National Needle Arts Association (TNNA)

I spent some time in Long Beach a few weekends ago at the National Needle Arts Association (TNNA) Trade Show & got to check out some of the new yarns and color combinations for spring.  My favorite was Jade Sapphires cashmere linen blend they named Sylph; a skein made it into my suitcase…oh joy!

On Sunday I ran into Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting with her daughter signing their book Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf; it’s about a little girl who wants to knit and her mother who teaches her.  It’s a cute story with beginning knitting instruction in the back. And if you haven’t heard yet Alana has another book Botanical Knits coming out in May with pre-orders being accepted; I have mine pre-ordered with Twigs & Willow in my Ravelry favorites already. 

For those of you that will be enjoying Stitches West in Santa Clara on the 21st through the 24th Chic ~ a will be there.  She doubled the booth size to accommodate more products so look for her at #932,934 and grab one of those wonderful yarn keepers I was telling you about, you won’t be sorry.

Julie

Utah

On my most recent trip to Utah it was freezing!  Our first day there it was 0 degrees at 8:30 in the morning; this explains the picture of people ice fishing on our way to visit my mom.  I was able to sport around in some hand knits though.  

Ice Fishing

  

My mom wasn’t really up to pictures this trip; she’s been having good days and not so good days so adjustments in her care were made.

 

On the flight my son did take this picture of me knitting one of my frequent flyer hats; it’s the MOOSE hat from Bea Ellis Knitwear.  I hooked the Chic-a yarn keeper on the latch of the tray table to knit, it’s a great way to avoid the yarn rolling off your lap onto the floor (yuck) where you’d have to say excuse me to the person next to you as you politely try to retrieve it or worse it rolls three rows back!  I was also able to zip up the hat and pattern in the yarn keeper when I heard the familiar words “Please put your tray and seat in the upright lock position as we prepare for landing”.

I hope everyone’s year has started off well and that projects are flying off your needles and hooks!!

Julie