I was in Minneapolis last weekend for the TKGA/CGOA Knit and Crochet Show. As always, I enjoyed meeting new people.
This was a smaller show, but the attendees had flown in from all around the country, so I felt like I was introducing myself to a whole new audience. I had customers who hailed from New York, Massachussetts, Alabama, Texas, California, Washington, and Alaska.
I also made many new connections with other knitting professionals. I was both flattered and excited to be approached by
1) an editor from a craft publishing company about a book opportunity
2) an editor from Creative Knitting Magazine who wants to do a product review of one of my kits (watch for it in the February issue) and
3) Three young ladies from BeadTV and Knit1TV (internet channels) who would like me to produce a knit with wire tutorial video for them.
Wow! Yippee! Yahoo!
I should also mention that I introduced a new product at this show. Voila!
It is called the Viking Knitter's Bracelet. My Minnesota customers thought I created it and named it especially for them (football team=Vikings), but as a true blue Packer fan, I could never do such a thing. The name comes from the "Viking Knit" wirework technique which produces a chain that resembles knitting. As you can see here, I paired it with handmade clasps made from recycled knitting needles. It was a hit! In fact, it was such a hit that I sold out! (Clasps have been ordered, and it will be on my website soon).
So, all in all it was a very nice visit to Vikingsland. I hope to return soon.
