Another Great Class

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE,

It is a crisp Fall morning in New York, and I am rushing around getting last minute things done for my trip to Greensboro and the Knit/Crochet Conference. I am almost ready, but not quite.

On Wednesday, I did another Free Form Knitting/Crochet Combo Class. I did this class at the East Fishkill Library in Fishkill, New York, and it was attended by a group of very enthusiastic knitters and crocheters. I love doing this class and it is turning out to be my most requested class of all. One of the reasons that I love doing this class so much, is because the diversity of the students never fails to amaze me. They all have the same homework, and all their projects turn out to be really individual, creative pieces. Look at all the happy faces!

One student, Cindy P, decided that she did not want to make a bag, and she started a much more ambitious project of a free form blanket. Hats off to Cindy for really spreading her wings. Another student, Cathy Conrady, made my capelet, but definitely put her own stamp on it. It looks wonderful Cathy.

Have a great day

Margaret

Busy times

Good Morning Everyone,

I had a very busy weekend, packing a workshop, Memorial Services for 9/11 and family stuff into two days.

On Saturday, I did a Knitting/Crochet Free Form Class at The Cornwall Yarn Shop in Cornwall, NY. The shop is a charming shop, jam packed with wonderful goodies, that would make any fiber fanatic swoon, and Gail Parrinello, is a most gracious host. On my arrival, the first thing that I noticed was that Gail has a sign on the door that says "A CROCHET FRIENDLY YARN SHOP", what a nice surprise.

The very enthusiastic students arrived very well prepared, their homework done, and ready to work on their free form bag. They were so caught up in their work that they did not even want to break for lunch. I did eat though, having left home so early to arrive on time, I had skipped breakfast.

Every one was on the way to finishing their little bag, and we even had time to learn a few new stitches. Another great thing about Free Form is the great diversity in the finished projects. Take a close look at the photos, everyone had the same homework, but their choice of yarn and placement, makes each project unique. Fun was had by all.

Have a great day,

Margaret

Pam's Comfort Cables

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope that everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend. It has been quite a week in New York and elsewhere on the east coast, first an earthquake then hurricane Irene. I fared better than a lot of my neighbors, but still had trees down and power outage for 2 days. Not fun, but many of our friends in New Jersey and Connecticut still do not have power.

I had a breather for a few days and thought that I would tell you about a project that I have been involved in and that is very close to my heart. About a year ago, a dear friend and fellow designer was diagnosed with late stage breast cancer. Pam is a beautiful young woman with a young family, and this was devastating news.

Several of her friends and fellow designers came up with a unique idea to help Pam and her family. We decided to collaborate on a comfort afghan for Pam, each one of us designing a square, then putting our design into a booklet for sale, all of the proceeds going directly to Pam. One of Pam's favorite things is crochet cables, so each square is a different cable. I am sure that you will recognize names of some of your favorite designers.

After months of treatment, Pam is cancer free, but not expense free. The cost of treatment, as many of you know, can be overwhelming. We recently had a note from Pam, that the royalty checks she has received have been so helpful, but in addition to that, so many have written to her. She says the notes wishing her well, are so uplifting.

With the help of so many, we put together this great booklet, all the information is listed below.

Link to the booklet: http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Pam’s_Comfort_Cables_Crochet_Afghan__D11064220.html

CONTRIBUTORS:

PROJECT COORDINATOR: Tammy Hildebrand

DESIGNS BY: Tracie Barrett, Angela Best, Gwen Blakley Kinsler, Vashti Braha, Bendy Carter, Robyn Chachula, Doris Chan, Drew Emborsky, Lisa Gentry, Ellen Gormley, Mary Jane Hall, Jill Hanratty, Tammy Hildebrand, Amy O’Neill Houck, Margaret Hubert, Kimberly Kotary, Marty Miller, Annie Modesitt, Diane Moyer, Kristin Omdahl, Dee Stanziano, Mary Beth Temple, Karen Ratto Whooley

TECHNICAL EDITING: KJ Hay, Kimberly Kotary, Susan Lowman, Marty Miller, Annette Petavy

GRAPHICS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: Amie Hirtes

INTRODUCTION: Marty Miller, Diane Moyer

YARN SUPPORT: Knit Picks

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Dora Ohrenstein

BOOKLET:

20 pages

24 cabled designs

$4.99

100% of proceeds go directly to Pam Gillette

I am honored to be part of this great project,

Have a great day!

