• Fun at TNNA
• Our Shop Visit

Fun at TNNA

The Wonders of Columbus

Every year in mid-June, those of us in the fiber trade meet to swap ideas, stories and business cards and to see what the yarn manufacturers have to lure us into knitting for fall and winter. The convention center in Columbus, Ohio, is the usual location for all this activity, although the event was held in Indianapolis several years ago. This event often takes place on the same weekend as the Ohio State University graduation ceremony, which makes for scarce hotel accommodations, long waits at the fine area restaurants and traffic congestion. Since my brother was granted a degree in veterinary medicine from OSU a few years ago, we have plenty of patience for all the commotion.

Jeni's, Perhaps the Best Ice Cream Ever

If you are wondering if it's worth all the hassle, ask anyone who has tasted ice cream from Jeni's, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, a local purveyor of the finest products and wildest flavors you can imagine. I tried salty caramel, while a fellow editor raved about her goat cheese with roasted red cherries. Jeni's is just one reason we return to Columbus like the swallows to Capistrano or the buzzards to Hinckley, Ohio. The ice cream alone is reason enough to make the trip.

Debbie Macomber

At The National Needle Arts (TNNA) show, rounding every corner presents the possibility of meeting the most interesting, accomplished and famous people. As we walked to the opening of the show on the first morning, I was delighted to be walking next to one of the most recognizable ladies in the world: Debbie Macomber! She did not flinch when I gushed that I had just completed the latest installment in the Blossom Street series of novels, Hannah's List. She said that she loves Creative Knitting magazine. We were about to form a new chapter of the Mutual Admiration Society when we arrived at the opening of the event. Her new line of yarn, the Blossom Street Collection from Universal Yarns, was being debuted at the show, and the star attraction was Debbie Macomber herself! She is a genuinely charming and creative lady. She graciously posed while company president Hal Ozbelli took our photo together. You'll want to see these colorful and incredibly beautiful yarns in the prettiest fibers and colors you can imagine when they arrive in your local yarn shop. For a preview, take a peek at the Web site, above.

The epitome of grace and style, Debbie Macomber is beyond charming. I wish we could have knit together for a few hours!

Ysolda Teague

If you've been anywhere near knitting topics on the Internet recently, Ysolda's name has been on nearly everyone's blog! This bright young Scotswoman is the darling of the knitting universe at the moment. Her designs for sweaters and accessories are nearly as enchanting as the designer herself! She was surrounded by dozens of knitter fans wherever she roamed at the show, and her booth was always jammed.

Vivacious and personable, Ysolda Teague complied with a smile to my request for a photo together.

Dining Among the Stars

The atmosphere of creative genius among the designers was perhaps the most vital element of the entire show. Designers would talk to yarn companies, of course, but mostly they talked to each other. It was heartening to witness the collegial attitude that prevailed throughout the convention. On Sunday night, it was my great pleasure to dine among a celestial gathering of the best and brightest new designers working today.

At my end of the table alone were Marlaina (Marly) Bird, Amy Polcyn, Jae Koscierzynski, Faina Goberstein, Simona Merchant-Dest, Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby, Mary Beth Temple and Kristin Omdahl. The vibrations of creative energy of the 45 attendees were palpable indeed! With the decibel level nearing that on airport runways, we could reasonably converse only with those immediately adjacent to us, but it was clear that a good time was had by all! Many thanks to Marly who put it all together! Her beautiful and animated mother was across the table from me, and we had a great time chatting (shouting) all evening.

How playful is this knitted chair?		Author and DRG Editor Kara Gott Warner (left) and a fan pose at the book signing for Circular Knitting Redefined. Phyll Lagerman is from Beyond the Rainforest in Grand Blanc, Michigan.