August Whirlwind of Knit Crochet & More Excitement Part 2 of 3

On the cab ride to the airport, leaving Manhattan, I was listening to Alicia Keys singing "New York State of Mind" and realized how much I truly loved New York this trip. I modeled there years ago (at 16) and didn't appreciate it. On this 8-day trip to NYC I spent so much time walking the streets, people watching, building/architecture admiring, and really enjoyed it.

Two short flights later, and I arrived in Chicago. Check out this airplane. Is that a puddle jumper or what???

Went directly to a trunk show/book signing event for "Complements Collection" with Bijou Basin Ranch at a beautiful little yarn shop called "Wool & Company " in St. Charles, Illinois. From there I headed to Schaumburg, Illinois to Stitches Midwest.

Went directly to the show floor to set up the Bijou Basin Ranch booth with Marly Bird, and specifically my corner of the booth! I set up my trunk show for Complements Collection and displayed its book, along with "Seamless Crochet", "A Knitting Wrapsody" and "Crochet So Fine" on the table. I happened to have the only samples of Wrapture in the world with me, and was so excited to lovingly place them on display, too. I couldn't wait to share the jasmine scent of Wrapture with anyone interested in smelling it!

Checked into the hotel, got cleaned up and headed back down to the booth for Student Preview, which is the opening night of the show. I sold lots of books, met lots of lovely people, and remembered many from last year at Stitches Midwest! The response to Wrapture was awesome! CAN'T WAIT to have inventory to sell. Only a few short weeks...

Went to dinner with two of my FAVORITE fiber peeps: Marly Bird and Drew Emborsky and had a lovely steak dinner. Seriously, I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't eat red meat...

Classes began the next day! I taught three classes at Stitches Midwest: Seamless Crochet, A Finer Edge, and Knitted Motifs. All 3 classes are related to my current and/or upcoming books. I had some returning students from last year, and some students took all three classes! Met some really lovely people. I never get stage fright going on stage, going on set, or speaking to large groups of people, but for some reason, I get serious gitters before heading into a classroom. To my delight, all 3 classes were well received and everyone learned from me. Yay.

On Friday night, Marly Bird hosts the PJ Party and it is so much fun! I always volunteer as one of her assistants for the party and get to hand out ALL THE AWESOME prizes when people win during our fun and silly games. I wore PJs I picked up at the lingerie/swim trade show in NY, but it was so chilly so I wore my Jasmine Shawl from my Sweetheart Shawls Craftsy online class to keep me warm!

Speaking of Sweetheart Shawls, the next morning I hosted an informal demonstration and how-to for the Jasmine and Gardenia shawls from my Craftsy class in their booth. Quite a few people came, and it was so fun watching them marvel at a simple, but different, way of making flowers :) That makes me so happy. The Jasmine shawl is on display behind me in this photo. Doesn't it look like angel wings? LOL

For the remainder of the days, I taught classes, promoted in the Bijou Basin Ranch booth, and networked with lots of lovely people. Met some new friends, and got to catch up with others. The Crochet Dude had his own booth at the show, and promoted the invites as come get your own Crochet Dude experience. How can one resist? I stopped by his booth and it was ADORABLE! I'm so happy for him. The booth was awesome and his customers were thrilled to have him at the show. Win-win :)

Sunday night after teaching my last class, I flew home and got to see SharkHunter the next day! I was gone from home 2 weeks, and missed the entire first week of school :((( Not a good feeling for this mama. But we did lots of fun stuff in the partial week I was home before I set up for Las Vegas for the final let of my August Whirlwind of Knit Crochet & More Excitement. Stay tuned for Part 3 of 3 blog post about The CurveNV Lingerie/Swimwear trade show in Las Vegas!

