My 2017 Winter TNNA observations are not earth shattering, but let’s see what I have! I usually walk the floor on Monday morning with my friend Sara Lucas. She and I often note different things, so I’m always grateful to have her eyes to help me!
These TNNA observations are of booths I took photos of on Monday. Most of the others I’ve talked about in earlier posts. I’m sure I missed things.
TNNA Observations in Alpha Order
Aalta Yarn. I am a huge admirer of Christine Welsh Forester. I met her at the TNNA Strategic Planning meeting. She started this yarn company, and I’m guessing I’m not in her plans because she has never shown me the yarn. You know by looking at her that she makes killer lists, and then executes! Christine always looks polished and poised, and is so enthusiastic about her business and the industry. I loved seeing her as I came onto the floor.
Bellatrista Luxury Yarns. This was the booth I was most interested in from the What’s New display. New yarn, in non-wool fibers. Milk, soy, and bamboo. I love wool, but I’m always interested in these new fibers. Although these are all from natural sources, they are manufactured fibers. Located on the other side of Lake Washington, I’m looking forward to meeting with Dale Washburn, owner, to learn more. The yarn was yummy to touch, and the colors were enticing!
Blue Sky Fibers. I was completely taken with this display of tassels in their yarns! You may be familiar with them as Blue Sky Alpaca (old!) and as Spud and Chloe. Their designs are always lovely and they do a wonderful job branding. When Sara and I stopped to talk, they were also really nice! I also really loved their display in What’s New. For some reason I never knew they were in Minneapolis. Oh, and they loved my felt handbag.
Lickin’ Flames. I had a wonderful chat with them another day at the show, but as sometimes happens, it turned out Sara had chatted them up quite a bit at a show too, so we were both enthusiastic. I bought a shawl pin to go with my Taos in Forest For Better or Worsted. I guessed at the one that would be perfect. I was correct. It is perfect. Hey, anyone wear red Converse high tops has to be cool right? They also have buttons and jewelry, and knitting bowls. I was struck by how lightweight the pieces are, which is key for knits. Their story is a good one.
Lorna’s Laces. Beth Casey is past president of both the Yarn Group and TNNA. That’s how I know her–in my status as a professional volunteer. Beth is a great talker, and has made Lorna’s Laces a yarn everyone wants. She is funny too. I was particularly taken with the yarn in the neon colors. A bold statement! I have particularly enjoyed Mrs Crosby’s yarns, but Beth was in the Lorna’s booth when we went by. I’ve been around long enough that I remember when Beth was new at TNNA.
Love and Leche. Hey, you look this good and I’ll take your photo! They always offer me a test, and sometimes I take it. It is really nice, and I’m not sure why I don’t get some. I guess I’m thinking about yarn, not hand lotion. This company has great branding and what you see in the booth matches their website.
I’ve got eight other companies, but the ether just ate everything I’d written about them. I’m done for today, so I’ll wrap up next week.
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