10 Things I Love About Virtual Festivals (and 10 Things I Miss About In-Person Festivals)

1. I can attend in my pajamas.
2. Everyone can see my hands easily when I teach.
3. No one can see the mess on my floor.
4. I can afford to attend more festivals when there are no travel costs.
5. People from far away or who have mobility issues can participate.
6. I can squeeze in one or two classes or events even if I can’t devote the whole weekend to it.
7. I get to sleep in my own bed.
8. I can browse vendors’ online shops even in the middle of the night.
9. People have been creative about adding on virtual knit-ins and other fun events.
10. I still get to have fiber events in my life.

On the other hand…

1. I don’t get to touch other people’s hand-knits.
2. I can’t walk up next to a student, see what they’re doing wrong, and guide them to a quick solution.
3. Everyone has to look at my COVID roots.
4. I don’t get to travel to fun places.
5. I miss the casual conversations in hallways or over meals.
6. I try to squeeze too much in.
7. I still have all the same household chores waiting for me when I look up from the computer screen.
8. I miss wandering around the marketplace and finding something unexpectedly.
9. I won’t stumble upon a gathering; I have to plan to join them.
10. I don’t get to hug real, live people.

Overall, a virtual festival is waaaaay better than no festival. I have a lot of gratitude for the folks behind the scenes at Rhinebeck this weekend, and the organizers of all virtual fiber events, everywhere.

I’m having a great time teaching and socializing at the festival . There are still some great events to come, including the Fizzy Drinks launch party tonight at 6:15 Eastern, and the Late Night Knit-In Saturday night at 9:30 Eastern, both in the Morehouse Farm virtual Rhinebeck book. Join us if you can!