In the meantime, please leave a comment below for an opporutnity to win one of MANY prizes! I'm going to be giving away pattern, books, samples of Wrapture and YARN!!!!! Please share with me what was your favorite family moment from the month of August. Mine was making SharkHunter's favorite meal request the night I came home from this trip: Spaghetti & homemade meatballs and sauce. He was so excited for a home cooked meal. And I was over the moon looking at his smile :)

xoxo,

Kristin

Comments

[Jeanne Steinhilber]

I was thrilled to meet you Kristin in Chicago. You are a beautiful person.

[Laura K]

My favorite August moments were being able to spend time with you and Marly at Stitches Midwest! Being able to (finally!) take a class with you, plus quickly filling up your dinner table Saturday Night was just fantastic. I can't wait to see your class offerings for next year.

[Jeanne M. Sprague]

Love your story about your August Whirlwind.

[Sue]

What a delightful set of blog entries! I would love the opportunity to take some classes from you here in the PNW so I hope you will keep us informed of future events.

Last night I started your He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not shawl from your Wrapped in Crochet book. I found a lovely silk bamboo yarn that was on sale and hope that it will offer similar drape as the alpaca/tencel blend you used.

[Pam Plymell]

I love your seamless crochet. It's the best. But my favorite family moment in August was my birthday and having my husband home after having a pacemaker implant.

[Brenda B.]

I love reading about your travels. You are very lucky to have a job that you enjoy so much!

[Megan]

How fun! Favorite moment in August -- probably my sister in law getting engaged. We were a part of the planning and celebration afterwards. So fun!

[Lisa Anderson]

My 10 year old step-daughter, my sister and I went to a small, local fiber fair the first weekend in August. We enjoyed walking around looking at all the pretty yarn. And we each bought a spindle to learn to spin our own yarn. We went out to lunch after. Had a really fun girls day out while Daddy played golf.

[Joe Zachry]

What a time and adventure but, would you replace your time spent with such great people?

[Sandy Strickland]

I can't wait for Stitches South!! I so love going to the show and taking classes and meeting all the crocheters and knitters. AND the yarn!! It's soooooo much fun. Your post just reminds me how great it is.

[Cassandra Gore]

My favorite August family moment was a cookout for my nephew's graduation from school. We had the whole family together which doesn't happen often but I always love! Sounds like you had a whirlwind August! Family moments are the best part of life, aren't they?

[Ruby]

The best family thing in August was being with my BFF when her grand daughter was born. Her daughter is one of my own and that baby counts as gbaby #7 for me. It was a delightful time. And yes, I was knitting in the labor/delivery room as Char was wheeled out for CSection after 24 hours of labor. So I was there from start to finish. Love my BFF, JoyBell. She is my heart, my soul, my being. She and I have been connected in the soul for a forever time. Closer than sisters.

Any time I can spend time with my grandbabies are precious moments.

[Artychick]

Wow sounds exciting...I Love all your designs!

[Rosemary]

OMG! See Kristin's angel wings! (see above shawl photo)

[Gay Moller]

My favourite August family moment was visiting online with my English twin granddaughters. We are New Zealanders. They are just over two years old and run up to the ipad to give us kisses onscreen.
Cuddles in person would be better, but at least they now recognise their Nana and Fafa.

[Carol Wiebe]

The shawl behind you on one of the pics for this post makes it look like you have wings.

I love a lot of your designs. They are very flattering to the female form.

[Cindi]

Loved your class at Stitches! Thanks for coming to the midwest.

[Lisa W.]

When I met you at Stitches South, you were absolutely delightful. I really enjoyed the experience and your class. I hope to meet you again sometime. I love reading about your travels!!!

[Kelly]

My favorite August memory is sitting with my mother in the Yarn Shop. She picked up knitting again and was making a shrug. I brought my crochet prodject with me to work on. As my mother gets older, I appreciate spending time with her and doing things we both like to do. You don't get a repeat in this life. Take time to "smell the roses" and enjoy spending time with family and or friends. I'm glad I am!

[Lisa-Marie]

I love all things knitting and crochet and have a secret penchant for lovely lingerie! A triple win I'd say!! I'd love to win a prize. Love to try your new product.