Peacefully Knitting

I was so excited to meet so many people at this convention that I have had the pleasure of visiting online with over the last two years.

I got to meet Anne Kuo Lukito of Crafty Diversions , who had a booth displaying her wonderful designs.  I can say that Anne’s designs are even more beautiful in person and it was loads of fun being able to try on her beautiful Weekend Shawl.  I also got to see one of her latest designs, Lakedale, a gorgeous jacket that features small two-color brioche cable columns along the front and a two-color brioche edging.  I must try knitting this soon!

Left to Right: Karen, Tina and Anne

I also got to meet the fabulous Stefanie Japel, Manager of Marketing and Community and Knitting Instructor for Craftsy.    I’m very excited about the new Indie Design program that Craftsy is launching in February, which allows designers to list their patterns free.  This is huge kudos in my book and I encourage designers to sign up for this wonderful opportunity.  This new venue is a great way to further your ability to market your designs to a community dedicated to crafting.

Did you know that over 470,000  crafters (and growing!) visit Craftsy.com each month? Build your design business and offer patterns on Craftsy!

Tina and Stefanie

Roxanne Yeun of Zen Yarn Garden was there too!   I got to finally meet this talented Indy dyer in person and was so excited to see Roxanne’s new Crystal Colorways, as well as many of her other colorways, and was able to touch this incredibly soft yummy yarn.  It was awesome!  Roxanne also had a few of her lovely designs on display, which was lots of fun to see.

Crystal Colorways

Darn, my eyes were closed but I'm sharing anyway!

I also got to see fellow Arizona designer,  Yumiko Alexander of DanDoh Designs.  Yumiko’s line of designs keep growing.  This talented designer creates beautiful garments for both knitting and crocheting, as well as a combination of both techniques.

Yumiko Alexander

It was fun to meet Kate Oates of Tottoppers, who corraled Ysolda Teague and the young lady for Deep South Fibers  into my photo.   Kate is busy working on a book and as you can see, is also expecting a new baby that is due in May.

Julie on the left, Kate in the Middle and Ysolda on the Right

I also received a hand-autographed copy of Lisa Bogart‘s book, Knit with Love.  I can’t wait to sit down and read this book!

Knit with Love, Stories to Warm a Knitter’s Heart -  shares amazing anecdotes of more than 40 knitters, from a Staff Sergeant in Iraq who started a group of knitting soldiers, to a high school guidance counselor who recruited athletic and academic students alike for knitting during the lunch hour. It also includes a fascinating look at knitting throughout history, the many ways knitting can contribute to the community, various tips and tricks for the knitter, even a step-by step plan for starting your own knitting group.

Lisa Bogart, author of Knit with Love

I will have two more posts about my adventures at TNNA, so do stay tuned.  Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!