors, so we would have room to 'spot' each other. Hopefully I will be with DSis..so just look for two plump, middle-aged women, one blonde and one dark (dyed) redhead. We will be muttering about our aching feet and clutching huge bags of yarn and fabric .

Crocheted brooches sound fab! (have visions of crocheted Pom Bears)..

FAB! See you there at 1300! I will post a photo of myself at my profile photos page so you know what I look like!

Good idea, practically - I will do the same!

FAB!

Have just bought my ticket

I will put up a photo next week after I've been to the hairdressers because I'm vain and shallow

Just seen this and would have loved to have gone but I can't eat cake and that seems to be a pre-requisite!

I'll eat your cake for you,MOSagain! [selfless]

Thats right, taunt the diabetic

I could bring diabetic-friendly cake... [no excuses accepted emoticon] although it is equally important to maintain your levels in the light of all that exercise...cake may well be required

I didn't know, MOS - I didn't mean to offend you.

Geton what a lovely offer but doesn't anything diabetic taste like shite? I'm new to all this, not long diagnosed. Had diabetic clinic a few days ago and really pleased my sugar levels had gone down but bloody cholestrol had gone up! WTF can I eat?

SDT don't worry, you didn't offend me, takes a little bit more than that

I make a very passable cake with half sugar (DD has been diabetic since the age of 6...is now heading for the Teen wilderness!).

It is possible to make lower sugar, slower release cakey type treats...honest! Most recipes make use of fruits, oats and wholemeal flour to make things a bit more 'healthy'.
(You just have to allow for the extra carbs when calculating your insulin and have it as a snack or part of your usual meal).

'Diabetic' foods aren't recommended and probably do taste like shite. We've never used them, just tried to make things as healthy as possible

No you see thats what confused me about diabetic foods. When I was first diagnosed I went on a course at the local hospital and they said diabetic foods (ie the range they sell in Boots) is not suitable for diabetics
I was just getting to grips with all the sugar malarky and now I have to watch out for 'bad fats' due to cholestral going up. Think they want me to live on rabbit food

Just a fortnight away! Anyone else going? Exhibitors list is online. Looks good.

Ooooh golly - not too long to go, then!!

Have posted a photo of me for woolly recognition purposes. Go easy on me - I am feeling fragile

I'll take it down in a day or two. I don't want to frighten other posters

Fab portrait. It will be a pity to see it go from your profile.

I plan to wear a turquoise top and orange skirt - you cant miss me in this! bought it from White Stuff in a colourful mood!

You are too kind.

You look lovely - and your knitting and crochet does too. I am trying to master granny squares at the moment - and not doing terribly well. If I am still floundering in a fortnight's time, I shall be begging for some expert tuition from you!

Happy to help if you still need it then. I'll be bringing something to do - either knitting or (more likely) crochet. I use the purl bee blog for my granny square help. It's in American terminology but it is a great step by step guide. Just remember to use a treble where it talks about DC.