Last week I was lucky enough to attend the annual needlearts trade show, also known as TNNA. This is the conference where retailers like me can see what's new in our industry and order for the Fall/Winter season. Manufacturers from all over the world bring their wares, and I spend four and a half days walking around like a wide-eyed zombie trying to take it all in.
I arrived in Columbus, OH on Thursday evening, charged up and ready to go. Friday I had an all-day class with Gale Zucker and Beverly Army Williams - it was called "Hands-on Mobile Photography and Writing". This class was AMAZING. These ladies really know their stuff, and it truly was hands-on.
There are so many vendors, so much color, so many new things ... Every year I spend the first half day trying to soak it all in, and then I invariably need a nap back in my room to let it percolate a bit.
Several years ago TNNA decided to allow "cash and carry" at the show - meaning retailers like me get to actually buy product on the show floor to bring home. I love this new policy - it always felt so weird in past years to browse thousands of new products and then come home to my customers and say, "Yeah - it looked amazing! But you don't get to see it until it all arrives in a few months." Now I can actually bring home goodies to share RIGHT NOW - and whet everyone's appetite for what's to come!
The other handy thing about cash and carry is being able to pick up yarn/patterns for shop samples (like the gorgeous scarf in Manos Fino pictured below), so the knitting can begin and the sample can be ready by the time the yarn arrives!
Here are a few pictures of things that you can look forward to seeing at Knot Another Hat in the near future!
All in all - it was a great trip. I got to spend time with my good friend and fellow shopowner Janet Avila, connect with people I've met over the years, and eat a TON of Jeni's Ice Cream. The whole trip was a nice little reset button. But - when you see this as you start your descent into PDX -
- you know you're almost home, and that's a good feeling.
