Archive for the ‘Marketing Needlearts’ Category

I know it’s summer and there’s so much going on, but on those hot humid days, doing a little indoor surfing can be relaxing and informative.  If you haven’t stopped by TNNA’s Web site, TNNA.org in the past month, it’s time.

Did you know you can already register online for the Fall Needlecraft Market, September 25 – 26, 2010 in St. Charles/St. Louis MO.  Fall, you say?  Certainly far, far away.  But it will be here before you know it, and now’s the time to make your plans, and let your customers know you’ll be bringing home some treasures for their holiday purchases.

You can also find information about PiPN 2010 — TNNA’s Pathways into Professional Neeldlearts internship/apprenticeship program.  This summer’s students have been in the field since the middle of June, and are finding their experiences to be beyond their expectations.

I recently heard from one of the interns working with Handwork Studios.  Trekina Miller of Mississippi State University commented “I love it and everyone that I am working with. I look forward to going to work everyday. I am also working with the Fashion Bootcamp program in Rosemont, PA for the Handwork Studio. I can not thank you enough for this great opportunity!!”

To streamline the entire process we’ve created an online Host Application Form.  You can now go online and request an intern for the upcoming fall, winter or next year.  Students will also be able to register online within the coming months.  If you’ve been a host in the past, please let us know and we can make sure you’re information is entered correctly.

You’ll also see that TNNA is heading off to Maker Faire in Dearborn MI this week. We’ve had an enormous response from volunteers who have offered to come out to our Needlearts Stitch Zone

to help teach knitting, cross-stitch, embroidery, needlepoint and crochet.  In fact, we’ve pretty much filled all our time slots!  If you’re in the area, you should stop by the Henry Ford Museum.

If this is even half as much fun as the San Mateo Maker Faire, it’s bound to be a real kick.

Stitch N’ Pitch has been in full swing this season.  Check out what’s been going on by visiting StitchNPitch.com.

It seems the D0 It Yourself Movement has given way to a whole new awareness, appreciation and personal involvement in crafts and, in the same vein, the needlearts.

I recently received an email from Pete Poitras, the “P” in JP Needlepoint, and TNNA’s Needlepoint Group Chair.

It was all about a “craft social” which is, simply, lots of people getting together to work on craft projects.  They don’t have to be the same projects  . . . They could be anything from stamping, buttons, T-shirts, cross-stitching, knitting . . . well, you get the picture.

The article was specifically about the Chicago Craft Social which included total strangers, in their 20’s and 30’s who even paid to spend the night at — what the organizers call — the biggest craft party in the nation.  The event is held four times a year in suburban Chicago.

The article states, “More than (offering crafters a chance to try new techniques, find inspiration and sample new materials),
Craft Social is a chance to build a community for a new generation of do-it-yourselfers who follow popular crafting blogs, search YouTube videos and post their own tutorials online.”

The organizer Amanda Edwards, says “People are craving community, so we say make stuff, make friends and meet with other people.”

The event is being compared to the “Stitch ‘n Bitch movement” . . . but it seems to me it’s more like the Maker Faire events that TNNA has been involved in recently.  Talk about community  . . . the San Mateo Maker Faire in May 2010 brought out 90,000 people who simply wanted to learn about “making stuff.” TNNA’s Needlepoint Stitch Zone entertained over 1000 new stitchers, thanks to the help of close to 50 volunteers from local guilds, TNNA members (wholesalers and retailers), Ravelry followers, and other local stitchers.

I guess, some of it wouldn’t be called crafts.  At Maker Faire, there were all types of “making” going on from high tech to low tech and everything else in between.  But it certainly was a community, and it certainly was creative.

TNNA is planning to be at Maker Faire in Detroit on July 31st and August 1st.  Although we don’t anticipate quite the turnout we had in San Mateo, we can expect a great, enthusiastic crowd.  If you’re able to teach one of the needlearts (crochet, knitting, needlepoint or cross-stitch/embroidery), and would like to come out to join the fun, please go to Jooners and sign up for a convenient time slot.  We still could use a few people . . . and best of all, you get in for free on the day you volunteer.

But even better, you get to participate in a type of “craft social” . . . people who love to simply create coming together, in community, to share new ideas, techniques, materials and good times.  What a great way to spend a day.

Recently TNNA sponsored an award-winning Needlearts Stitch Zone at the San Mateo Maker Faire event.  We were there last year, and taught more than 1000 new fiber enthusiasts.  The theme was “recycling” and so we incorporated yarn made of grocery bags into the kids programming and the display.

This year, the theme of the event was “children,” so we were even more tuned in to the kids.  Again, we spent time knitting, crocheting and stitching (needlepoint) with the kids on our oversized needles, hooks and canvas.  You can get a glimpse of what it was like at http://tnna.org/Outreach/tabid/100/Default.aspx.  And, again, we estimate we taught over 1000 new stitchers . . . this time, even more appeared to be under the age of 12.

