Recap of TNNA

June 04, 2015

While it's still fresh in my mind, I wanted to write a little recap of my visit to the 2015 Spring/Summer National Needleart Association convention held last weekend in Columbus, Ohio where yarn manufacturers and designers gather to show their new fall and winter products.  I'll try not to gush too much, but I do have stars in my eyes because my weekend, and this week too, has been this knitter's dream.  First, my roomie was the adorable Jen Geigley of the popular Hey Jen Renee blog and the designer of the crazy-famous GAP-tastic Cowl. We had so much fun getting to know each other and got on like gangbusters.  That we are both such knitting freaks made the show a slice of heaven.  We got to see and feel, and just b r e a t h e in all the new and beautiful products we'll be seeing in the retail stores this fall.

What will we be seeing?  Luscious fiber, and lots of it.  I saw little of the wild and crazy art yarns of the past, and more yarn that focused on bringing soft, washable, long wearing, knitable yarn with natural fiber composition to the home knitter: yarn that is both opulent and easy care.  We are lucky.  I don't know if I noticed a color trend, but my eyes naturally fell on the beautifully muted soft colors that I love.  There are some gorgeous tweeds and natural blends that will make you melt.  We'll see some swank sparkle, a bit restrained, more Grace Kelly than Las Vegas showgirl. I felt the sweater designs to be focused more on fit and structure with minute details that whisper elegance.  With that said, there was still plenty of the slouchy, weekend wear that we all love; but to be on trend, make that boyfriend sweater in an opulent yarn.  You'll easily find one that is machine washable and hard-wearing.  Amazing, right?

I wasn't surprised to find that Rowan's large booth, smack in the middle of the room, was the most beautiful.  Their new fall yarns were elegantly displayed surrounded by a dozen sweaters on mannequins.  Champagne and strawberries were served while brand manager Kate Buller showed their new wares.  Maybe it sounds silly, but I felt the need to pinch myself, how did I find myself here in this knitter's paradise?  I was having way too much fun!  As for Rowan, their new designs were simply the most beautiful; both Jen and I were ready to cast on for a least a half dozen.  In July I'll be able to share more yarn and pattern details, but be prepared for elegant blends and next-to-skin softness combined with easy care.  There is some twinkly, glimmery sparkle to be sprinkled in a little or a lot, you'll swoon.  Can't wait.

Show highlights include meeting Isolde Teague who is a bit firecracker and a lot genius in the form of a chatty sprite. The sweater she is modeling below will be out soon and has some amazing knitting techniques for fit.  She explained her ingenious raglan shaping, and while it will be easy to execute with the pattern, I just do not know how she managed to think it up.  I asked just that, "How in the world did that technique come to you?"  Her answer was simple, "I don't know, I'm just lucky and that sort of thing just pops into my head!"  She is absolutely adorable and a knitting Einstein we are lucky to have.  We met Olga walking through the show and stopped her to admire her latest wrap that she was modeling.  She explained it's modular construction, and again, she is another knitting genius.  She was with Meri, a very sweet and gentle lady and the owner of the beautiful online knitting magazine, Amirisu.  Nicki Epstein had a charming booth and was a total doll.  A very talented knitwear designer, to me she is best known for her popular knitted flower and embellishment books, and her sweet American Girl Doll fairytale doll clothes book.  She had every one displayed and Jen and I spent a good amount of time ogling!   Oh, and we met the Ravelry gang and they are just as fun and friendly as you would think.  Jen is posing below with the gang, only missing Jess who was outside with her baby! Only five people run the entire Rav empire!  How can that be?



Nicky Epstein

knitted patchwork tee pee

Isolde Teague

Me and the completely lovable Martin Storey.


Wait, there's more!  Martin Storey, one of the head designers at Rowan, and the consummate English gentleman, and possibly the sweetest, kindest man on the planet, came to my town and my local yarn store, Uncommon Threads, right after TNNA.  He taught two workshops over two days, and being the groupie I am, I took both!  That night my husband and I took him out to dinner, then next day after class, my girlfriend Leah of the stylish Yarn Stylist blog, and I squired Martin around San Francisco, ending up at the Cliff House overlooking the Pacific for dinner.  To share time with this special guy, whose creativity never ceases, was a thrill.  He has some awesome books coming out this fall and next year. We had so much fun, but not enough time, but he promised to come back!


Martin sharing tips.

Hard to tell, but Golden Gate Bridge is in the background.

One class was about fair isle and making these little trees.  More on that later.

The other class was about beading and no-cable-needle cables.  Beading is easy peasy.  More on that later!

If you are a reader from Columbus, Ohio, I want you to know that I loved your city.  It's beautiful!

My blog has been a bit neglected these last weeks, perhaps months, and things continue to be busy until July.  Any blogger will tell you that when things get crazy, the poor blog is the first thing to go!  This summer I plan on getting back to regular blogging, I miss it!  I have some fantastic giveaways planned, and new things to show, so stay tuned!
xo



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7 Comments

  1. Great post Kristen! What a week you have had. Had to laugh...you in your boots, Martin in his sandals:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, I know! I don't think Martin could quite believe us when we told him it would be cold in SF!

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  2. Love this, Kristen! See you soon :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, and we all set for our kidnapping plan, right?

      Delete
  3. Fantastic recap, Kristen – I had such a fun time with you in Ohio, and it's fantastic to see the pics of Martin with you in California. So awesome!

    ReplyDelete

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