TNNA 2008

Highlights from TNNA 2008

The People

The stalking continues. One of the first people I saw Saturday morning at TNNA was the Yarn Harlot. We chatted a bit and she introduced me to Franklin, whom I'd previously stalked only on the interwebs. I also met Carol, my newest stalkee, who even added me as a friend on Ravelry so I can do my job even better.

We also saw my three-time TNNA stalkee Amy (from Knitty) and Jillian (KnittySpin!). (From left to right: Jillian, Wendy, Amy, me)

We also got to see Micheline from Louet. I'm glad we stopped by because this is her last TNNA. She's retiring! Click here for our BFF pick from last year. Micheline is absolutely wonderful and very knowledgeable, and we will definitely miss her in any future trips to TNNA. (Back from left: Lori, Bethany, me, Wendy. Micheline is in the front.)

The Books

I brought home another stack of books this year and here are a few of my favorites:

More Big Girl Knits
I've been looking forward to the arrival of this book ever since the first one came out two years ago. I love the fact that this book continues to give tips on how best to fit your own body and find the style that is right for you. There are some beautiful sweaters, tanks, socks, and even shawls in this book, and it's by Amy and Jillian from Knitty!

Knitting New Mittens & Gloves
This book is incredibly beautiful and full of new creative mitten and glove patterns. I'd looked through this book many times already and was really excited to meet the author and take this book home.

Knit So Fine
I'd only heard about this book last week, and I was really looking forward to reading through it. Bonus: One of the authors of this book is my new favorite stalkee, Carol! There are a lot of great patterns in here for people who are tired of everything being knit out of chunky yarn on size 15 needles.

Closely Knit
This book is so cozy; it feels like coming inside after shoveling the snow and snuggling up in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite movie. There are ideas for everyone in your family and gorgeous projects to suit a multitude of tastes. I can't wait to try some of these patterns.

The Stuff

You might not know it, but one of my favorite things about going to TNNA is helping to find new goodies to carry in the store. I'm pretty excited about some of the things that will be arriving this year.

Hiya Hiya Knitting Needles
I have to say that before this past weekend, I'd never heard of these needles. But some of the samples at their booth attracted me, and the ladies let me try a couple sets. They have tubular steel needles that are slick and smooth like Addis, but weigh absolutely nothing. Put a set of their double pointed needles in the palm of your hand and it feels like you're holding only air.

Even more exciting, though, are their 9" circular needles. 9 inches! The shortest circular needles I'd seen before were 12" and unbearable to use. Hiya Hiya had a 9" needle in a sock sample and let me try it. It took just a moment to get used to, and then it worked like a charm. I think a lot of my sock club members are going to get a real kick out of them. And they come in the tubular steel AND bamboo versions. I can't wait to get my hands on a set or two of my own.

Flat Feet by Conjoined Creations
Using a knitting machine, knit up two squares of natural-colored sock yarn, joined by a piece of waste yarn. Splash some purty dye on it, and you've got yourself the new concept of Flat Feet by Conjoined Creations. You knit your socks right from the square of knitted material.

Our store will soon carry this innovative new product, and we will also be one of 50 exclusive stores to belong to the Flat Feet Sock-a-Month Club. We'll be receiving unique colorways once every month or so for sock club, and I'm looking forward to thinking of fun new ways to share this yarn with the members.

Claudia's Handpainted
Last year was the first time we had Claudia's Handpainted yarn in the store, and both the sock yarn and the silk lace were big hits! We ordered a bunch of new colors (and a couple old favorites!) of sock yarn for this year.

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I know I promised this post would be about the new yarn store in Wooster, but that will be my next post. To relate the two, I did see Donna (the Wooster shop owner) at TNNA as we were heading out on Sunday. See? It all fits.