I had the pleasure of vacationing with my family for 4 days in Long Beach, CA, last week, & then spent the next 4 days with Julie at The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) trade show at the Long Beach Convention Center. The weather was typical So Cal winter weather~ a mix of sun & clouds, some evening rain showers and temps in the mid-sixties ~ perfect weather to show off hand-knits! And the trade show was fabulous!!

So you might ask what the trade show is all about. Here’s the scoop ~ Serious needleart buyers and sellers know this show sets the needlework industry’s trends for fashion, color and design. TNNA is known by industry experts as the show that shouldn’t be missed. TNNA trade shows attract needleart buyers from all over the United States and abroad. In over 830 booths, hundreds of needlearts suppliers display their newest products.
Highlights include:
More than 100 hours of practical and inspirational classes in business and needlearts techniques Retailers’ Luncheon focusing on issues facing retailers from all needlearts disciplines
The New Product Display and Great Wall of Yarn offer glimpses of the excitement to come
Galleria Reception gives us the perfect time to network
Fashion Show highlights the best and the brightest new fashions, colors and trends.
Sample-It enables us to “test-drive” some of the latest products on the market
. . . and more!

One of the products that I got very excited about is the Conjoined Creations Flat Feet Socks ~ stop by the shop & see this inventive way to knit socks in very fun colorwways. The new 9″ circular needles by HiyaHiya are outstanding and allow you to knit a sock in the round on circulars rather than double points – I tried them, I love them – & can’t wait until they arrive in the store! Iris Shreier also sold me all of her new fabulous Artyarns – more cashmere, silk & silk mohair in fabulous colorways and new yarns too!! It was fun to see Chris Bylsma and she asked how everyone’s Crayon Box Jackets are coming along. Don’t forget to check the schedule for Designer Knit Nites – let’s keep working on all of those special projects and have a fashion show before the end of this year! Maggie Jackson was there and is making exciting changes to her business – more news to come about Maggi Knits! Malabrigo has a book coming out with all designs by Jane Ellison – it’s a definite add to your library! Watch our website for a link to the TNNA Fashion Show in the next week or so and stop by the shop often over the next several weeks to see the new products as they arrive!

Save the date for Stitch n Pitch ~ July 20th!.We will be promoting this event at the Knit Out at Mall of America next month!