Knit and Crochet Show 2013

So last weekend, this happened:

 

I traveled up the road to Charlotte, NC to take a class, meet with some editors, and generally hob knob with some of the finest knitters (and crocheters) anywhere.

There was a lot of yarn! And yarn accessories! And people draped in yarn!

Yes, I was one of those people draped in yarn.  Here I am meeting the incredible Melissa Leapman.  When I knitted the "Tamara Wrap," I never thought I'd get to meet the designer of the pattern. I think she approved of my work ;)

And I approved of hers, too. Here she is teaching "Turning Pro" to those of us who aspire to make money from designing knitwear (or crochetwear, as was the case with so many of the other students.  I mean, I have never seen so many crocheters in one place as I did at this show! But I digress...).  So much is right with this pic--Melissa's intensity while teaching, the fact that I was trying to take the pic on the sly (I'm sure she didn't see me aim my iPhone at her from table height. Right??), the magnificent shawl on the student in front of me, which was only eclipsed by her magnificently braided hair...!

That night we were treated to this lady--Patty Lyons.  I laughed so hard at her crazy pics of sweaters that were miles too big, but I also learned a lot about gauge. Great fun! And I was finally in a room full of KNITTERS! There were probably some folks who also crocheted, but I chose to overlook it. Ha!

All in all, it was a fantastic experience.  I spent time with friends from my Knitting Guild, folks I only see at shows like this (like Pat!), and new friends I made like Maureen, Diana and Sandy.

PS: I took with me 5 items that I designed, wrote patterns for and knit in the last 2 months--a shawl, a wine bottle cozy, a bag, a sock (half a pair!), and a hat.  I received offers to buy the shawl and hat for publication!  Stay tuned for further developments on that front :)