Archive for the ‘Needlework News’ Category

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

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at the most recent TNNA newsletter, I urge you to do so.

I realize how busy all our members are.  All TNNA members, Retailers and Wholesalers, as well as others involved in the needlearts industry, certainly have their hands full  . . . regardless of the economy.  So, now is no different than any other time.

It’s even more important now that our members stay informed about what’s going on with TNNA.  The newsletter includes valuable information about the many programs and services the association offers, the structure of the organization, as well as the activities of the product segment groups.

The opportunities to be involved in the association and the industry are myriad . . . and as members, your involvement is essential to our future.

So, please take a minute to find out what’s happening.  Visit TNNA.org, log in, and take a look.You’ll be glad you did.

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.

TNNA’s Yarn Group and Needlepoint Groups have both posted their latest, and most exciting, new designs, patterns and fibers, introduced at the recent Winter Show in Long Beach CA, on their web sites.

Utilizing the latest technology, each group has taken major steps to ensure the public has the opportunity to see these amazing products even before they hit the shelves.

Take a minute to check it out.  There’s everything from needlepoint handbags, dog collars and even elephant embellishments to be found at WorldofNeedlepoint.org.

The Yarn Group highlights everything from swing coats, to shawls, to bikinis . . . with lots of lace, fantastic color palettes, and breath-taking designs to inspire anyone who loves to knit or crochet.  You can even upload the videos to your own Web site if you choose (just go to Youtube).

Cross-stitch had center stage last night on the Ace of Cakes “Merry Cakemas” episode (Food Network). Mary Smith decorated the ultimate Christmas stocking cake based on a Christmas stocking cross-stitched by one of their viewers.  Apparently the husband of an avid stitcher (who has stitched 53 Shepherd’s Bush Christmas Stockings for her family) commissioned Charm City Cakes in Baltimore to reproduce the stocking.

The episode is available for viewing online at http://www.foodnetwork.com/ace-of-cakes/demolition-cakes/index.html
Dec 06, 2009 at 5:00 PM ET/PT
Dec 08, 2009 at 8:00 PM ET/PT
Dec 09, 2009 at 3:00 AM ET/PT

By the way, thanks to Carole Watson of Always in Stitches (Palm Beach Gardens FL) for letting us know about this: