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Did I tell you I Iike knitters? Now, you're going to think I mean Knitter's, and that would be completely true, too, but I mean knitters, and sewers, quilters and crafters, spinners and weavers. I love crafts. I particularly love old crafts. I should say I have an appreciation for old crafts like pillow lace, nal binding and under water basket weaving (does that one really exist, or was it just a joke elective course in college?). I personally enjoy sewing and knitting, and have dabbled in jewelry making, woodburning, ikat dying/weaving, mural painting... Aren't the creative circles where you want to spin? Welcome to a another day at Stitches! I don't shy away from categories, and stereotypes are not always bad. (I know, IMHO) I believe they help us relate to one another. When I think of techies, I do think of something. And when I meet them and my thinking is confirmed I'm even more sure of my category description. When I think of fabric and fabric stores I think of the ladies on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis who worked at Amluxens Fabrics (quite famous to those who experienced it). They were a lot like my home ec teachers: stern, knowledgeable, almost impatient, but basically wanting you to get what they knew. I did learn a lot from them. When I think of fiber artists I think of grown-up flower children, surrounded by color and nature, with giving caring souls, who really operate in their own bubble, and do it successfully and happily not even aware that there may be another game everyone else is playing. When I think of knitters it's harder to pin down, and yes that's because I've come to know so many of them, so much more than activists in other arts. I guess if I had to sum it up, knitters are more functional in the real world, their craft is part of them, but they are still wives and moms, and a few dads and uncles, with jobs and families. They think about craft and style, but care about mind and balance. So Zen and yet so mainstream. I'm halfway through Perri's book, Two sweaters for my father. It's me, but wait, I'm sure no doctor. But I can relate to her thought process so clearly that it feels like home. Our kids must be so close to the same ages, and I've read The Lord of the Rings aloud to my kids, too. Well a few chapters, anyway. Perri has a way to bring you down. Down to earth that is, and speak to you where we all meet. Make sure you read it! Try a little of this 'n that Throughout the Stitches East, demonstrations were going on on the Market Floor. There was a 30-minute scarf demo, Two-sided Stockinette, and one on Mindful Knitting, and a whole line-up of others. The Mannings, booth 215+, held a demo on spinning which attracted many knitters not expecting to revolve in those circles.(Knitter's are so open to new things!) Learn-to-Knit With donated yarn and needles from Lion Brand Yarns, and instructors Debbie Radtke, Sue Nelson, and Joyce Wyatt, brand new knitters were given all the ins and outs of learning to knit. The new knitter's were then let out to run free in the Market. Scary, but exciting! Stitches East 2005 September 22-25 We're already looking forward to next year when Stitches East will once again be at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Even though the block of rooms has not yet been assigned, many attendees have already booked their rooms at the Sheridan Atlantic City, home of the Miss America Pageant. Thank you all! |