Now you might think, ok . . . these kids really aren’t going to go home and knit or crochet . . . but we also know most of the fiber lovers of today first learned when they were younger than 12.  So, today’s play will eventually turn into tomorrow’s passion.  We also know, many of the parents who were watching will go home and get out their old projects, left unfinished years ago and just waiting for the moment they’ll be picked up again.

Recently, Jules Kliot (Lacis and the Museum of Lace) sent me some picture of an event at the Exploratorium in San Francisco in early July.  They demonstrated lace making to young and old . . . These picture really tell the story.  Even the young ones were enthralled, and obviously were able to pick up the techniques themselves.

If you have pictures of young stitchers, send them to us so we can show the world the stitchers of tomorrow.  (Of course, get their parents’ permission first!)

When the NY Mets meet the Marlins on Saturday, June 5, 2010, the Stitch N’ Pitch-ers attending will be trying to make a home run of their own.

This year, as an added twist on the event, fans are invited to participate in an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the most number of people crocheting simultaneously.

I googled the Guinness Book of World Records to find out what the current record is, and discovered this record has never been set.  So this will be a very first.  I did find a number of interesting records, though, that should give us some yardstick to measure this momentous event.

I found the largest number of people simultaneously Riverdancing is currently 1032 people.  I certainly hope they were dancing in a very well reinforced building.  And, although, quite a feat . . . (pun intended), this has nothing to do with the needlearts.

At a London Marathon in 2008, a record was set by Susie Hewer for knitting the longest scarf while running a marathon . . . a remarkable 1 m 62 cm (which is well over 3 feet long, I believe).  This same woman also holds the record for the longest crocheted chain at 77.4 meters long.  (You can do the math here.)  But this was only one woman.

The closest record I found was set in 2009 for the most men and women simultaneously knitting in Sydney, Australia.  256 people knitted for 15 minutes to raise money for breast cancer research.

Certainly, our Stitch N’ Pitch supporters can outdo a mere 256!  TNNA’s even giving away a free ball of yarn and crochet hook to people who want to participate (and will teach anyone who doesn’t know how to crochet).

At the upcoming Stitch N’ Pitch event, money will be raised for the Needle Arts Mentoring Program, as well as Needle & ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy, both programs supported by The National NeedleArts Association.  These programs focus on healthy habits for children.

So, if you’re going to be in NYC, you really need to get to Citi Field and help set this new record.  How often do you get to be part of a real “first” . . and have some fun with fiber at the same time.

Go to www.stitchnpitch.com for more information.

May 22 and 23rd, TNNA will again invite everyone to get into the “Stitch Zone” at the Bay Area Maker Faire.

Maker Faire is known as the largest DIY event in the country.

Last year, the event drew over 78,000 people to the San Mateo CA Event Center.  TNNA’s Stitch Zone hosted close to a thousand of them.  Volunteers taught a stream of eager “makers” how to knit, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch and embroider.  Both visitors and volunteers enjoyed the fiber, the creativity and the new found friends.

TNNA is still looking for volunteers for San Mateo.  If you live close by, or think you might be visiting San Mateo the weekend of the 22nd (I know it’s coming up quickly), and would like to volunteer to teach, set up or tear down, please let us know.

Remember, you receive a free pass to the faire on the day you volunteer.  If you volunteer for a Friday time slot, you can use your  free pass on either Saturday or Sunday.

We’ve streamlined the process this year.  You can sign up to help by going to:

http://jooners.com/guest?t=help&p=none&l=-11e5839e:1280adadbca:-1147

If you have any questions, please email tnnamaker@gmail.com.

By the way, this year, there will be three faires, with Detroit and New York City following the Bay Area event.  So check back later to find out how to get involved in the future Maker Faires.

I’ve belonged to the Knitlist for quite some time now.  Every time it shows up in my in-box, I take a minute to scan the topics.  I’ve found all sorts of interesting tidbits, some of which I definitely do pass along to others in the needlearts industry, as well as others who don’t know much at all about the art.

I just saw a post regarding a totally cool commercial, and just had to let you all know about this one.  You can find it at: http://www.masondixonknitting.com/

Take a minute to watch the other video about “the making of the video” . . . it’s even more interesting.

It’s not really about knitting . . . but I won’t ruin it for you.  Totally entertaining.

March has been an active month for many of our needlearts members, several of whom are garnering national attention from the media.

As part of  National Crafts Month, TNNA members Lion Brand Yarn and the Knit Kit both received attention on Martha Stewart’s March 9th show.   Anduin Havens, a new knitter and Martha’s in-house art director, demonstrated using Lion Brand’s yarn to knit up up stitch gauges.  She’s made the gauge form available on marthastewart.com.

As someone who knits while traveling, she also highly recommended the Knit Kit, created by TNNA’s own Barbara Barry.  Havens commented that she was even able to take it on the plane since it’s TSA compliant.  Although it’s called a Knit Kit, she recommended it for all crafters on-the-go.  Everyone in Martha Stewart’s audience received a free Knit Kit to take home!

See the video at http://www.marthastewart.com/article/knit-gauge-template.

Both Knitty City and Habu Knits received cudos from Time Out New York’s recently published “Knitting Guide to New York.” Both were listed as favorite shops to buy yarn in New York City.  Knitty City was also mentioned as one of the best places to take classes.

Puffin & Co.’s thread organizers and “scissor sitters” and Amy Bunger’s DVDs all received rave reviews in NeedlePointers.  Puffin & Co. was also highlighted in Kathy Paterson’s column in the March/April 2010 issue of Needlepoint Now.

Jane Pauley recently partnered, as she calls it, with AARP.  Her program Your Life Calling focuses on the changing of our lives, and the reinvention process we all face in today’s world.

Living longer, we have more decisions to face . . . and to make . . . as we get older.  Today, more than ever before, we are in the position to move through several different careers, and to find fulfillment in our day to day lives.

Recently Pauley interviewed Betsy Lee McCarthy, formerly an executive in the health care industry, who turned in a very different direction.

After living with constant stress, ten years ago at 57, McCarthy gave up her career and six figure income, and turned her secret hobby of knitting into a business.  She now travels all across the country teaching others how to knit socks.  She’s even written a book.

McCarthy is eloquent as she explains why she did and how much she’s enjoying her knitting business.

Check out the interview on the AARP web site at http://www.aarp.org/money/work/your_life_calling/articles/knitter_betsy_mccarthy.html

Time management has always been an issue for small businesses, and that includes needlearts businesses. Whether you’re an independent entrepreneur or the owner of a company, resources are limited and time always feels tight.

But everything still has to get done.

Now, with the advent of social media, small business owners are faced with even more to do in order to successfully market their companies.  But there is no doubt, these activities are a vital part of any marketing strategy.

TNNA’s Board Member Kathy Elkins, Retail Council Chair and owner of Webs-America’s Yarn Store recently sent us a link to a very interesting and helpful blog:

30 Minutes a Day Small Business Social Media Strategy, written by Mark Hayward.

To be honest, when I first looked at the page, I stepped back.  But I’m one of those people who just hate being told what to do or when to do it.  (I can never follow a diet.)  I also grew up in the paper age, and still have trouble reading long blocks of text on the computer, no matter how large I make it.

But, after overcoming my phobias, I found his suggestions to be very helpful for two reasons.

The “schedule” he proposes is a great overview of the different social media vehicles available. (Of course, I’m sure there are new ones on the horizon.)

He includes

• blogging – what you write and what you read (for example, a list of Needlepoint blogs can be found on the Needlepoint Group Web site by clicking here WorldofNeedlepoint.com)
• Twitter (again your own and others)
• niche forums (for example, the Knitlist and NeedleworkBiz)
• FLCKR, YouTube, and Facebook for both community building and business promotions
• Review sites (for example, Ravelry and Knitters Review).

In addition, his day-to-day strategy also gives you a comprehensive view of how these different vehicles fit together and can work together, and a suggestion as to how much time to spend on each.

He also includes links to more information on each of these topics.

All in all, the blog is especially helpful if you’re trying to put your arms around all this social media “stuff.”

Whether or not the exact time table he suggest works for you, he himself suggests it’s meant to be adapted to each individual’s needs and styles.

Regardless of how much time you think you have, I would suggest you take the time to check out the blog, spend the time to digest it, and invest the time into incorporating it into your marketing program.

I’m writing this from the Embassy Suites Hotel in Nashville TN where TNNA is hosting the Needlework Market.  Hundreds of wholesalers and buyers are here, and the air is filled with excitement.

I just came upstairs after having spent a little time at the Meet and Greet, and can tell you, people are interested and engaged . . . The room is filled with people eager to talk and see . . .  and, of course, do business.

The hotel shows are really different from the large convention shows.  They’re more intimate, with people exhibiting their needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery, yarns and other supplies and accessories in their hotel suites.  I must say, the first time I came to one of these, I was a little taken aback.  All the newest patterns, threads, and more displayed right in the rooms . . . sort of like visiting someone’s home, or more precisely, stepping into their bedrooms.

But at these shows, needlearts retailers come to buy and take right back to their shops.  Not that you can’t place orders, but these shows are considered “cash and carry” which is very different from the “orders only” approach at the convention shows.

And, of course, there are classes, as well.  I had the privilege of teaching two marketing classes today which, I hope, gave the class participants a good overall idea of what marketing is all about, as well as some specific ideas they can use.  The “students” also shared their own ideas, which I think helps create those amazing bonds which tie the industry . . . and more specifically, our TNNA members together.

When I asked them why they came to the show, they all agreed . . . it’s not just the products or the classes, but the opportunity to connect with others who share their passion for fibers.  They come away rejuvenated and refreshed, and knowing they’re not alone but are, rather, a part of a big, welcoming and comforting community.

You simply can’t get that through any other means . . . no matter how much time you spend online blogging or twittering . . . Nothing quite compares to getting a real hug from a true friend and colleague.