Back from TNNA

TNNA market is the semi-annual market for the yarn and needlepoint industry. Sheryl decided to stay behind this time to mind the shop. Not wanting me to go by myself, she suggested that I take my sweet mother along with me for company. My mother is an awesome travel companion, and it was nice to have another person's opinion on buying decisions. She has much more conservative tastes than I do, which is reflective of our customer base. I missed having my girl Sheryl there though!

Because we had already bought most of our fall yarn from the reps before the show, I went looking for other goodies. I picked up TONS of new patterns, must notably all of the new French Girl designs. When y'all see how gorgeous they are, y'all are going to flip your lid! Here is a picture of me with my good friend Kristeen, the designer of French Girl. Her patterns are as lovely as she is. Look for her ad in Interweave and Knit Scene. She was kind enough to ask us to participate in her ad. **edit** I took the picture out so as not to give away any previews of her patterns. Y'all will just have to wait!** AMY

I also bought some new bags from Della Q and Lexie Barnes. I won't be able to get the new Lexie's until October, but Della had all over her new stuff. Gorgeous silks and embroidery details on her bags and needle cases. Here is Della in all of her cuteness.

At the show, other shop owners wait in HUGE lines to get books signed by famous authors. Me? You've got to be kidding! You just have to know how to work it. Next, I give you the famous Louisa Harding. She is quite charming and so kind. My LH rep sent her a picture of the Louisa Harding display we had a the store, and she remembered! Way to go Sheryl with your awesome decorating skills!

Finally, may I present the great Debbie Bliss. She was so down to earth and kind. I was looking through her new book with her (fabulous by the way....all I'm saying is "100 % cashmere") when I came across a pattern for a shrug that would look adorable on my girls. I told her as much, and she asked me if I had a picture. I whipped one out toot sweet! She said she would like to use them as models in some of her upcoming books. Too bad I don't live in England! I was so proud.

Enough of my star struck ramblings. Here are the trends that I saw in knitting for fall:

• Hot colors - Warm shades of orange & brown
• Techniques - Lots of cables and beadwork
• More patterns for larger sizes, knitted jewelry, & less novelty yarn. I saw a lot of more classic designs, but with a slight twist to make them interesting.
  

Third Bag's a Charm

Pattern: Diana Bag from Rowan's A Midas Touch

Yarn: Rowan Glimmer Print #7

Comments: The pattern called for 3 balls, but if you wanted to make the handle as long as the picture, you would have to have 4.

Yet another sample for the shop. Can you see a trend? Three purses.

When trying to decide what sample to do next, I couldn't bring myself to knit a sweater. Why you ask? Two reasons really, both I'm embarrassed to admit to. First, I'm feeling really lazy. I don't want to have to think people. Second and most importantly, I'm afraid of my customers critiquing my work. I can just hear them saying as they look at my seaming "Huh, how can she call herself a yarn store owner? Her knitting stinks!" I used to think I was a pretty decent knitter, but I'm feeling the pressure my friends.