Updates, Knitting Adventures and Going Square!

Update! Work in progress - Doris scarf from Vickie Howell (PopGoesCrochet) Scarf in the book is made with Tilli Tomas Rock Star. The one I'm making is with Yang-Joy from SWTC, also beaded.

DreamWeaver has the Kollage square metal straight AND circular needles. Buy them in sets or separately and be amazed by these easy on your hands knitting needles. Ergonomics is the name of the game with this product. I use the circular needles often and have really enjoyed the look, feel and ease of these needles. The Kollage site offers information (including gauge suggestions)and a full description for you on these amazing needles and I advise you to visit Way to go Kollage!

If you have read my blog on a regular basis, you know by now that I'm a big fan of the Knitter's Connection event. Well it's on! June 17-20.

Do go if you are in the Columbus OH area or want to take the journey there. Last year, I met so many wonderful vendors and blogged about them for months, I was so inspired. The event is indoors, great classes, well organized, a market to die for, friendly people and this year the featuire guestsVisit the site for the full blown scoop a roo on this classy event. The Rowan 30th Anniversary Exhibition of hand knitted garments will be there which will be the first time seen in North America. Preeetty cool and there's more! Sandi Wiseheart, editor of Knitting Daily will be there tonight for a special event. Visit the site for location, information, and vendors.

On Ravelry? You can visit the forum on KC2009.

Wherever you roam, try to incorporate a little knitting or crochet to your day.

Marg (on to the next knitting adventure!)

INTERVIEW FOR YOU!

Gather 'round the knitting couch - I'd like to start the week off with an interview with Marilyn King of Abbeyyarns.com. I met Marilyn at the Knitters Connection event in Ohio and recently at StitchesEast in Maryland. I was taken in by the beautiful yarns, awesome color cards and display booth as well as Marilyn's keen ability to make her customers feel welcome. I felt like a bit of Ireland had come to me.
I encourage you to visit the website and take in the yarnie goodness for yourself. You will definitely make Marilyn your first stop when she comes to an event near you.

Now click those knitting needles together for a warm knitfabulous welcome for our guest, Marilyn King!

Q. Marilyn, how and when did you start the shop?

A. I don’t actually have a shop. I have a home-based business and focus on internet sales and participation in selected knitting events. I started the business 10 years ago.

Q. Where are you located when you’re not traveling?

A. I live in Aurora, Colorado, a suburb in Denver.

Q. Why did you start your business?

A. I started the business after traveling to Ireland where I found a mill that produced the yarn I sell. I thought it provided a business opportunity so I wrote a marketing plan, presented it to the mill owner who liked the idea.

Q. How many events do you attend a year?

A. Last year I attended 7 events around the country.

Q. Wow! Do you have any tips on handling the stress of traveling?

A. Take your knitting!

Q. Any tips for those who would like to begin their own business?

A. Have a good business plan, stick to it, and have enough operating capital to weather the ups and downs. Remember that you need to be customer focused and that you won’t be able to knit nearly as much as you want to.

Q. What is your favorite yarn?

A. The yarn I sell!
Since I don’t have a shop, but only sell two types of yarn, I’d have to say those are my two favorites.

Q. Who’s your favorite designer?

A. Kathy Zimmerman would have to be high on the list

Q. Do you create your own designs?

A. Yes

Q. How do you pick the items you sell?

A. I have chosen to stay very focused- just selling yarn from Ireland, so other items I sell relate directly to that yarn. So I sell buttons that compliment the yarn and only patterns that are appropriate for the yarn.

Q. What’s your favorite food to eat when traveling?

A. Plain M & M s

Q. How do you stay motivated?

A. Good question. After 10 years I still love what I do. I think there is always that desire to do better and so far that seems to motivate me. Feedback from customers definitely helps!

Q. What’s the most important aspect of your business that brings you joy?

A. The wonderful support I get from customers- both in terms of repeat business and helpful feedback.

Q. Where would you like to be in 10 years?

A. Knitting more and maybe traveling a little less.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to mention to the readers? Upcoming events, sales, etc.

A. I have finally started a newsletter and would love to encourage anyone interested in receiving it to sign up at my website (http://www.abbeyyarns.com/)

Thank you so much, Marilyn, for taking time out for this interview. Your tips, experience and enthusiasm are definitely encouraging to all of us who are striving to knit, work, and balance our lives, as well as control our intake of those yummie plain m & m's.

I hope you have enjoyed today's interview. There will be more in the future so stay tuned!

Knit-Share-Go!

Marg

I Laughed, I cried, I was scared, I knitted, I found Yarn Nirvana!

goodie bag galore

classes, workshops, market

close up of goodie bag

stash-a-roo!

The Knitters Connection event, sponsored by Knitters Mercantile, took place in Columbus OH. There were classses galore, vendors and GOODIE Bags for members.

My husband, Dave was kind enough to drive while I knitted - we manuevered through roadwork, bad mapquest & google directions, and a lot of stopping for directions, but finally arrived at our destination. (Why does that always happen?!) I knew I was in the right place when I saw a woman walking away from the convention center with a bag full of yarn and an awesome goodie bag. EUREKA! The convention center was HUGE and when I walked in, I saw bunches of people in black tees (mostly guys with lots' of piercings) milling around & a reservation booth draped in black and I'm thinking UHH-I'm not sure - PANIC- there was a Knitter's Connection sign so I knew I was close so I asked the security guard WHAT UP? Turns out I was on the wrong end (of course) - I almost got sucked into the Northeast Haunted Convention - lots of dry ice & scarey stuff. Looked interesting, but I was on a yarn mission.

Made it to the Knitter's Convention Area/Booth - oh, what nice people! This event was unlike any other I have attended. I went early before the classes let out and visited the vendor's first - no madhouse, no pushing & shoving here, ladies and gents. The vendors didn't overlap as far as what they had to offer. After visiting with a few of them, I realized how they are specially picked for the event. They were spaced nicely and even though there were plenty of shoppers, you didn't feel the place was wall to wall people. It was the calmest, most relaxing event I've ever been to. Met lots of new folks, chatted with knitters outside the market and had a tasty lunch afterwards at the Market area downtown. Great cafes, restaurants, etc. I had never been to Columbus before so it was a nice excursion for me and I really enjoyed their city.

Next year, I hope to take a class or two! The folks at Ravelry were there ;)
As for Dave, he munched on samples at the Market - while I shopped & visited. Good time had by all! Please check out the sites and make your plans to go next year!

TIP FOR YOU...

(I had a shopping list this time - a great tip for these events- must budget, must budget!)

Chao, Cheerio, Later Gator,Tally Ho, Knit-Share-Go! Marg

CHECK OUT THE NEW KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD SUMMER POOL SIDE PATTERNS ON MY ETSY SHOP! Stop to shop or stop to heart me - I always like to see your smiling face - share the LUV!

Also, I found Knit 1 for the Road online at Target! Who knew? The book has a life of its own!