unravel autumn 2023 exhibitor pack

general information

the festival, location & our venue

about unravel autumn

unravel autumn is a two-day yarn event held at Farnham Maltings, a charitable arts organisation. The festival brings the magic of our February yarn show unravel to makers a second time in the year, encouraging planning and casting on for a winter’s worth of makes.

The arrival of autumn is something special for yarn lovers. Like going back to school, it heralds a new season of making filled with creative and exciting possibilities. The change in season has us reaching for the woollies that have been packed away all summer and looking forward to adding those layers as the temperatures drop.

For many makers, this is a time to cast on a new jumper or the opportunity to start planning for the winter months. They start looking at patterns, put together countless combinations of yarns and colours and textures with their project planning, and think about new techniques to learn.

unravel autumn promises to welcome makers and creatives of all abilities for an intimate community craft experience.

the venue

Farnham Maltings is an arts and cultural community centre in the heart of Farnham in southwest Surrey. The 18th century, listed building hosts theatre productions, live music, comedy, film, workshops, craft festivals, artist studios and more. From parent and baby classes to students from the University for the Creative Arts to U3A sessions, the Maltings is a vibrant space enjoyed by all ages within our community.

the location

From its roots as a medieval market town, Farnham has a long history of supporting craft and makers. In 2020, Farnham was awarded World Craft Town status by the World Craft Council in recognition of the town’s ongoing celebration and promotion of craft. In addition to the Maltings, craft is proudly on display in Farnham at the New Ashgate Gallery, the Craft Study Centre and UCA Farnham.

Farnham Maltings is a short two-minute walk from the town centre with plenty of public car parks and the rail station only five minutes away. Trains run between Farnham and London Waterloo on a regular service, taking only an hour.

what to expect

• a lively atmosphere, which provides the perfect opportunity for makers to meet, sell to or take commissions from craft enthusiasts.

• a diverse workshop and talk programme, plus a variety of interactive craft activities for visitors to enjoy.

exhibition information

selection criteria & how to apply

what we are looking for

We are looking for applications from a wide variety of makers including new and established yarn companies, indie dyers, fibre craft makers such as weaving and spinning, and haberdashery. Our marketplace aims to be an inviting, inclusive and welcoming space for beginner and intermediate knitters, crocheters and fiber lovers. Many of these makers are new or returning to yarn craft, perhaps picked up over one of the many lockdowns in the last year and we want to show them how fun a yarn and fibre show can be.

Each application must be supported by images of the maker’s work to reflect the products that will be sold.

unravel autumn is a curated show and applications are not on a first come first served basis. Our selection committee is made up of diverse members from within the yarn and knitting community ensuring a high standard of exhibitor and that a varied range of products are showcased.

The panel refer to the following criteria when selecting exhibitors to unravel autumn:

selection criteria

• The exhibitors’ products fits with our unravel autumn ethos; contemporary lifestyle craft with a modern design aesthetic. The work must be designed / made by the exhibitor.

• How an exhibitor’s work fits in with the range of disciplines and our aim to diversify the yarn crafts available at unravel autumn.

• How the quality of the finished product is in line with the standard of makers at the festival and its showcasing of the best of UK makers and designers.

• How the exhibitor demonstrates an overall cohesiveness and consistency to their work.

• If an application includes more than one range of products, the panel reserves the right to specify that only a particular range is to be sold at the festival.

• Exhibitors who have joined us previously such as for unravel or thread should include details of new items for sale since participating in past festivals.

• Applications must include clear photographic representations of exhibitors’ products.

stand sizes & prices

There is no shell scheme at Farnham Maltings. We can provide tables and chairs and electricity at no extra charge. *(Please note that VAT is applied at the UK standard rate at the point of invoice).

Please be aware that sizes of the pitches are approximate. Due to the quirky nature of the Maltings building, pitches may vary in shape while still having the square footage of a single or double pitch.

• Single Pitch £175+ £35 VAT = £210*

• Double Pitch £275 + £55 VAT = £330*

• Emerging Maker Pitch £130 + £26 VAT = £156* (single pitches only)

To qualify for the Emerging Maker Pitch you must have graduated or have set up your creative business within the last 2 years. You will be asked to show evidence of this if you are offered and accept a place as an exhibitor.

your exhibitor fee includes:

Digital: Listing on the website, as well as inclusion in the digital catalogue available to download for all visitors. Both listings include a description of work, image and website details.

Stand: Table, chair, electricity and wifi use as required. We regret that free parking for exhibitors is not included in the stand price.

how to apply

Online: Applications should be made via the online form from the farnhammaltings.com website.

Email/post: We encourage all applications to be made online. However, if you do require a copy to be sent via email or post please contact: madeleine.harding@farnhammaltings.com