Halloween Happenings Slide Show

 

Excuse me for one second while I drop a note to Perri Klass.

Well, Perri, I have to say I don't know you. I haven't read you (which is hard to admit since I work for Knitter's) and until tonight, I was probably one of those "and get this, she writes about knitting!" ignoramuses. But you made me get it. Your too brief moment on stage moved me. And here I am, writing about knitting.

OK, so I'm humbled. I'm not even going to start reading you until I get these pieces written, but you can be sure I'll read you cover to cover now! Of course this will be very convenient with the debut of Two sweaters for my father by Perry Klass. I'm motivated to do a good job thanks to you. Oh, and I want to be important enough, and good enough at what I do so that I can knit while I'm working, and nobody can tell me to stop, too. (I love that!)

I'm hoping no one will compare us, but here comes another knitter in print!

by Natalie Sorenson

 

Classes begin and the Market opens

Stitches East on Friday moved into high gear in a hurry. Registration pushed the knitters through so they could be on their way to their classes in every corner of the expansive Atlantic City Convention Center. Early Market goers were sorted out from class registrants and online ticket holders from early market goers so they could move to the head of the line, which swelled with each incoming train. Signs pointed everyone in the right direction, and Tracy pointed everyone in the direction of the right sign. Sue and Gay pulled packets and handed out the luggage tag packet perk, or the more covetous "Knitter Attached" pouch perk, depending on which Works, or a student had purchased.

Chad tested the new online ticket scan gun several thousand times, and the good news is we broke our record attendance 15 minutes before the gates opened!

Haute Halloween

The Friday evening Fashion Show, "Halloween Happenings," sent a clear message to all knitters: knit a poncho! Some were amazed by the diversity of the ponchos, others were inspired by the stylish options created by Stitches Market vendors.

This was my first time on the lit side of the stage, and the view was spectacular. Yes, backstage had many sights, but to see the knits in motion on the catwalk was a thrill! To the uninitiated the crowd was embarrassingly quiet, no bursts of applause, no whistles. But to be a Stitches attendee is to know a knitter. Knitters don't like to clap because you might drop a stitch! If only the models could have seen how the gauges tightened at each spin of a poncho. We'll be sure to express our appreciation in the Market.

I have dressed Maggie's garments, steamed them, primped them, but as amazed as I have been with her ingenuity and creativity, I had only seen a whisper of her true talent. Boy, get her stuff out on stage! The motion and flow...No, the sway and edge are what get you, as it was for so many of the items, now viewable in the Market at their respective vendors' booths.

For the finale, six of the garments were given as yarn-pack door prizes to lucky diners. Yay! I mean, YAY!!! If your number was called you had to react quickly and boisterously, or Rick took the prize. Everyone passed muster.

Tomorrow we'll take a look at Stitches Classes, peek at the noon Market Style Show and see what Stitches students have been working on all year, at the Student Banquet. See you tomorrow.