TNNA Sunday Day 3

Here are some random things I've learned over the past couple of days of travel:

• Someone on Twitter had said TNNA is like a Marathon. That is so true.

• I'm actually grateful that I didn't go out to the bar on Saturday night because Sunday morning I felt like I had been run over by a truck. Thus the reason to train for this Marathon.
  
• There was this crazy event called ComFest happening in Columbus during the TNNA convention. Apparently, there is a court decision in Columbus making it legal for women to go topless in public. This makes going to dinner very interesting;)
  
• Everyone was talking about knitting pasties to pass out on the streets next year:P
  
• Having Jeni's Ice Cream three times a day will make you go through withdrawal upon coming home.
  
• Carry a big purse/bag. You'll need it for catalogs, brochures, book signings and samples.
  
• Take plenty go snacks for the long haul on the Megabus and no matter what, wait until the bus stops at a rest stop. Do not under any circumstances use the facilities on the bus.
  
• Wear comfortable shoes. Cute doesn't matter if your feet are dead to the world halfway through the day.
  
• Everyone is friendly. Don't play shy. Deep breath, say Hi and pass out those business cards!

So? How many more days until the next TNNA? Not soon enough. Thank you to all those who said Hi, and took the time to talk to me.
Hugs all around!

TNNA Saturday Day 2

Saturday is the official opening day for TNNA. The exhibitors have spent the previous two days setting up their booths and getting jazzed about opening day. I know a lot of energy goes into assembling a booth and if you're coming from across the country or over an ocean I can't image the challenges that brings.

All of the booths looks so pretty and each had their own unique style. I wish photos could have been taken, but that's not allowed. I know, bummer.

Being that TNNA is a members only event, there is no buying. It's whole sale ordering for yarn stores and other vendors. Me going as a designer, I had to play it cool. The exhibitors are there to make money and talking with a designer is not high on their list. Not that they aren't open to it, everyone was completely awesome and amazingly friendly... you just need to respect the sales process. Allow them to do their thing and they'll love you for in return.

After walking around the floor for hours, I saw that it was lunch time so I headed to the best place in Ohio... North Market. They've got everything. You want Belgium Waffles? got it. You have a taste for a BBQ pork sandwich? totally got it. What they also have is Jeni's Ice Cream. I started collecting the little sampling spoons and then realized that was a little odd....but OhMyGod, I think I took it a bit far, because every time someone said "I'm heading to Jeni's, wanna come?" Like, I'm going to say no. Hello? It's completely awesome!!

By late afternoon I was spent. I headed back to the Hotel to recharge my battery because I was going to dinner at Haiku with the ladies from Knit Picks. What a fun bunch and Stacey is super sweet. It was a real treat and a highlight of my trip. We ended up stopping by Jeni's afterwards for another scoop or two:P But like I said, it's soooo good.

From there I headed back to the Hotel to chill out. If I had know that the biggest party was happening at the Hyatt Bar that night, I might have stopped off to have a drink or two. And from what I heard it was the place to be. It's kinda like Vegas...what happens at TNNA stays at TNNA;)

TNNA Friday Day 1

Last night was awesome! After taking a 6 hour bus ride to Columbus Ohio, I checked in to my hotel to freshen up for the Yarn Thing Designer Dinner. The wonderful host Marly Bird put on a fantastic party. One of the cleaver things about this party was it was a masquerade. From cute and clever to beautiful and funny...it was something to break the ice and a conversation starter. Which was huge for me because this party was way out of my comfort zone.

I got whiplash from seeing all the top designers I admired over time. I was now among them... And not on my computer screen.

Another incredible thing about this gathering of 125 designers is the swag. Sponsors really poured the hearts out and I'm still amazed at what I'm discovering I this bag.





I'm just now coming down from my Jeni's ice cream high of the day, but I'm hoping I'll be able to share more of my first TNNA experiences with you.

Peace my knitters!

TNNA Here I Come!

As I type this, I'm on a train headed into the city of Chicago. From there I'll take a cab to Union Station. With ticket in hand I'll then board the Mega Bus to Columbus Ohio and all for what? TNNA! The National Needle Arts Association.

It's a members only event and I've worked my knitting needle raw to get accepted. It's hard to believe that when I set this
goal over a year ago that it would actually come true. Yet here I am with my name badge. Someone pinch me.

I'm hoping to recap my days adventures... And at least describe the Jeni's ice cream flavor of the day;)

I leave you with a glimpse of my mask for tonight's masquerade.

Woobie Series #2 - Call for Testing!

I know I've been a little MIA lately, but I have a good reason...



SEE? Yes, the next set of Woobies are in the last stages of finishing. Just needs some faces and final pattern writing. I'm hoping to showcase each Woobie as the testing goes on through July.

It kills me because each one has such personality already that I can imagine that faces will do nothing short but make them come to life.

Interested in testing? Sign-ups are on going on in the Woobie Series #2 - Call for Testers thread if you'd like to join.