The Knit and Crochet Show is put on every year by the Crochet Guild of America, and The Knitting Guild Association. And this year's conference in San Diego was so much fun!
I actually left a bit early, and flew to San Luis Obispo to spend a few days with friends before the show started. We visited both the historic Madonna Inn, and Bubblegum Alley... Very colorful, but oh so different!
After a few days of rest and relaxation, I hopped onto the train down into San Diego. It was a long ride, but there was great scenery along the way - you don't see this in Iowa!
Finally, I arrived in San Diego, checked into the Town and Country Resort, and stepped out on my balcony. Wow.
I took some great classes this year - Shawls From All Angles taught by Marty Miller, and Intro to Reversible Crochet, Cables Over the Edge, and Bling It On, all taught by Laurinda Reddig! I learned some great tricks that I'm sure will work their way into my designs over the coming year.
The marketplace was full of amazing products, but one of the biggest attractions is wall of entries in the Design Competition. Susan Lowman has a complete rundown of the award winners on her blog, The Crochet Architect! Here's just a few of the highlights. That skirt on the bottom left was designed by a 13 year old, who got her Master's pin!
The amazing Lily Chin was awarded for her contributions to crochet, and her presentation was hilarious - as were the roasts that followed! And finally, the event was capped off with the Grande Finale Banquet and Member Fashion Show, where everyone showed off their favorite crochet gear. I was delighted to get a chance to help model Doris Chan's newest design, the Lotus Lattice, featuring DesigningVashti's Lotus Yarns! (Please note, I am NOT a professional model!)
After dinner was a chance to take photos with some of the amazing people I got to hang out with during the conference. I love these ladies! If you don't know their names already, be sure to check out Andee Graves, Linda Dean, Stacey Williams, Laurinda Reddig, Pia Thadani, Elena Hunt, and Kathy Lashley. You might not recognize their names or faces, but I bet you'll know about their crochet designs - and if you don't, you should!
But of course, I came home with more than memories! During the Grande Finale Banquet I won a copy of Classic Crochet the Modern Way by Tova Fevang, which was just too funny as I was having breakfast with her the next morning! She was kind enough to sign it, and one of her other fabulous books for me as well.
There was also some fun to be had on the marketplace floor, of course. I picked up a new Japanese stitch dictionary (I'm obsessed with these), a pair of gorgeous scissors, and another fantastic YarnIt - one of the rare and new *sparkle* ones! I used it beading class to keep my fingering weight yarn under control!
Other fun things that found their way home with me included a mug and skein of yarn, courtesy of Annie's, and a goodie bag from Lion Brand, with a skein of one of their newer yarns, Landscapes!
There were tons of other adventures too, things I didn't get photos of but will never forget. Lion Brand hosted a Tea with Shira Lounge, and I got to be interviewed by Shira herself! I'll share that video as soon as it's available, of course!
But as with all good things, it did come to an end. The Knit and Crochet Show for 2016 will be in Charleston, South Carolina, and I can't wait! Joining the Crochet Guild of America was a great decision, and totally worth it. Go to Crochet.org to check out the benefits for yourself, and make sure you always know where the K&CS is heading next! Hope to see you there!
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Maureen
Sure does look like the little baby in the ultrasound is holding something crocheted. Little granny square scarf casually flung perhaps?
🙂 m & josephina ballerina (the cat)
Tamara Kelly
😀 It was an amazing piece, and the designer won several awards! I forgot to mention, the little girl was there too - it was so sweet, I got a little teary!
Carissa Reid
Thank you for sharing! I so wanted to go this year but just wasn't able to. I'd love to go next year, as I was born in Charleston and left when I was just a few months old and have never been back. Maybe, just maybe, I can make it happen. It would be amazing!
I love that Annie's mug. Perfect!!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you Carissa! It is a lot of fun, and everyone is always so friendly and welcoming. I've never been to Charleston myself, I'm excited to see it!
Lesley Fahey
Dear Moogly. Can you please tell me whether your 'Simple Chunky Cable Crochet Slippers' pattern is written using US or UK crochet terminology? Thankyou. Lesley.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Lesley! All my patterns are written in US terminology. 🙂
Amie
Did you stay at the Madonna Inn?
Tamara Kelly
Only long enough for a Pink Cloud drink and a tour! 😀
Tracee
It all sounds so AMAZING! I am making my plans and setting my goals to go next year already!
Tamara Kelly
Hope to see you there! 😀
sallie
I had no idea you were from Bettendorf! I love your patterns. ?
Sallie from Clinton
Loops A Daisies
Tamara Kelly
😀 Hi Sallie (*waves*) Thank you!
Deborah
Sigh! What great fun you must have had! I am determined to go next year! I am enjoying seeing all the photos; thanks for sharing. =)
Tamara Kelly
😀 I can't wait to see you there Deborah!
Norma
What a wonderful review ! Thank you so much for sharing! Maybe someday I'll go - you make it sound so fun !
Tamara Kelly
😀 I hope everyone who gets the chance checks it out! There's nothing quite like it!
Jennifer Reichenberger
Thank you for the sharing all the fun and neat things you saw and did. I love all the pictures and fun comments, but I REALLY envy you that Annie's mug!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you Jennifer!
Debra
I love what Laurinda is wearing in that group photo. Was it a dress or a tunic and skirt?
Tamara Kelly
It's a dress - and you can find the pattern in the latest Interweave Crochet magazine! 😀
Patty
Looks like you had an awesome time, good for you!
I used to live in San Diego and miss the view you shared, soo pretty.
May I ask if there's a way to get that mug from Annie's? I sooo need one of those. hehe
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Patty! I'm afraid I don't know, you'd have to contact Annie's!
Paula
Thanks so much for sharing some of the highlights Tamara! I am even more inspired to plan to attend next years show,especially since it is coming to South Carolina where I live!!! (yay!) Hope to see you there!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you Paula! Yes, if you see me, please stop me and say hi!