Welcome to Stitches East 2004

by Mike Winkleman

Welcome to Stitches East 2004. We woke this morning to a beautiful and tranquil sunrise just off the shores of Atlantic City. Knitters were filled with energy and excitement as they waited for the opening day presentation of Maggie's Ireland.

Maggie's loyal fans fashioned Maggie's garments that they had crafted from Maggie's latest book Maggie's Ireland. With much anticipation the lights darkened and Alexis Xenakis took the stage. He introduced Maggie Jackson and brought excitement to the room. Maggie described Ireland and her latest fashions that were photographed to show Maggie's elegant style and flair. The slide show was incredibly done with beautiful photos from Alexis and incredible designs by Maggie. Knitters were shown the vast green hills and ancient architecture that had inspired Maggie to design sweaters that are in high fashion, but will accent any body type. As if that was not enough, Shannon, a gorgeous model from Maggie's Ireland came to the stage as the audience applauded her arrival. Like any good thing the show came to an end.

We went next door where a lunch was prepared and waiting for us. We started out with a green salad, which was followed by a stuffed chicken breast, sautéed vegetables, and grilled potatoes smothered in olive oil. While we ate we were entertained with models wearing Maggie's garments walking from table to table. Our imaginations ran wild as we thought of the number of Maggie's garments that we would love to knit. We socialized with friends from the past and friends of our future. With more anticipation growing we then headed off to our first class.

As evening approached and classes finished, knitters headed off to the Teacher and Student Mixer. Excited students filled the room as they began to display their latest projects. Attention rose as Knitter's Editor Rick Mondragon and Stitches coordinator Jen Johnson take the stage. They brought enthusiasm and cheer to the room.

Teachers are introduced to the students. You could feel the thoughts in the air as knitters contemplated what classes to take next year. Then Rick moved to the back of the stage and the students took over by displaying their latest and most dazzling projects. The amazing designs and vibrant colors filled the stage as oohs and ahs filled the room.

Seven P.M. came quickly, bringing the much-anticipated opening of the Market. The doors opened and knitters rush in. Laughter and chatter clutter the market.

The booths are filled with vibrant and beautiful colors. New and old products are all displayed with care and style. You are able to see the excitement and joy in every knitter's face.

With bags filled, members of Knit U, the online email list, headed to their final meeting of the year. In a casual environment the meeting began. David Xenakis and members talk about issues of online etiquette and how powerful words can be. It was not all business, laughter overwhelmed the members' faces from time to time.

After an exhausting day filled with fun and new faces, of the friends we met, it was time to say good night. We left the Atlantic City Convention center with the smell of salt from the ocean tickling our noses. The lights of the casinos twinkled in our eyes as they added anticipation of the excitement to come tomorrow. As visions of knitting danced in our head we headed off to bed. We dreamt of classes, shopping and our new friends, and we wish that Stitches would never end.

Spinster—the spinners who wrap a colored tie around a sheath of flax, red for looing for a husband.