Margaret

The Last of my Conference photos

Hi Everyone,

What a gorgeous, bright, beautiful, sunny day we are having. I wish it could be like this every day, but I'll take it right now and enjoy.

I have a few more photos to share, then I think that will be it for the conference. I sent off my contest entry sweater on Monday, and just received word that it arrived safe and sound. Thank you, Doris Chan, for letting me know that my precious cargo has arrived.

Photos in order
Me and Vicki Howell (Vicki was amazed that I was on twitter and facebook, that I blog etc, (should I tell her that my kids drag me kicking and screaming into each new adventure?), Zontee from Lion Brand (whose smile always lights up a room), Ellen Gormley (my savior in getting my presentation up for Professional Development day, thank you Ellen and thanks to my son, Chris, who did the photos), me and Vicki, getting ready for our talks. Marty Miller, Rene Barnes, Karen, Dinner in the grill, Amy Shelton, President of CGOA, Rene B, Jo'Elle Galo, Karen R. Whooley, Cari Clement, Vice President of CGOA, and Mary Colucci, board member.

I'd also like to take a second to thank Penny Sitler, Executive Director of CGOA and her staff for making the conference a great one for all. Kareena Gibson, especially is my "go to" person for help, and she always has an answer for me. Thank you all.


Have a great day

Margaret

More Conference Photos

Good Morning Everyone,

Here are some more photos from the conference, most are from the Saturday Night Banquet some are from the market floor. Unfortunately my camera does not do well for long distances, so most of my fashion show photos are too dark to be of any use. Enjoy the photos.

First photo - Kathleen Sams, me, Rene Barnes

Second photo - Me with my Texas buddies, Jan and Molly, Third and Fourth photos attendees having fun at the banquet.
Missy Boo modeling in the Fashion Show, Beautiful Free Form Sweater, Last but not least, Kathleen Sams and Mary Carlucci manning a booth in the market.

Have a great day!

Margaret

Classes at MN Conference July 2011

Wednesday was such a busy day. After the Professional Development Day program, Many of us loaded into buses and went over to the MN Fiber Center for a special program. This event was originally planned to induct Jean Leinhauser into the CGOA Hall of Fame, as its very first member, but it also turned into a moving memorial for Jean. Rita Weiss, Jean's business partner and very dear friend, put together a spectacular slide show of Jean's life, there was not a dry eye in the place.

Thursday was the beginning of classes, friends gathering, the market preview, busy, busy, busy and lots of fun. Photos 3 and 4 are of 2 of my classes. Somehow after the first two classes, I forgot to take photos.


Have a great day!

Margaret

Good Morning Everyone,

I have been home from the conference for over a week, and I finally unpacked the last bag, put everything away and feel "caught up".

I have lots of photos from the conference and I'll post a few today, more tomorrow.

The conference was terrific. My week began with my speaking at Professional Development Day, my topic-IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL; How to Reinvent Yourself to Succeed! I guess the committee chose me to talk about this because I have been in the needlearts business for a very long time, having my first design published in 1976 and my first book in published in 1978. Nineteen books and countless publications later, I am still very active in this business.

My son put together a slide show of my body of work, and seeing it all together in a series of 48 photos, was overwhelming to me.

Professional Development Day is an exciting day for any one wanting to work in the many aspects of the knit and crochet world. In addition to my talk, Vicki Howell gave a very comprehensive talk on how to use social media to advance your business, and Ellen Gormley spoke on how to give your designs a "wow" factor.

First photo is of me, trying out the podium, getting ready for my talk. Me and Vicki Howell "posing for the camera", Kimberly McAlindin,Tammy Hildebrand, Cari Clement, Ellen Gormley, me and Vicki Howell, just before getting ready for our talks.

After breaking for lunch, all attendees had the opportunity to attend 3 sessions with professionals, representing quite a few different aspects of business.

A great day was had by all. Classes began the next day.

Have a great day,

Margaret